The Chicago Cubs have announced plans for a retail sportsbook that will feature betting windows, self-serve kiosk, among other features for Wrigley Field, according to ESPN’s David Purdum.
The Cubs announced a multi-year partnership with fantasy platform DraftKings that includes plans for the sportsbook at the iconic Wrigley Field, or in the Wrigleyville area located outside of the ballpark.
The Cubs become the first MLB franchise to commit to opening a retail sportsbook on their stadium premises.
“An increasing number of sports fans want to integrate sports betting into their game experience, and we’re excited to be one of the first to engage in developing a retail sportsbook at a professional sports venue,” Crane Kenney, president of business operations for the Cubs said in an official announcement.
“What we’re really excited about is a major metropolitan presence of a destination flagship DraftKings sportsbook,” Matt Kalish, co-founder and president of DraftKings, said according to ESPN. “I think it will be potentially one of the biggest sportsbooks in the country, even if all 50 states were open. So we’re really excited to see what that kind of venue can do for DraftKings and the Cubs.”
Kalsih spoke of his vision to see a hybrid sportsbook and sports bar at Wrigley Field where fans can have a beer and place a bet.
“It might be the Cubs to win, maybe a few props like first home run, then stroll into the game at 6:45, sit down, sweat my bets and cheer on the Cubs,” Kalish said. “Then, after the game I can stop back at the DraftKings book, relax with my friends, get some food and drink and think about the next day’s game, maybe put in a few more tickets.”
