Chicago Cubs fans can take solace -- at the end of a long week -- that there will be better days ahead at Wrigley Field.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced on Friday that the 2027 MLB All-Star Game will be hosted at Wrigley Field. The announcement comes just five days after the death of longtime Cubs icon Ryne Sandberg, who was revered by fans for his play on the field and personality off of it.
Chicago sports fans have spent the better part of this week leaving flowers, hats, photos, and notes outside of Wrigley Field, at the base of Sandberg's statue.
When the All-Star Game was last held at Wrigley Field in 1990, Sandberg was in the starting lineup for the National League, along with Cubs outfielder Andre Dawson. Shawon Dunston, the Cubs’ shortstop at the time, was among the NL’s reserves for that contest. Sandberg also won the Home Run Derby that week. Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star throughout his career.
The Philadelphia Phillies will host the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in recognition of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
In addition to Manfred, Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts took part in the announcement on Friday. He spoke of the honor of hosting the All-Star Game is such an iconic ballpark.
“This is an honor for our team, our city and our state,” Ricketts said. “We can’t wait to showcase how we have preserved this iconic ballpark. Wrigley Field means so much to Cubs fans and millions of people who have visited what we believe is a baseball cathedral and one of Illinois’ top tourist destinations."
MORE MLB NEWS:
- Why Red Sox fans are losing minds over Joe Ryan trade that never happened
- Yankees seeking deal for Marlins former Cy Young winner, high-leverage reliever
- Why the Nationals are in no hurry to trade ace lefthander to Cubs at deadline
- Yankees reportedly targeting trade for two-time All-Star Pirates closer
- Red Sox scratch All-Star, adjust ace's schedule, signaling expected deadline deal
- Red Sox no longer considering trading former All-Star Game MVP
- Red Sox phenom Roman Anthony makes MLB history not done since Elmer Valo in 1940