New Comiskey Park/U.S. Cellular Field

[hsnterprize]

Well, I figure it's about this Chicago's south side ballpark got some love here. I know I've written a lot about the current home of the White Sox, so I won't rehash everything. I'll post some pictures of the ballpark both before and after it was renovated. But before I do, I'll go through a rundown of some events that led to New Comiskey Park's funding, construction, and eventual renovation.

First, back in the 80's, Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf had already bought the team and renovated Old Comiskey Park. He put in suites in the upper deck, "Gold Box Seats" down below, a new exploding scoreboard in center field, as well as other renovations. However, it was costing him more money to renovate the old place than he could afford. So he decided to start waking waves in demamding money to build a new place, or else he would move the team. While he was making these demands, a new domed stadium was being built in St. Petersberg, Florida with the hopes of bringing in a team to that area. I can tell you that if it hadn't been some for string-pulling from local and state politicians, the Chicago White Sox would've moved to Tampa. But more on that later.

As it got closer to that inevitible "doomsday" scenario, both fand and politicians started to act. First, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley approved legislation allowing the new stadium to be built in the city of Chicago instead of suburban Addison, Illinois. Daley told the Sox that he would help the team get the money it needed ONLY if it built the new stadium next to Old Comiskey. Ironically, Mayor Daley actually grew up in the Bridgeport neighborhood, which is only blocks west of the ballpark. Then, as fans began to assemble for rallies to "Save Our Sox", action took place in Springfield, the state capitol.

Then-governor James Thompson had to act fast because the deadline to secure funds was approaching. Thompson was a Sox fan himself, so he decided to use his clout to force other state politicians who "owed him favors" to approve funding for the new ballpark. He had to "force" the help because many Illinois legislators were either Chicago Cubs or St. Louis Cardinals fans. A few minutes after the midnight deadline passes, the legislation passed, and the White Sox were going to stay in Chicago in a new state-of-the-art ballpark.

In April of 1991, New Comiskey Park opened to the public. Over 44,000 fans filled the new building, but many of them looked across the street to see Old Comiskey Park crumbling down thanks to a wrecking ball. Despite being slaughtered 16-0 by the Detroit Tigers, it was still a monumental occasion in Chicago sports history. New Comiskey was the first sports new facility built in Chicago since Chicago Stadium was put up in the 1920's. It was also the first baseball-only facility to open in the big leagues since Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium. Any praise the new place received was also met with some criticism...mainly because of a steeper-than-usual upper deck, which architects learned was built at 35 degrees. Not to mention, with 2 levels of luxury boxes built between the upper and lower decks, the upper level seats were much further away from the action than local fans were used to. In fact, the Chicago Tribune wrote a story showing the first row of UD seats were actually further away from home plate than the last row of UD seats at Old Comiskey. Still, the Sox would set attendance records with yearly crowds of over 2.9 million fans during the park's first few years. However, the strike of 1994 (many fans to this day believe Jerry Reinsdorf was a key player in that strike despite his own team being in contention to win the World Series that year) and much negative press about the ballpark would help turn the place from a baseball haven to a place to stay away from.

As we all know, in 1992, Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened up. When that happened, any praise New Comiskey Park received instantly turned to criticism. The biggest reasons for the complaints were the steepness of the upper deck, the blandness of the design, and that it didn't face downtown Chicago. It was even being reported that H.O.K., the arcitectural firm that designed both New Comiskey, Oriole Park, and just about every new major and minor league park, presented Reinsdorf with an Oriole Park-style plan for New Comiskey, but he rejected it. He didn't think fans would go for an old-style ballpark. He thought modern was the way to go, and he'd learn soon after that he was wrong. 2 levels of luxury suites and unobstructed views didn't carry the load as much as he thought. Just about every year since '92, a new major or minor league stadium looking like Oriole Park popped up, and New Comiskey Park was becoming further and further obsolete. Attendance was down, the team wasn't playing well, and something had to be done.

