Cubs Authentics introduces Wrigley Field Collection

CHICAGO - Cubs Authentics, the Cubs' official provider of game-used and authenticated memorabilia, has introduced the Wrigley Field Collection for fans looking to collect unique items from the historic ballpark. The Wrigley Field Collection will feature authenticated items in limited quantities throughout the season, including bleacher seats, flags, scoreboard tiles, signage and celebrity guest memorabilia, plus items related to Wrigley Field's restoration and expansion.

Wrigley Field Collection items are available for purchase or bidding at www.cubs.com/authentics, beginning today with a limited number of Wrigley Field flags plus Budweiser Bleacher seats and aisle placards recently removed from the ballpark. Additional items, such as 'W' flags flown over the ballpark after home wins and swatch items with authenticated infield dirt, will become available during the 2015 season and throughout the course of the restoration process.

"The Wrigley Field Collection is the best way for fans to secure an authenticated piece of Wrigley Field history," said Cubs Senior Director of Marketing Alison Miller. "Whether it's a flag flown at the ballpark during the season or a Budweiser Bleacher seat removed as part of the restoration, Cubs Authentics and the Wrigley Field Collection offer both the team and our fans a chance to preserve the history attached to these great items."

In addition to memorabilia made available for sale to fans, the Cubs and Cubs Authentics continue to preserve historic elements of the ballpark and game-used gear for the team's archives. Some items, such as bricks from Wrigley Field's original bleacher construction, will be re-used in the restored Wrigley Field as possible. Others, such as unique signage or equipment used during noteworthy games, are stored securely in the Cubs Archives.

The team continues to offer autographed and game-used memorabilia under the Cubs Authentics brand. For additional information about Cubs Authentics and the Wrigley Field Collection, visit www.cubs.com/authentics.

About Cubs Authentics:

Cubs Authentics, which launched at the beginning of the 2012 season, is the premier outlet for all MLB authenticated game-used and autographed Cubs memorabilia. From game-used jerseys and bases to autographed baseballs and bats, Cubs Authentics has the most exclusive memorabilia from fans' favorite players, both current and former.

In addition, fans can look for special opportunities to bid on unique items benefiting Cubs Charities and various nonprofit partners, such as the Cubs' Jackie Robinson West pregame uniforms that benefited Jackie Robinson West Little League, or Pearl Jam concert posters signed by Eddie Vedder and Ernie Banks that benefited Cubs Charities earlier this year.

Cubs Authentics can be found at the following locations:

• The Cubs Authentics kiosk, located in the Wrigley Field concourse (in-season only)

• The Cubs Store (3620 N. Clark St.) across from Wrigley Field

• Online at www.cubs.com/authentics

• Memorabilia also can be purchased over the phone at 773-404-4753 or by emailing CubsAuthentics@cubs.com.

About the Major League Baseball Authentication Program:

The Major League Baseball Authentication Program is the most comprehensive league-wide memorabilia authentication initiative in professional sports. Since its launch in 2001, it has become the industry standard for autographed and game-used sports memorabilia authentication. Designed to distinguish officially authenticated MLB memorabilia from other items on the market, the program offers an objective third-party authentication system that guarantees genuine memorabilia for all MLB fans.

Only those items that an authenticator actually witness being signed and/or used in a game may be eligible for authentication under the MLB Authentication Program. Once witnessed, items receive a tamper-proof hologram created by OpSec, U.S. with a unique alpha-numeric combination to easily identify its authenticity.

Once fans receive their authenticated piece of memorabilia, they can trace the unique serial number on the Authentication database located on MLB.com. This convenient reference database enables fans to easily identify all of the details surrounding their new item. Since its inception in 2001, the Major League Baseball Authentication Program is responsible for authenticating more than 5 million items, allowing fans to ensure their memorabilia is a genuine piece of their favorite pastime.