Cubs Sued by DOJ For Discriminating Against Fans Who Use Wheelchairs
The United States of America has instituted a lawsuit at an Illinois federal court against the Chicago Cubs accusing the franchise of discriminating against individuals with disabilities — especially people who use wheelchairs—through Wrigley Field alterations.
The Department of Justice is demanding, among other remedies, an injunction that would compel the Cubs to further alter MLB’s second oldest ballpark.
The lawsuit follows a three-year DOJ review of Wrigley Field’s ADA compliance as the case centers on the Cubs’ 1060 Project, named after Wrigley’s address at 1060 West Addison Street.
The stadium upgrades, which cost the team hundreds of millions of dollars, began after the 2014 season. It entailed numerous ballpark adjustments, such as expanded seating in the bleachers and the grandstand, reinforced structural supports and added fan amenities.
The DOJ concedes these modifications “significantly enhanced the gameday experience for many fans, particularly those able to take advantage of premium clubs and other luxury accommodations.”
However, for fans with disabilities, the feds say the new configurations were less welcoming.
To that end, the DOJ accuses the Cubs of removing “the best wheelchair seating in the stadium,” failing “to incorporate wheelchair seating into new premium clubs and group seating areas” and neglecting ADA standards for accessible design.
The DOJ further blames the Cubs for what it portrays as ignoring “ample opportunity” to address ADA issues.
