By Brock Morgan
Medill Reports

Wrigley Field debuted a new entrance July 19 to honor the Cubs’ three World Series championships. Many lifelong fans said the 2016 championship — when they defeated Cleveland to snap a 108-year championship drought — is the most meaningful moment in franchise history. Visitors said the new landmark preserves Wrigley Field’s tradition while adding a modern tribute to one of baseball’s most iconic teams.  

TRANSCRIPT

BROCK MORGAN: Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs’ home stadium, has a new arch named Champions Gate to celebrate their three World Series titles.  

JOSH DaMORE: The Cubs have meant a lot to me throughout my life, and when they won it all in 2016, it was a long time coming. So, we weren’t going to miss it today. We watched every game that year, and definitely in the playoffs, too, and we wanted to see these guys celebrate it.  

MORGAN: The Cubs won the World Series in 1907, 1908, and 2016. One fan says the most recent title is unforgettable. 

JALEN LEINBERGER: This is a big deal to me. I’ve been a Cubs fan my whole life. Never thought I would see this. Never thought it would happen. I was just down the street during Game 7 when they won it.  

MORGAN: Built in 1914, Wrigley Field is baseball’s second oldest stadium. Some fans say the new feature is a needed addition.  

DaMORE: Keeping up with the days, man. It was a very old–school stadium, which it still is, and I still feel that old-school history around it. But, it just adds some new things for the kids and those types of things.  

MORGAN: Visitors say the novelty of the gate stands out compared to other venues around the league. 

CALLISTUS DITAH: It’s something I don’t see with a lot of other baseball stadiums I’ve been to. So, this is definitely a fine touch.  

MORGAN: I’m Brock Morgan at Wrigley Field, Medill Reports. 

Brock Morgan is a sports media specialization graduate student at Medill.