Major League Baseball
American Airlines becomes the official airline of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field in a deal strengthening the long relationship between the airline and the city, where it maintains a major hub.
American Airlines has signed a long term Legacy Contract with the Chicago Cubs to become the Major League Baseball team’s official airline. The air carrier will also be the official airline of Wrigley Field, where the baseball team plays.
“With thousands of employees who are proud to call Chicago their home, and hundreds of daily flights, we consider ourselves Chicago’s hometown airline,” says Fernand Fernandez, American’s Vice President – Global Marketing.
“Taking the field with the Cubs – an iconic, all-American franchise – only deepens our ties and commitment to the Windy City.”
As a result of the partnership, the airline and the baseball team will add a new premium club lounge located behind home plate with access for premium box seat ticket holders in time for the 2017 baseball season.
Other enhancements will include a fixed sign on the brick wall by the Cubs’ batting circle and a video board.
American Airlines will host employees, fans and the team at festivities throughout the season, which will include Cubs player and mascot appearances, giveaways, and the Cubs Road Trip sweepstakes.
American Airlines has a major presence at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), where it established a hub in 1982. The airline operates an average of 500 departures from O’Hare to 115 travel destinations around the world each day. The airline employs 8,500 people in the Chicago area.
Chicago Cubs 101
Members of the Central Division of MLB’s National League, the Chicago Cubs have a history dating back to 1870, when they were known as the Chicago White Stockings. They were renamed the Cubs in 1907. The Cubs are the oldest professional sports club in the United States.
Despite the storied baseball team’s long history, however, the Chicago Cubs have only won 2 championships: the 1907 World Series and the 1908 World Series.
“We are very pleased to have American Airlines on board as the Official Airline of the Chicago Cubs,” says Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts.
“This partnership will provide important resources to help us build a winning team on the field and save Wrigley Field for future generations. We look forward to working with American to strengthen our brand connection in Chicago.”
In addition to the Cubs, Chicago has one other professional baseball team:. the Chicago White Sox, which were established in 1894. The White Sox are members of the Central Division of MLB’s American League. They have won the World Series 3 times: in 1906, 1917, and 2005.