Wrigley Rooftops - Legality

Legality

In 2002, the Cubs organization filed a lawsuit against the different facilities for copyright infringement. Since operators charge admission to use their amenities, the Cubs asserted that they were pirating a copyrighted game—normally a license would be paid for the privilege of viewing Major League Baseball—and sued for royalties. In 2004, eleven of the thirteen roofs settled with the club out of court, agreeing to pay 17% of gross revenue in exchange for official endorsement. The city also began investigating the structural integrity of the roofs, issuing citations to those in danger of collapse.

With the Cubs and the neighbors reaching agreement, many of the facilities now feature seating structures: some with bleachers, some with chair seats, and even one with a steel-girdered double deck of seats (see photo).

The Cubs now endorse their "Official Rooftop Partners" on their team page at MLB.com.