In a highly anticipated announcement, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed that the iconic Wrigley Field will proudly host the 2027 MLB All-Star Game, bringing one of baseball’s premier events back to the historic ballpark. This decision marks a significant moment for the Chicago Cubs and their dedicated fanbase, as the Friendly Confines prepare to showcase the league’s top talent.
This upcoming All-Star Game will be Wrigley Field’s first since 1990, an event famously highlighted by Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg’s Home Run Derby victory. The venerable venue, which stands as baseball’s second-oldest ballpark, previously welcomed the Midsummer Classic in 1947 and 1962, solidifying its rich legacy within the sport’s history.
The journey to securing the 2027 All-Star Game was a lengthy one for the Cubs organization, which initially approached the league about hosting eight years prior. Various factors contributed to the delay, including fierce competition from other cities vying for the prestigious event and long-standing safety concerns regarding the ballpark’s integration within its bustling urban neighborhood. A crucial turning point arrived in June, when Chicago city officials passed an ordinance allowing for the expansion of sidewalks along Addison Street and the installation of removable bollards, addressing key security considerations.
Commissioner Manfred expressed his enthusiasm for the selection, stating, “I think we’re probably overdue in terms of being at Wrigley.” He further praised the substantial investments made by the Ricketts family, the city of Chicago, and the state of Illinois, not only in the ballpark itself but also in the surrounding area, anticipating a “fantastic venue for our All-Star celebration.”
With the 2027 selection, Wrigley Field is set to join an exclusive group of ballparks, including Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium and the old Yankee Stadium, as the only venues to have hosted four MLB All-Star Games. Furthermore, Chicago will become the second city, after New York, to host the event for the eighth time, cementing its status as a vital hub in baseball history.
Tom Ricketts, owner of the Chicago Cubs, shared a personal connection to the last All-Star Game at Wrigley, having lived in the neighborhood at the time but unable to attend. He expects a much closer view this time, though a looming uncertainty remains: baseball’s collective bargaining agreement is scheduled to expire after the 2026 season, raising questions about potential labor disruptions that could impact future schedules.
Despite these concerns, Commissioner Manfred conveyed strong confidence that both team owners and players will successfully negotiate a new agreement, thereby averting a prolonged work stoppage before the 2027 season. When pressed on a contingency plan for a potential strike or lockout, Manfred firmly stated his primary strategy: “My contingency plan is to make an agreement with the players and play the 2027 season.”
In unrelated but notable news, Manfred recently engaged in a candid exchange with Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper during a team Q&A session. During the discussion, which reportedly covered topics like the media landscape and collaborative efforts to grow the sport, Harper’s impassioned response to a perceived mention of a salary cap captured attention, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between the league and its prominent players.
