The 28th annual Cubs Convention begins a week from today with many new and interesting events and sessions to bring Cubs fans up to date on the state of the team. First among the new for this year is a new venue. The Cubs had long ago outgrown the old venue at the Hilton. This year marks the first year the Cubs Convention will be held at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers located at 301 East Water Street on the Chicago River. The hotel is also near many popular tourist attractions, if fans can pull themselves away from the exciting events at the Convention.
The annual Opening Ceremonies will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2013, featuring current and alumni players. Special VIP access for children 16 and younger will be provided during the Opening Ceremonies as the Cubs walk down a red carpet runway when they are introduced. After the Opening Ceremonies, an Autograph Hunt Game will be held throughout the hotel, featuring Cubs players. As always, the evening will end with the very popular Cubs Bingo, led again by Wayne Messmer. Prizes in the past have included flags flown atop “Historic Wrigley Field.” WGN Sports Night will also be broadcasting live from the convention that night.
Saturday will feature a full day of fun and information. The fun begins with a return of Cubs Jeopardy, pitting alumni pitchers Milt Pappas, Scott Sanderson, Lee Smith and Rick Sutcliffe against alumni position players Jose Cardinal, Jody Davis, Randy Hundley and Todd Walker. Making its debut in the afternoon will be Cubs Family Feud, featuring alumni players Bobby Dernier, Jon Lieber, Gary Matthews and Billy Williams playing against current players Michael Bowden, Shawn Camp, Brett Jackson and Ian Stewart.
The “Ricketts Family Forum” will be held Saturday afternoon, with Tom, Laura, Todd and Pete all in attendance. Other afternoon sessions include: “Meet the Cubs Management,” “From Draft Day to the Big Leagues” and “Dale Sveum and the Coaching Staff.” “Renew Wrigley Field” will let fans know what management has in mind for preserving and renewing Wrigley Field.
Kids will have their own Question and Answer session with players where only they can ask questions. Other special activities for kids will also be available including a Blue Bunny Bucket Toss, Walgreens Field and LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Back this year will also be “Not for Women Only” where players divulge their personal sides. In the past, this popular session has had audiences laughing the entire session.
Another new feature at the Cubs Convention will be the debut of “Rookie of the Year” movie night where families can watch the film “Rookie of the Year.”
Fans who bring memorabilia will be able to find out how to preserve their collectibles as well as have an opportunity to donate items to the Cubs for the Chicago Cubs Archives, though items will not be appraised, nor with they be purchased by the Cubs.
A limited number of weekend passes are still available. For availability and pricing go to cubs.com/convention or call 1800-THE-CUBS. A full listing of activities, sessions and participating players can be found on cubs.com.
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