Important updates from MLB and the Cubs

Update from the Chicago Cubs:

As we await clarity on the potential start to the season, we continue to work in close coordination with Major League Baseball (MLB) and remain committed to making decisions with the best interest of our associates, players and fans top of mind. We’ve received clearance from MLB to determine and communicate our ticketing policies. Specific ticketing information has been provided directly to ticket holders for Cubs home games originally scheduled to be played in June.

Our plan is to continue to make ticketing decisions regarding future games on a rolling basis. We will share updates with ticket holders as soon as we have more information.

Mitel & MLB Present London Series 2020 is canceled:

The Mitel & MLB Present London Series scheduled for June 13-14 between the Cubs and Cardinals has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ticket holders will receive a full refund, including any ticketing service charges paid. Further information and FAQ can be found at mlblondonseries.com/faq.

Major League Baseball Announces Interim Support for Minor League Players:

Since last week, Major League Baseball has been engaged in a variety of discussions with stakeholders to identify ways to blunt the wide-ranging impact of the national emergency resulting from the global coronavirus pandemic. As those conversations continue, MLB is announcing today a league-wide initiative that will create a level of uniform compensation for Minor League players, covering the period between now and the originally scheduled start of the minor league season. MLB is taking this initial step today because of the effects of the season’s postponement on Minor League players and their families. MLB intends to continue working with all 30 Clubs to identify additional ways to support those players as a result of the delayed 2020 season.

Each player who is under a Minor League Uniform Player Contract will receive a lump sum equal to the allowances that would have been paid through April 8. The exceptions to this plan are non-40-man-roster players who are already receiving Major League allowances; players who are currently receiving housing, food or other services from Clubs; and players who were not participating in, or expected to participate in, Minor League Spring Training. MLB remains in communication with Clubs on the development of an industry-wide plan for Minor League player compensation from April 9 through the beginning of the coming season.

MLB takes the community impact of this crisis seriously. We will continue to monitor ongoing events and undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts to protect fans, players and ballpark workers, and we urge all baseball fans to follow suit. MLB extends its best wishes to all the individuals and communities who have been impacted by the coronavirus.

In the last several days, MLB has announced a joint, $1M MLB-MLBPA fund to speed food assistance to those impacted by the crisis and a 30-Club, $30M effort to support ballpark workers. Individual Clubs will continue to announce more details surrounding support for their local communities and players are coming together to urge fans to take this crisis seriously.

Major League Baseball Announces 30-Club, $30M Effort to Support Ballpark Employees:

Over the past 48 hours, I have been approached by representatives of all 30 clubs to help assist the thousands of ballpark employees affected by the delay in the start of the Major League Baseball season. Motivated by desire to help some of the most valuable members of the baseball community, each Club has committed $1 million. The individual clubs will be announcing more details surrounding this support effort in their local communities. The timing of these announcements will vary because of the need to coordinate with state and local laws as well as collective bargaining obligations in an effort to maximize the benefits realized by each group of employees. I am proud that our clubs came together so quickly and uniformly to support these individuals who provide so much to the game we love.

Statement from the Chicago Cubs on Fund to Support Ballpark Employees:

We are happy to join the 29 other baseball clubs to assist the thousands of ballpark employees across the country affected by last week’s announcement to delay the start of the Major League Baseball season. This unprecedented health crisis has impacted our players, coaches, associates, partners and fans. We will continue to have discussions on how to best support our teammates and ensure the safety and well-being of our community. As Commissioner Manfred referenced in his statement today, there are a number of factors we need to address to ensure we maximize the benefits to the affected members of our baseball family. We plan to announce more details in the coming days.

Statement from the Chicago Cubs on Ticket Refunds:

Last week’s announcement to delay the start of the season has created a number of questions regarding games, ticket purchases and schedule. We are working in coordination with Major League Baseball on contingency plans and are committed to providing guidance as soon as we are able. Fans should hold onto their tickets until a ticket procedure on rescheduled games is announced at the appropriate time. Given the unprecedented nature and fluidity of the situation, we appreciate our fans continued support and patience.

Statement from Major League Baseball:

On Monday, March 16, Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. conducted a conference call with the 30 Clubs of Major League Baseball. Following last night’s newly updated recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) restricting events of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks, the opening of the 2020 regular season will be pushed back in accordance with that guidance.

MLB will keep fans updated on decisions regarding plans for the 2020 schedule in the days and weeks ahead. The Clubs remain committed to playing as many games as possible when the season begins. We will continue to monitor ongoing events and undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts, and urge all baseball fans to follow suit. MLB extends its best wishes to all the individuals and communities who have been impacted by the coronavirus.

Update from the Chicago Cubs:

Dear valued fans,

The health and safety of our fans, players and associates is the top priority of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Cubs. In response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, MLB announced its decision to cancel remaining Spring Training games and delay the start of the 2020 regular season by at least two weeks.

We believe MLB’s decision is in the best interests of the safety and well-being of the public and the game of baseball. While our hope is to play baseball at Wrigley Field soon, we will continue to work in close coordination with MLB, as well as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and their administrations to ensure we make the best decisions to protect public health and safety.

MLB is preparing a variety of contingency plans in concert with clubs regarding the 2020 regular season schedule. In coordination with MLB, we will share communications directly with ticket buyers as soon as possible.

Given the unprecedented nature and fluidity of the situation, we appreciate your continued support and patience as we work diligently to provide a safe environment for our fans, players and associates.

Sincerely,
The Chicago Cubs