Cubs adding 72 portable toilets after opening-day debacle
CHICAGO — The Cubs got another day to prepare for a crowd.
Chicago’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night was postponed due to a forecast of rain and cold weather.
The teams remain scheduled to meet Wednesday, and the Cubs expect a smoother fan experience than the one provided during Sunday night’s major league opener.
Chicago debuted a new videoboard in left field, then lost 3-0 as Adam Wainwright pitched six innings for St. Louis.
The play on the field was overshadowed by the lack of working restrooms in the century-old ballpark.
A renovation project at Wrigley Field kept some bathrooms closed Sunday, and two in the upper deck were temporarily out of order.
That forced fans to use facilities downstairs, where there already were long lines.
Fans took to social media to complain about missing big portions of the game. The Cubs apologized, and spokesman Julian Green said the Cubs were not “prepared to handle guests during peak periods.”
Green said Tuesday the team installed 72 portable toilets, raising the total to its 2013 level.
President of business operations Crane Kenney said in a letter to season ticket holders the long waits were “unacceptable.”
The problems were not limited to the restrooms. Neighbours complained of the noise coming from the new videoboard.
Green said the Cubs addressed that by redirecting speakers.
“They were positioned more upward going outside and over the roof,” he said.
Otherwise, fans and players gave the videoboard glowing reviews.
Along with providing replays and expanded statistics, the board showed a video tribute to the late Cubs great Ernie Banks.
That was one of the few positives for Chicago on a night when it was 0 for 13 with runners in scoring position and new ace Jon Lester got chased in the fifth inning.
For the Cardinals, it was a good start.
“A shutout win is a great way to do it,” manager Mike Matheny said.
“I’m real impressed how Wainer went about his business and set the tone.”