(UPDATE: Eamonn and I had a spirited debate about this on IM, and he responded over at NBC. What I’d like to clarify is this: I don’t necessarily think this ruins Wrigley’s aesthetics. It’s not some huge overhaul. And like I said, I think Cubs owners should be seeking out new revenue streams. That’s their job and it benefits the team. But there is a certain sect of fans that won’t like this, and I think that’s what I was speaking to here.)

I’m a few days late on this, only because I didn’t think it warranted much of a post. But, I’m not really finding much else to write about, and if there’s anything that’s going to get you through your Friday, it’s a mediocre post about a new bar/restaurant going in at Wrigley Field.

I’ve noticed construction in and around the Harry Caray statue at Addison and Sheffield for some time now, but I guess I figured it was park improvements, or more bricks with people’s names on them, or something like that. But no: it’s a new 491-seat establishment that will be open year round, and will have a turnstile so patrons with a ticket can get into the stadium for games. It will be run by the Harry Caray folks, who currently operate kitty corner to the statue at the old Hi-Tops location. If you remember, inside the stadium at this location there was that “The Friendly Confines” bar, but this is going to really ramp it up a notch.

At first glance: Hey cool! There’s a public bar with TVs and stuff that’s attached to Wrigley! I can’t wait to go there this summer and have meaningful experiences with all my best friends. We love the Cubs. And even though we don’t have tickets for the game, it’s like we’re there.

But there’s the other part of this, the revenue-grubbing, make-us-more-cash-at-the-expense-of-the-shrine-that-is-Wrigley-Field side that is a bit off-putting here. Crane Kenney said: “We need to compete with all of the other bars and restaurants in town.” Yes, you’ll need your Harry Caray-esque bar to compete with that other Harry Caray bar that is pretty much directly across the street. Sounds like a plan.

As the years pass and the Cubs brass try and keep up with the times by seeking out new revenue streams (which I don’t blame them for at all), your precious Wrigley Field and the surrounding area will continue to be morphed into a shopping mall.