Wrigley Field marquee taken down; renovation continues

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The historic Chicago Cubs marquee was removed from Wrigley Field Monday afternoon to make room for off-season work that needs to be done on the stadium.

The sight of the iconic marquee coming down was jarring, but the Wrigley makeover continues and the sign will return by Opening Day 2016.

The off-season brings Phase 2 of Wrigley's four-year renovation, which includes building a new clubhouse and bullpens, as well as a new upper -level concourse with more seating.

"We were able to peek inside and looks like they've got a lot of exciting things going on," said Cubs fan Chris Whisenant.

But for neighborhood residents, it mean months of noise and traffic headaches. Near Clifton Avenue, residents are bracing for the noise.

"I'm not looking forward to it," said Diana Frigo, a Wrigleyville resident. "Sometimes it's fun to live in Wrigley, but not with the construction. It's going to be an issue. I'm always late all the time, so now I'll have to start leaving earlier, I guess."

Frigo moved to the neighborhood last year when Phase 1 of construction started.

"A couple times in the morning I've woken up and my bed's been shaking," Frigo said. "I'm like earthquakes don't happen in Chicago."

Perhaps as a peace offering and a show of appreciation, the Cubs offered Monday free sections of sod from the Wrigley turf which is replaced each season.

Fan Jerry Horan snagged his own piece of sod to commemorate the Cubs' historic 2015 season.

"The fact that the Cubs made it, I think they're on the right track," Horan said. "I think they're going to be there within the next two years. They'll be in the World Series kicking Kansas City's butt."