OREANDA-NEWS. American Airlines, which has operated from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) for more than 30 years, is strengthening its ties with Chicago by becoming the Official Airline of the Chicago Cubs and historic Wrigley Field. American has signed a long-term Legacy Partnership with the Cubs, one of the most beloved franchises in Major League Baseball.

"With thousands of employees who are proud to call Chicago their home, and hundreds of daily flights, we consider ourselves Chicago's hometown airline," said Fernand Fernandez, American's vice president - Global Marketing. "Taking the field with the Cubs - an iconic, all-American franchise - only deepens our ties and commitment to the Windy City."

Beginning with the 2017 season, American and the Cubs will add a new premium club space located behind home plate with access for premium box seat ticket holders.

American's 8,500 Chicago-based employees will take great pride in their company's new branding presence at Wrigley Field, including a fixed sign on the brick wall by the Cubs' batting circle at Wrigley Field and video board features in the historic ballpark. American will host employees, fans and the team at festivities throughout the season, which will include Cubs player and mascot appearances, giveaways and the Cubs Road Trip sweepstakes.

"We are very pleased to have American Airlines on board as the Official Airline of the Chicago Cubs," said Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts. "This partnership will provide important resources to help us build a winning team on the field and save Wrigley Field for future generations. We look forward to working with American to strengthen our brand connection in Chicago."

The agreement includes marketing opportunities at the Cubs' Spring Training facility, Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. American also becomes a Hall of Fame sponsor of Cubs Charities' primary fundraising event, the Bricks and Ivy Ball, and will provide domestic round-trip air travel packages for the organization's fundraising efforts.

In an agreement with a separate enterprise controlled by the Ricketts family, American will present the "American Airlines Executive Conference Center" as part of the office building to be developed in the new plaza location adjacent to Wrigley Field.

For more than 30 years, American Airlines has been the preferred airline at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), offering an average of 500 daily departures to 115 destinations around the world. American recently co-located with its merger partner US Airways, offering customers easy access to all of the combined carrier's flights at Terminal 3.

American is in the midst of more than USD 2 billion in planned improvements to give customers a superior travel experience around the world. The airline is "going for great" with fully lie-flat seats; international Wi-Fi; more in-flight entertainment options; a new, modern design for Admirals Club lounges worldwide; and an upgraded assortment of complimentary healthy food, cocktails and more.