I figured I’d write a quick blog on this stadium I visited in 2014 on a work trip. The name has since been changed to Guaranteed Rate Field. Scott and I will have to visit this one together at some point…

Design

The White Sox spent 81 years at Comiskey park so there are quite few design features that commemorate this park including the front facade of the park features arched windows. The “exploding scoreboard” is the most prominent feature paying tribute to the original Comiskey one. I thought this scoreboard was pretty cheesy looking, and resembled peppermint-pinwheels. The old Comiskey’s home plate location is commemorated by a marble plaque on the sidewalk next to the filed, and the foul lines are painted in the parking lot. 

There are several statues featured throughout the stadium including Frank Thomas, Minnie Miñoso, Carlton Fisk, Charles Comiskey, Luis Aparicio, Nellie Fox, Billy Pierce, Harold Baines, and Paul Konerko. I got a picture with Frank 🙂

Location

The stadium is located west of the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago’s Armour Square neighborhood, adjacent to Bridgeport. The area around the stadium seemed a bit sketchy and not a place you’d hang out after the game. The surrounding area of the Cubs stadium is far superior. The CTA red line was right next to the stadium so getting there was pretty easy. Although it was about a 30 minute train ride from the downtown area. There are also parking lots around the stadium (where the old Comiskey park was).

Concessions

The jalapeño cheddar brat I had was one of the best I’ve ever tasted! I didn’t get to check out any of the other offerings and will next time.

Amenities

I didn’t really get to check any of the amenities, but they do have stuff for kids and adults including: Kids Zone and speed pitch machines, Fan Deck, Craft Kave, The Patio, Home Plate Club, The Goose Island, Rain Room, and Chicagoland Plumbing Council Shower (similar to old Comiskey where fans can cool off). I’d love to check out all the water cool-off areas next time I visit.

Culture

The White Sox and Cubs game was one of the best games I could have gone too. Surprisingly, there were a lot of Cubs fans, and they were much louder than the Sox fans. To celebrate home runs, fireworks go off and the scoreboard and “exploding scoreboard” light ups.

Summary & Scoring

Date Visited:  May 7, 2014
Game Played:  White Sox 8, Cubs 3 – Box Score
Design:  – Design with features to commemorate Comiskey
Location: – In the South Side of Chicago in the Armour Square neighborhood with not a lot to do around the stadium – seemed a bit sketchy.
Concessions: – Jalapeño cheddar brat was one of best I’ve ever had
Amenities: – Interesting water cool-off areas, similar to features at old Comiskey
Culture:  – More Cubs fans that Sox fans
Overall:  – I wasn’t very impressed with the design, location, or culture. The brat I had was the best part of the experience.