In the late 90's, the Sox built the "Bullpen Sports Bar" underneath the right field seats to quell complaints of not having bars and such around the ballpark like there are around Wrigley Field. In 2001, continued to renovate New Comiskey with the addition of new seats along the foul lines and a center field "fan deck" that provided a unique view of action on the field. Then in '02, the White Sox struck a deal with local cell phone carrier U.S. Cellular that would get money to drastically change the look of the ballpark. In 2003, U.S. Cellular Field would open to the fans with praise and optimism, as the ballpark got a much-needed paint job, new L.E.D. ribbonboards were put up on the upper deck facade, a new HD videoboard was installed in center field, and other improvements were made. In subsequent years, the Sox would build a kid-friendly area above the left field seats (FUNdamentals), the club level would be rebuilt from the inside, all the Brooklyn Dodger blue seats would be changed to a kelly green (Reinsdorf was a Brooklyn Dodger fan growing up, and that's why he put the blue seats in the new stadium at first), a new "Scout Seats" section was put up behind home plate, and the uppermost seats in the UD being removed and replaced with a new, old Comiskey-style roof.

http://home.n00.itscom.net/kbt-t/jpg_mlb_al/comiskey9711.jpg
New Comiskey Park shortly after it opened. Note where the bullpen is in left field. That location would change once the park gets its makeover.

http://images.art.com/images/products/regular/10138000/10138606.jpg
New Comiskey Park being built in the shadows of Old Comiskey.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/photo/photogallery/all_star/y2003/pregame/02.jpg
Yankees' pitcher Roger Clemens poses at the Cell during 2003 All Star Game warmups. Note, the "U.S. Cellular Field: 2003 All Star Game" and "Home of the Chicago White Sox" messages painted on the facades between the upper and lower decks. Also, the "circles" you see underneath are pictures of the park's signature "pinwheels" located on the center field videoboard. Also, the underside of the roof was given a coat of black paint. The entire ballpark was painted from a drab white to a darker black, gray, and kelly green motif.

http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/CAI/Images/NearSouthSide/USCellularField-003.jpg
The ballpark's new look with the new roof put up before the 2004 season.

http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/al/uscell901.JPG
The center field "Fan Deck", intially put up before the 2002 season. It only had 1 level at first, but another was added before the 2004 season. Fans can have private parties on the deck, and it was recently featured on an episode of Food Network's "Dinner Impossible".

http://www.ballparkwatch.com/images/us_cellular/DSC008921.jpg
The new Pontiac "FUNdamentals" deck in left field. White Sox coaches teach kids in the park how to hit, throw, run, and field like big leaguers.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/U.S._Cellular_Field_17.jpg/800px-
A look at the ballpark after all the renovations are done. The Sox bullpen is in front of the left field seats, and all the park's seats are kelly green instead of blue. The new roof gives the place a sense of intimacy, and one of the 2 300-feet L.E.D. ribbonboards give the place some color.


Since all the renovations were completed, many people who criticised the ballpark (including me) are singing its praises. Granted, there are things about the place that cannot be changed (i.e., the direction the park is facing, or how high it is off the ground), but considering that White Sox fans in general are more concerned about their team on the field than the field itself, that's fine. U.S. Cellular Field isn't a tourist attraction ballpark like Wrigley Field or Fenway Park. Those places have their own unique histories which baseball fans should celebrate. However, "The Cell" as we fans like to call it has its own young history, too. Remembering events like the 2003 All-Star Game; or dramatic home runs by Bo Jackson in 1993, or Paul Konerko and Scott Podsednik in the 2005 World Series; or Mark Buehrle's no-hitter this past year...those are events that make a ballpark a classic. Not to mention, after Oriole Park's opening, so many new places are looking like Oriole Park that there's hardly anything unique about modern baseball stadiums anymore. They almost look exactly alike from the outside...red brick facades with dark greet seats...you know the drill. Still, while it doesn't please everyone, U.S. Cellular Field will be one of those places that years from now, people will celebrate more than now. There are only so many Oriole Park-style stadia that can be built, and new places like Petco Park in San Diego, Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, and the new ballpark in Washington D.C. are already breaking that trend. Just look at the home plate facades of just about every new stadium since 1992, and then look at the Cell's. Other than PNC Park in Pittsburgh and the others I mentioned, just about all the home plate designs are almost exactly alike.

