Rob Manfred says All-Star game could come to Wrigley following renovations

It’s not quite 1908, but Cubs fans have been waiting a while for an All-Star game to return to Wrigley Field.

The Cubs last hosted the game in 1990, but according to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, the Midsummer Classic could be back in Chicago in the near future.

Speaking to CBS’ Bruce Levine, Manfred said the 2019 game isn’t out of the question.

“It makes sense the Cubs get an opportunity ahead after the new renovations are complete,” Manfred said. “This will provide the Cubs and Ricketts family a chance to showcase the unbelievable renovation they are in the midst of doing for Wrigley Field. Timing wise, we have the schedule of cities set through Washington. We will have an open and complete competition for the All-Star Game beyond that time.”

The 2016, 2017 and 2018 games are set for PetCo park in San Diego, Marlins Park in Miami and Nationals Park in Washington, and the location of the 2019 game is expected to be announced this spring.

By the time 2019 rolls around, only the Dodgers and A’s will have gone longer than the Cubs without hosting an All-Star game. Three teams – the Pirates, Mariners and Padres – will each have hosted multiple games since 1990.

According to the Cubs, Wrigley renovations are supposed to last through 2018, so the timing might be right for the All-Star game to return in 2019 or 2020.

Prior to 1990, Wrigley also hosted the game in 1962 and 1947.

Stats via Baseball-Reference