MLBOct 9
Wrigley Rooftop Owner Resists Cubs Push to Shut Down Business
Aidan Dunican fights to keep his long-running operation open after a court ruling favored the team
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View Blocked After Legal Battle
Aidan Dunican operates the last independent rooftop across from Wrigley Field. The Cubs installed screens and signs two seasons ago that cut off parts of the infield for paying customers. The team sued in 2024, claiming he profited without permission from their games. A federal judge sided with the Cubs on Sept. 30 and ordered him to stop selling tickets. Dunican plans to appeal and keep the business running.
Revenue and Royalty Dispute
The rooftop seats about 200 people. Tickets ranged from $100 to $300 and included an open bar until the seventh inning plus unlimited hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. The business brought in around $1 million a year before expenses. Dunican paid the Cubs 17 percent of revenue under an earlier deal. After that agreement ended, he offered 20 percent of gross revenue, but the team sought 30 percent for regular-season games and 40 percent for postseason contests.
Neighborhood Changes and Real Estate Control
The Ricketts family has bought 11 rooftop buildings around the park and reached revenue-sharing deals with others. Dunican bought his property for $400,000 in the 1990s and built the seating decks. He lives in the building and runs most operations himself. The court noted that profiting from the team's labor and costs raised fairness concerns. Dunican has questioned how far the team can extend control over surrounding properties.
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