Cubs, DraftKings Actually Held Beam Signing to Celebrate Completion of Sportsbook’s Steel Skeleton

I was going to avoid giving this thing any more publicity, but the whole premise for this “beam signing” was too ludicrously entertaining not to share. It reads like satire and strikes me as the kind of thing concocted by people who like the smell of their own farts. Anyway, here’s the media release in its entirety.

DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ: DKNG) and the Chicago Cubs hosted a beam signing ceremony today to commemorate the topping off and soon-to-be completed structural steel addition to the historic ballpark for the DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field. The two-story sportsbook, slated to be completed in 2023, will be located on the corner of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue at the southeast corner of Wrigley Field. The beam signing ceremony was hosted by DraftKings CEO Jason Robins and Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney, and President of Pepper Construction Scot Pepper, President and Chief Executive Officer of Levy Andy Lansing, and Principal at Gensler Aleksandar Sasha Zeljic were also in attendance.

“Today’s beam signing ceremony marks a significant milestone with longtime partner DraftKings to create a one-of-a-kind sportsbook that will enhance the gameday environment for fans and visitors to Wrigley Field,” said Kenney. “With our opening planned for 2023, we’re excited to add a year-round entertainment venue to campus.”

The retail sportsbook, designed by Gensler, will be a 22,350-square-foot, state-of-the-art space with a planned occupancy of up to 1,000 people and will feature a massive 2,000-square-foot video screen and a scrolling ticker displaying odds, scores and player information. Additionally, the space will be outfitted with betting kiosks, over-the-counter ticket windows, a Jim Beam branded bar concept and will serve American-style food with a Chicago flair. Once complete, the DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field will be open year-round for fans and visitors to enjoy. The general contractor is Pepper Construction with Marquee Development serving as the owner’s representative.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the latest milestone in our collaborative efforts with the Chicago Cubs to bring a world class entertainment experience for customers to iconic Wrigley Field,” said Robins. “DraftKings is proud to be associated with one of the most historic and recognized organizations in all of sports as we near completion of this highly anticipated project.”

Since launching mobile and online sports betting in Illinois on August 5, 2020, DraftKings has generated nearly $2 billion in handle in the state, more than any other operator.

An active member of the American Gaming Association, DraftKings has committed to promoting the association’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly™ public service campaign, which educates customers on responsible gaming best practices such as setting a budget and sticking to it and only playing with legal, regulated operators. Additionally, DraftKings is committed to creating inclusive and responsible pathways for people to build, create, imagine, and innovate through the DraftKings S.E.R.V.E.S. program.

Fans can download the DraftKings mobile app via iOS and Android. For the latest news and information on the Cubs, visit www.cubs.com.