Renovation work begins at Chicago's Wrigley Field

CHICAGO (AP) Hard hats have replaced baseball caps at historic Wrigley Field as the Chicago Cubs prepare to start a massive renovation project.

On Monday, the historic ballpark began looking like a construction zone. Nothing was torn down, but chain-link fencing ringed most of the park and construction crews were at work.

Cubs spokesman Julian Green says electrical wires were removed and pipes were disconnected. Green says portions of the bleachers will come down in a few weeks.

The first phase of the $575 million project is to include new bleachers and seven outfield signs. One sign will be bigger than the existing manual centerfield scoreboard.

The project is starting despite a legal fight between the team and owners of rooftop businesses across the street. They fear their views will be blocked.