Cubs lock up long-term Legacy Partnership
American Airlines is the official airline of the Cubs and Wrigley Field after the parties announced a long-term Legacy Partnership on Thursday.
The most visible change will come in time for the 2017 season, when the Cubs add a new premium club space behind home plate at Wrigley Field, tentatively titled the "American Airlines Club," with access for premium box seat ticket holders. In an agreement with a separate enterprise controlled by the Ricketts family, American will present the "American Airlines Executive Conference Center" as part of the office building to be developed in the new plaza adjacent to Wrigley Field.
"We are very pleased to have American Airlines on board as the official airline of the Chicago Cubs," said Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts. "This partnership will provide important resources to help us build a winning team on the field and save Wrigley Field for future generations. We look forward to working with American to strengthen our brand connection in Chicago."
The airline will have a branding presence at Wrigley Field and Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz., including near the Cubs' batting circle at Wrigley Field, rotational signage at Sloan Park during Spring Training games and between-inning video board features in both ballparks. American will host other activities, including player and mascot appearances, giveaways and Cubs Road Trip sweepstakes.
American also becomes a Hall of Fame sponsor of Cubs Charities' primary fundraising event, the Bricks and Ivy Ball, and it will provide domestic round-trip air travel packages for the organization's fundraising efforts.
The American Airlines Legacy Partnership was secured by W Partners, an agency launched in February 2013. The Cubs entered into an agreement with W Partners to secure legacy partnerships as part of the 1060 Project.
American Airlines becomes the seventh Legacy Partner of the Chicago Cubs, joining Anheuser-Busch, ATI Physical Therapy, Sloan Valve Company, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Under Armour and Wintrust.