Chicago Cubs sued over alleged ADA violations at Wrigley Field

Federal prosecutors in Chicago filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Cubs, alleging the team failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act when it executed a series of renovations at Wrigley Field.

Attorneys for the government on Thursday said that while the ballpark renovations “significantly enhanced the gameday experience for many fans, particularly those able to take advantage of premium clubs and other luxury accommodations, the same can not be said for fans with disabilities.”

The suit states that the Cubs “removed the best wheelchair seating in the stadium, failed to incorporate wheelchair seating into new premium clubs and group seating areas … and failed to remove architectural barriers to access in unaltered portions of Wrigley Field where it was readily achievable to do so.”

Federal prosecutors noted that the alleged violations all occurred even though they “had ample opportunity and a significant ADA obligation to incorporate wheelchair seating and other accessible elements into and throughout the new and improved facility.”

The lawsuit seeks an injunction that would force the Cubs to bring the ballpark into ADA compliance as well as “compensatory damages in an appropriate amount for injuries suffered as a result of defendants noncompliance with the ADA.”