The eye-catcher of the soon-to–be-opened sportsbook is the 2,000 square-foot video wall, which is really a wraparound jumbotron that surrounds the premises. Facility management will be able to put multiple games or just one on the screen, depending on their preference, and will add an extra layer of entertainment value to help the sportsbook stand out from similar competitors.
“Why are you here versus sitting at home on your couch?” said Blake Milburn of Marquee Development. “You probably don't have that in your living room. We try to provide a unique one-of-a-kind experience.”
DraftKings, in conjunction with Wrigley Field and a development team, has been piecing together the sportsbook for the past 14 months. Since Wrigley Field is considered a historic location, the team had to work with local preservationists to make sure the project adhered to certain guidelines.
The sportsbook, which features the same bricks and beams that Wrigley was built with, is due to open on June 27, though it does not yet have regulatory approval to offer sports betting and will primarily operate as a bar and restaurant until it receives the necessary permissions.
Sports betting is already legal and DraftKings is eligible to act as an online sports betting provider in Illinois, and the lack of licensing likely won’t be a long-term issue.
In the meantime, DraftKings hopes to wield its high-end menu to sway guests even in the absence of legal sports betting.
“We're trying to keep it more unique with our twist on it,” said Executive Chef Levy David Burns, who created the menu. “More of a higher level than you see at sports bars around here.”
