1 min read General Cubs Information

Cubs Park, Record Setting Opening Day

By Tim Sheridan
February 28, 2014

Here’s hoping you had the chance to be at Cubs Park yesterday for the inaugural game at the new facility, or at least had the chance to see the game on WGN-TV. The Cubs lost the game 5-2 to the Diamondbacks, but I don’t think that dampened the enthusiasm Cubs fans had in being at this new world-class facility. After all, as I state every year here at BOS, spring training wins and losses mean very little.

Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins leads fans during 7th inning stretch at Cubs Park
Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins leads fans during 7th inning stretch

It was great to take part in the opening of this new facility, and to announce over the PA system – A record breaking attandance of 14,486. This set a new Cactus League single game record, besting the previous mark of 13,721 set last spring at Camelback Ranch in a game between the White Sox and Dodgers.

The weather was near perfect, and there was some real fanfare, including fireworks, Cubs Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins singing the 7th inning stretch, and opening ceremony words from Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and Cubs owner and Chairman Tom Ricketts. Add to the presentation many cool Cubs related videos on the new state-of-art video board, and it is indeed a new Cubs spring training experience.

It looks like top prospect Javier Baez is starting at ss for the Cubs today over in Tempe when they play the Angels. Many Cubs fans (like me) are getting excited by the rapidly stocked minor league system of highly regarded Cubs prospects. All the while, hoping the best for the current players on the squad. One of my favorite bloggers Tim Souers over at Cubby Blue had a funny take on this phenomenon.

Our next Cubs Park game is on Saturday against the San Francisco Giants, the weather looks a little iffy, but hopefully it won’t be an issue. Here are a few photos by John Antonoff from yesterday.

Jeff Samardzija throws first pitch ever at Cubs Park
Jeff Samardzija got to throw first official pitch ever at Cubs Park
Christian Villanueva in Cubs Park opening game
Christian Villanueva goes high in attempt to snag one
Starlin Castro gets hit in Cubs Park
Starlin Castro gets a hit

 

Jeudy Valdez in Cubs Park opening game
Jeudy Valdez gets bat sawed off
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