Anthony Rizzo and the Cubs have put on quite the campaign since he was announced as one of the finalists for the last National League All-Star roster this week. Wednesday night, Rizzo took the lead in voting and just like any confident candidate would, he immediately booked his victory party location.
According to Haley Mulaghey, a PR rep for McCormick Place, the venue was recently rented out by Rizzo before Wednesday night’s loss vs the Reds.
“To get in, guests must have an invitation or make a donation to the Chicago Cubs wives’ charity for kids who can’t read or stuff,’” Mulaghey said.
While the voting won’t end until Rizzo is on a plane back from Cincinnati Thursday afternoon, he wanted to make sure the McCormick Place was ready by the time he landed. President Obama held his election victory celebration there in 2012, and Rizzo is looking to recycle some decorations.
“Luckily no one has used McCormick Place since then, so I am using the confetti they never cleaned up,” Rizzo said. “And my name has an ‘O’ in it, so it works.”
When asked why not celebrate in Grant Park, Rizzo says he tried there but the Bulls had already reserved the entire venue for their “Welcome to Chicago, Carmelo!” party.
Over 200,000 invitations have been sent out to many of Chicago celebrities such as Cubs All-Star shortstop Starlin Castro and WCIU’s Svengoolie. ’90s rock band Smash Mouth is even set to perform. However the lack of time may leave people many still be waiting for their invitations, or worse, not even realize they weren’t invited.
“Rizzo knows I am a big Svengoolie fan, so I am really looking forward to it,” ex-Cubs Manager Dale Sveum said. “Plus, I don’t have a ton going on these days so it’ll be nice to hang out with the guys again.”
The celebration will take place whether or not Rizzo makes the All-Star team. If he fails to make it, Rizzo said he will cancel the magician he ordered.
