New right-field bleachers open at Wrigley Thursday

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The expanded right field bleachers opened at Wrigley Field Thursday night for the Cubs' game against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cubs say the new bleachers have maintained the character of the old ones, but are more structurally sound. They have added space for about 500 more fans and a new porch that will hold groups of about 150 fans. The patio seats have been reconfigured to make room for the new scoreboard the towers over the seats.

Dexter Fowler became the first Cub to reach the new seats with a home run to right field.

Work continues through early July to finalize several other areas, including a new outdoor concession area behind the center field scoreboard. The plan calls for two large permanent concessions under the stadium's well-known manual scoreboard. Four smaller concession stands will be added for bleachers in left and right fields.

The left and center field bleachers opened in May.

"We started this project back in October. A lot of fits and starts. Had some problems on Opening Day. To see this come to completion is just a really great testament to all the work that's been done," said Julian Green, Cubs spokesperson.

PHOTOS: Wrigley Field's new bleachers