Cubs help open Kerry Woods Cubs Field

CHICAGO -- A new baseball field is now open in Chicago.

The Cubs, Chicago Park District and Chicago's 47th Ward on Thursday opened Kerry Wood Cubs Field near Lane Tech High School, about a mile from Wrigley Field, with a grand opening and ceremonial ribbon cutting with number dignitaries on hand, including former Cub great Kerry Wood.

The field includes seating for 1,250 fans and will be used for Chicago Public High School League baseball games, as well as a potential host site for Illinois High School Association state playoffs. The field also will be available for recreational leagues and use by the general public.

The Cubs, Cubs Charities, Wood Family Foundation, City of Chicago, State of Illinois, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools and Turner Construction all contributed to the ballpark project.

"Cubs Charities believes developing the next generation of all-stars starts with a strong foundation in health, fitness and education," Cubs Charities board chair Laura Ricketts said. "Our support of Kerry Wood Cubs Field underscores our commitment to improving the quality of life in our great city and fostering a love of baseball."

Wood's foundation, established in 2011, works to improve the lives of children in and around Chicago by raising funds and awareness for its children's programs and other children's charities they support.

"It's very exciting to see Kerry Wood Cubs Field open and ready for kids to start playing baseball," Wood said. "I am humbled by the generosity of the Chicago Cubs, Cubs Charities, City of Chicago and Chicago Park District for making this dream a reality, not only for me and my family, but for all of the youth baseball players who will have the opportunity to play at the field."

The field is immediately available for public use with the first high school regular season game scheduled for March 2016.