Many ballpark enthusiasts are crediting Oriole Park for a modern ballpark building boom. It deserves due credit, but places are starting to emulate some of the Cell's attributes. Many writers across the country are suggesting their ballparks have a "Fundamentals style" area where kids can learn the game. Miller Park in Milwaukee has a field-level bar inright field where people can watch games and socialize. L.E.D. ribbonboards are almost a norm in ballparks, and fireworks after home runs was a White Sox staple for decades. In other words, while prasing Oriole Park, don't forget...U.S. Cellular Field is a unique place that deserves its place in the modern ballpark archives.

[Gary Dunaier]

Great opening post! You really know your stuff, and I for one appreciate it.

all the Brooklyn Dodger blue seats would be changed to a kelly green (Reinsdorf was a Brooklyn Dodger fan growing up, and that's why we put the blue seats in the new stadium at first)
I wonder if Jerry Reinsdorf is jealous of Fred Wilpon. :D

so many new places are looking like Oriole Park that there's hardly anything unique about modern baseball stadiums anymore. They almost look exactly alike from the outside...red brick facades with dark greet seats...you know the drill.


:applaud: :bowdown: :applaud: :bowdown: :applaud: :bowdown:

[Onemoredayatshea27]

U.S. Cellular Field looks like a really good ballpark. It's sad that people are so quick to judge (I do it myself) :rolleyes:, but looking at the renovations, it looks really cool.

It was a diamond in the rough, and a lot of money and some elbow grease has made it awesome :happy:

[hsnterprize]

U.S. Cellular Field looks like a really good ballpark. It's sad that people are so quick to judge (I do it myself) :rolleyes:, but looking at the renovations, it looks really cool.

It was a diamond in the rough, and a lot of money and some elbow grease has made it awesome :happy:What you've said is what White Sox fans like me have been saying for years. Even in its pre-renovation stages, the Cell wasn't a "bad place to watch baseball", but just a bad "tourist attraction ballpark". It's always been a good place to watch a game, but the renovations made it a good place to go to period.

It's amazing what happens when people ignore or defy all the "popular notions" about this place, and actually see it for what it is. Most often, people change their minds from "it's a bad place" to "it's not Camden, Wrigley, or Fenway, but it's pretty good." And that's fine because it's not supposed to be another Wrigley, Camden, or Fenway. There are too many places like those ballparks already, and the trend is starting to get old.

[CrisgoMets]

The upper deck looks cool and almost similar to the old upper deck at Yankee Staduim with the facade. I like how the posts are not obstructing any seats and its right in the aisle. I remember how this place looked too concrete and lacked any kind of charm. Now this looks much better.

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

The upper deck looks cool and almost similar to the old upper deck at Yankee Staduim with the facade. I like how the posts are not obstructing any seats and its right in the aisle. I remember how this place looked too concrete and lacked any kind of charm. Now this looks much better.

After this new stadium was opened the white sox knew that they made a huge mistake with this ballpark. so over the last few years they have painted the stadium green, put in green seats and even put in a roof just so people would feel that they were still across the street at the original comiskey park.but you cant go back after its gone.

[hsnterprize]

Here's another "classic" touch added to the Cell...

http://skydivecsc.com/images_updates/2006/05.30.2006/US_Cellular.jpg

Notice the "U.S. Cellular Field" logo on the roof behind home plate. That's a knockoff of the Old Comiskey Park roof back in the early to mid 20th Century, when "Comiskey Park: Home of the White Sox" was on the old park's roof.

