April 12--Hints of freshly painted drywall peppered the air just outside the Cubs' new clubhouse mid-Monday afternoon.
Though many players took a tour of the new 30,000-square-foot room Sunday night, their first day of work in their new digs was met with a buzz akin to a family's first day in a new home.
"I like all of it," pitcher Jake Arrieta said before the team's home opener against the Reds. "It's gonna take some getting used to."
The circular gathering place features 12 big-screen TVs and ping-pong tables.
Oh, and there's a party room reserved for victory celebrations, "so we don't trash the place," Arrieta said.
Catcher David Ross offered some decorating tips to a clubhouse attendant wandering with clocks in hand.
"Hang them over the doors," Ross said.
Outside, work crews continued to get the park ready for the home opener.
Cubs president of business operations Crane Kenney offered some valuable advice for fans attending Monday night's home-opener: "Come early; enjoy the day."
Don't forget your patience.
Metal detectors outside the gates drew the attention of some passersby hours before first pitch, particularly the ones situated in the front of the park, under the freshly returned red marquee that boasted: "Welcome to opening night 2016."
"Not exactly eye-appealing," one man said.
The Cubs have urged fans to arrive early to alleviate the expected congestion. Gates will open at 4:35 p.m., 30 minutes earlier than usual, for the 7:05 start against the Reds.
As last-minute preparations were being made outside the park, men and women in blue diligently doctored every speck of dirt and blade of grass inside -- and high above. A man perched under the "T" on the Wintrust video board in left field was making sure all the "T's" were crossed before the first of 81 regular-season games here on the North Side.
pskrbina@tribpub.com
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