Cubs Productions Unveils New TikTok Series
On Monday, the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers began their series at Wrigley Field, but the spotlight was on a new announcement from Cubs Productions. The team revealed their upcoming TikTok series, ‘Nine Innings to Love,’ aimed at Gen Z and millennials.
‘By blending a game of baseball with BookTok fandom and the vibes of a classic rom-com, we’ve created a story that could only unfold in the Budweiser Bleachers at Wrigley Field,’ said Cubs executive vice president of marketing and communications Jen Martindale.
Series Overview
‘Nine Innings to Love’ is a fictional story unfolding over 17 episodes, centered on two young Cubs fans finding love in the bleachers. The series will premiere on September 4, after the Cubs and Brewers have played 10 games. Though no Cubs players are involved, the series draws a parallel to the 2005 rom-com ‘Fever Pitch,’ which featured a baseball theme.
The series is not inspired by Chairman Tom Ricketts’ real-life meeting with his wife in the bleachers, despite some anecdotal parallels. Notably, a bride humorously called for a baseball in the bleachers during an earlier Cubs game against the Brewers on September 18, 2016.
Trend of Sports-Based Romantic Content
The Cubs’ initiative aligns with a growing trend of sports teams promoting their brands through romance-themed stories. The Chicago Bears are working on a TV movie for the Hallmark Channel titled ‘Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story.’ Other NFL teams, like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, have participated in similar ventures.
Historically, teams have engaged in promotional projects, such as the 1985 Bears’ ‘Super Bowl Shuffle,’ which inspired other NFL teams to create music videos. If the Cubs’ series succeeds, it may prompt similar efforts from other teams, like the Chicago White Sox.
Wrigley Field: A Perfect Rom-Com Setting
Wrigley Field is an ideal setting for a rom-com, attracting young fans often more interested in finding romance than watching the game. Scenes like a fan holding a beer cup snake highlight this atmosphere. Chicago has been a backdrop for several romantic films, including ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ and ‘High Fidelity.’
With ‘Nine Innings to Love,’ the Cubs hope to capture this spirit, providing entertainment amidst the team’s pitching challenges.