Known for its unique traditions and charm, Wrigley Field is an integral piece of the history and future of America’s pastime. To preserve its charm and ensure its viability for years to come, the team began a multi-year restoration and modernization project, coined the 1060 Project, in 2014. A part of the project included introducing game-changing premier experiences to Wrigley Field focused on four themes: tradition, beauty, charm, and luxury. The mission was for Wrigley Field to remain the best place to catch a baseball game and to keep its historic, majestic charm while also offering seats with prime views and access to exclusive clubs and first-class amenities. The new premier experiences allow fans to enjoy Cubs baseball and America’s most majestic ballpark in a whole new way.
Inspired by the inaugural year of baseball’s most majestic ballpark, the American Airlines 1914 Club, located behind home plate, is all about the glamour. This club, with design work led by Populous in partnership with the Cubs, celebrates the 105-year history of the opening of Wrigley Field, formerly known as Weeghman Park, with a seamless integration of art deco themes in the brass decorative railing, light fixtures, and all signage – a nod to Chicago’s industrial history. This club intersects the history of the Chicago Cubs organization with its long-standing partnership with American Airlines through branding, photography, and artifacts to provide fans with a seamless guest experience.
Aligning with the vintage theme of the club, Cubs branding from the 1914 era is integrated throughout the space. Historic photos of American Airlines are displayed above seating banquettes illuminated with brass-finish light fixtures. To create connections between Wrigley Field’s Chicago roots and the American Airlines brand, framed vintage posters from American Airlines’ company archives advertise flights to Chicago.
The American Airlines 1914 Club celebrates the rich history of the Friendly Confines in the comfort of a well-appointed space with modern amenities. Featuring a warm glow from the light fixtures, an elegant bottle display, and antique-finished mirrors, this club transports fans back in time. This all-inclusive club experience is the ultimate way to dine with multiple bars serving craft and domestic beer, premium spirits, and a selection of wine. Unique food offerings inside this club include chef-attended grill stations, artisan pizzas and flatbreads, ballpark fan favorites, and signature house-made desserts. Members also enjoy grab-and-go options and dedicated vendors serving traditional ballpark fare directly to their seats.
Additional amenities include exclusive retail products only available within the club and storage lockers to use during games. The lockers feature custom brass-finished key tags branded with the American Airlines logo and created for the lockers to resemble luggage tags.
The American Airlines 1914 Club transports fans back in time to when the Cubs first began their legacy, while offering fans with upgraded, premium, and elegant amenities. Truly an experience only found at Wrigley Field.
View additional submissions in the Club Spaces category for ALSD Spotlight 2019.