Cubs, Wintrust announce long-term partnership

The Cubs announced Wednesday that Wintrust Financial Corporation would be the team’s official banking partner, giving the company signage above the left field video board and future naming rights of Wrigley Field’s Gate D.

The long-term agreement establishes the Chicago-based company as a vital partner in the restored Wrigley Field.

“It was important for us to find a strong local player for our Financial Legacy Partner,” Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement. “This Legacy Partnership pairs these two Chicago institutions for years to come, and we know our fans will support Wintrust’s role as a critical partner in helping the team achieve its goals of winning a World Series, saving Wrigley Field and being a good neighbor. Wintrust is a perfect fit for us.”

A Wintrust sign will adorn the top of the left-field video board for the 2015 season, and the partnership will expand over time to include:

-Exclusive ATM provider rights. Fans will be able to use Wintrust ATMs at multiple locations within Wrigley Field.

-Logo placement on the team’s media backdrop.

-Eventual naming rights of the ballpark’s Gate D on the corner of Addison and Sheffield avenues. Gate D will be named “The Wintrust Gate” once its renovation is complete.

-Rotational signage behind home plate.

-A video board feature between innings at every Chicago Cubs home game.

-A presenting sponsorship of a game each season, including a special promotional giveaway item for fans.

-A presence at the team’s Spring Training home, Cubs Park, in Mesa, Arizona, with signage in the outfield and behind home plate, promotional space at the ballpark and a promotional date each season.

-A retail lease in the future entertainment plaza and hotel development adjacent to Wrigley Field, through a separate agreement with the Ricketts family’s Hickory Street Capital LLC.