Wrigley Field technical overhaul synchronizes 1080p control room and LED displays

This renovation bridges the gap between modern 1080p production standards and the unique environmental constraints of a historic daytime-heavy venue. By prioritizing sun-visible SDR over high dynamic range, the Cubs are optimizing for real-world playback conditions rather than chasing spec sheets. For the broader ecosystem, this highlights a growing trend where legacy ballparks are utilizing IP-based and high-resolution infrastructure to maintain premium fan engagement without altering their iconic architectural footprints. Watch for standardizing 1080p-plus workflows as a baseline for venues preparing to host marquee global events.

The technology upgrades at Wrigley Field are a critical component of a broader multi-year strategy to modernize the 112-year-old venue ahead of the 2027 MLB All-Star Game. Per Ballpark Digest and Marquee Sports Network (August 2025), Commissioner Rob Manfred officially awarded the game to Chicago following nearly a decade of infrastructure improvements under the $1 billion '1060 Project.' These efforts included expanding player facilities and clubhouses to handle the operational scale of All-Star Week, which Wrigley has not hosted since 1990.

Simultaneous with the internal media upgrades, the venue has modernized its external and network infrastructure. According to Stadium Tech Report (March 2025), the Cubs took the rare step of assuming full ownership and control of their Distributed Antenna System (DAS) to ensure high-speed 5G connectivity for 45,000 fans. Furthermore, ABC7 Chicago reported in August 2025 that a $32.1 million public-private partnership is funding advanced security perimeters and anti-terrorism bollards around the Clark and Addison intersection to meet modern Major League Baseball security standards.

The Cubs are not alone in this digital transformation. As of June 2026, Daktronics reported working with 11 different MLB clubs, including the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, to deploy a combined 91.7 million pixels of new LED technology. This industry-wide shift toward high-resolution, IP-based AV infrastructure reflects a move toward turning stadiums into year-round, digitally interactive entertainment hubs capable of supporting complex broadcast and in-venue experiential programming.