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The United States of America is Suing the Chicago Cubs

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08 April 2013: Wind blows flags flying on the roof of Wrigley Field over the corner of Clark and Addison. The Milwaukee Brewers went on to ruin the Cubs home opener, by defeating the Chicago Cubs, 7-4 at Wrigley Field, Chicago, Il

The United States of America is suing the Chicago Cubs.

They are alleging the historic MLB franchise has discriminated against individuals with disabilities, especially people who use wheelchairs through Wrigley Field alterations. At issue are renovations to Wrigley Field and their impact on wheelchair seating, including sightlines and proximity to other seats.

The suit states that the Cubs “removed the best wheelchair seating in the stadium, failed to incorporate wheelchair seating into new premium clubs and group seating areas … and failed to remove architectural barriers to access in unaltered portions of Wrigley Field where it was readily achievable to do so.”

The lawsuit seeks an injunction that would force the Cubs to bring Wrigley Field into ADA compliance as well as “compensatory damages in an appropriate amount for injuries suffered as a result of defendants noncompliance with the ADA.”

The following statement was released by Cubs officials:

We are disappointed in the decision by the U.S. Department of Justice to file suit and hope the matter can be resolved amicably, but we will defend Wrigley Field and our position it meets accessibility requirements for fans. The renovation of Wrigley Field greatly increased accessibility of the ballpark and was completed in accordance with applicable law and historic preservation standards consistent with the ballpark’s designation as a National and City of Chicago landmark. Since the Department of Justice’s initiation of its review in November 2019, we have fully cooperated with every inquiry and made several offers to voluntarily further enhance accessible features of the ballpark, including seating, restrooms, concessions and other key accessibility elements, in response to the Department’s inquiry.

Wrigley Field is now more accessible than ever in its 108-year history, demonstrated by increasing accessible seating options by more than 50 percent on and across more levels and in more locations. Wrigley Field has 11 more elevators than it did prior to the start of the renovation, more accessible restroom facilities, assistive listening technology for fans with hearing impairments, enhanced audio speakers and sound systems throughout the ballpark, and upgraded ticketing and online systems for purchase of seating, including accessible seating. The Friendly Confines today is more welcoming than ever to fans with accessibility needs.

The Cubs aren’t the only MLB team accused of ADA problems in seating. Ten months ago, the Seattle Mariners prevailed in an ADA decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

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