Mesa to open new Chicago Cubs stadium to public on Saturday
Jan 24, 2014, 12:50 PM | Updated: 12:50 pm
PHOENIX — The public will be allowed its first look at the new spring training home of the Chicago Cubs in Mesa this weekend.
“It’s an opportunity really for the community to come and see what they supported and what an amazing project it is,” said Steve Wright with the city of Mesa.
The new Cubs Park cost the city $99 million to build. It’s the largest stadium in the Cactus League with room for more than 15,000 fans.
Wright said the city has planned a massive event around the park’s opening.
“We’re going to have just tons of stuff going on,” he said. “There’s hot air balloon rides, zip lines, bounce houses, tailgating and live music and food and beverages. Just a huge party.”
There will also be vendors offering plenty of sports memorabilia.
Cubs Park came with a rebuild of Riverview Park, where people can fish for free, check out a kid’s zone or hang out in a beer garden this weekend.
“There’s no other spring training facility that has a signature park next to it,” said Wright.
A Sheraton hotel is planned for the area. It is expected to open up sometime next year.
The free event runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
