The home of the Chicago Cubs might be among the oldest venues still in use in North American professional sports, but that doesn’t mean everything in the surrounding neighborhood is dated. A forthcoming Wrigley Field sportsbook is among the coming attractions.
DraftKings, who partnered with the Cubs on the retail sportsbook near the stadium, released new renderings of its new digs on Wednesday. It could become a new friendly confine for bettors in Chicago.
DraftKings didn’t have much to say about the renderings on Twitter Wednesday. The pictures were definitely worth thousands of words, though.
The lead image consists of myriad viewing screens, a full bar, and plenty of seating. DraftKings originally announced this project in September of 2020. At the time, they projected it would open sometime this year.
As with many other things, though, the COVID-19 pandemic flummoxed those plans. DraftKings says that when complete, the space will be able to accommodate up to 1,000 people simultaneously, according to PlayIllinois.
On Wednesday, the Cubs and DraftKings held a beam-signing ceremony to officially kick off construction. Cubs and DraftKings executives at the ceremony would not specify a targeted opening date beyond sometime in 2023.
The wait could make the eventual opening that much more exciting for bettors. The sportsbook will have all the amenities that modern retail sportsbooks usually offer and more.
In addition to the odds tickers and television sets, the most eye-catching element of the sportsbook is sure to be a 2,000-square-foot video wall. The sportsbook is about more than just a flashy screen, though.
The bar will carry a Jim Beam theme and offer branded drinks. In addition, food service will be typical of what Cubs fans usually find in the Wrigleyville area. Think ballpark food without the ballpark prices.
Of course, there’s also the option to place a bet while you’re there. On top of the walk-up counter, there will be several self-service kiosks for guests of age. Even for those who either can’t yet or don’t want to bet, however, the new Wrigley Field sportsbook could become the gem of legal Illinois sports betting.
Derek Helling is a lead writer for PlayUSA and the manager of BetHer. He is a 2013 graduate of the University of Iowa and covers the intersections of sports with business and the law.
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