Wrigley bleachers might not be ready for 2015 opener

An array of delays has forced the Chicago Cubs to make contingency plans in the event that construction on the Wrigley Field outfield bleachers isn't completed by the April 5 season opener against the National League Central champion St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cubs, already under a tight schedule, have been hindered by an aging pipe system under Sheffield Avenue that has prevented construction crews from starting deep foundation work in the bleachers. The work was scheduled to be completed in early October, as City of Chicago water crews continue to work on installing a new water main.

Meanwhile, construction crews continue to perform work on the bleachers, but the speed of the work is dependent on the progress of the installation of the new water main.

Construction also was hindered by unseasonably colder weather last week and high winds Monday that forced work to stop, according to Julian Green, the Cubs' vice president of communications and community affairs.

Because the Cubs traditionally don't draw well for home games in April, bleacher season-ticket holders could be relocated to the grandstand if the bleachers aren't ready.

The Cubs also are considering options for those bleacher season-ticket holders who don't want to sit in the grandstand if the bleacher work insn't completed.

A decision on whether the bleachers will be ready by opening night is expected to occur before March 6, when single-game tickets go on sale.

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Wrigley bleachers might not be ready for 2015 opener