One of the biggest improvements made was that there was a touch of history between the new and old parks. If you go to a game and sit in the upper deck, you'll find murals put up throughout the concourse memorializing White Sox teams throughout the decades. Eras like the 1906 "Hitless Wonders", the 1959 "Go-Go Sox", the "South Side Hit Men" of the late 1970's, the "Winning Ugly" team of 1983, the "Good Guys Wear Black" 1993 A.L. West Division champions, the "The Kids Can Play" 2000 A.L. Central Division winners, and others are featured throughout the concourse. Heck...even the concession stands are each named after a famous player or team.

And if you really love nostalgia, check out the outfield concourse. There are 6 statues of Sox greats there. Including team founder, "The Old Roman" Charles Comiskey, Carlton Fisk, and "Go-Go Sox" era legends Minnie Minoso, Billy Pierce, Luis Aparicio, and Nellie Fox. More statues will come next year, and I think it's AWESOME the team is keeping up with its past. Just because it isn't marketed as well as the Cubs, Yankees, or Red Sox doesn't mean the team doesn't have a past to celebrate. Albeit the Yanks' history is centered on great winning teams and legendary players.

[hsnterprize]

Another "post-renovations" photo...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/U.S._Cellular_Field21.jpg/800px-

[hsnterprize]

Honoring White Sox greats...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/cc/Minoso9.jpg

Minnie Minoso...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d1/U.S._Cellular_Field19_Fox.jpg/450px-

Nellie Fox...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/U.S._Cellular_Field18_Aparicio.jpg

Luis Aparicio...

http://php.thnt.com/blog04/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/chisox5.jpg

Carlton Fisk...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2007-07/31382359.jpg

Billy Pierce...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c4/U.S._Cellular_Field20_Comiskey.jpg

and "The Old Roman" himself, team founder Charles A. Comiskey.

[MattD1972]

thanks, hnsterprize, for the cool thread. I think you were a little easy on Reinsdorf (let's call extortion for what it is), but it was Chicago's first new major league arena in 50-odd years. The design got outmoded fast, but it was fixed. And yes, I have been there myself post-renovations to see what it looks like. I'll try to get my may 2004 pictures on here soon.

[Lions/Tigers@Cubs.OhMy!]

okay, I'm not going to rain on this love for the Cell too much but I would like to point out one thing that I really, really hate about it. My dad and I returned to the Cell this past summer to catch the last series against the Tigers and on Saturday ended up with seats in the upperdeck. We had a Cubs and Cards fan along with us, and all four of us commented on the fact that the Cell makes upper deck ticket holders feel like second class citizens. You enter the stadium's upper deck from the outside and can not get to the concourse/field level at any point. My father and I like to take photographs of the park, people and field before games but couldn't even go into other upper deck sections without a ticket. Meanwhile, if you're hungry for something to eat or drink that's not the staple hotdog and beer, forget about it. You always hear about how good the food at US Cellular is but they don't sell any of that stuff "upstairs." Curly fries? Nope. Deep dish pizza? Natta. We thought we could get down to the concourse through the kids' play area but... in order to even look through the glass doors to that section you have to have a kid with you. There was a guy standing by the door trying to call his wife on the cell because he went to get some drinks and they wouldn't let him back in where his kid and wife was without having a kid. I felt bad for the usher there because it had to seem like some surreal Joke to inforce that rule on the guy. So yeah, their was some nice improvements made to the park and it looks a lot nicer, just don't get tickets for the balcony... unless you want to know how it feels to be trapped for three hours.

[sflnyc]

From the original thread of the Old Comiskey, here is a picture of the first pitch from the Opening of Comiskey II on 4.18.91 against Detroit (Frank Tanana to Tony Phillips).

[hsnterprize]

okay, I'm not going to rain on this love for the Cell too much but I would like to point out one thing that I really, really hate about it. My dad and I returned to the Cell this past summer to catch the last series against the Tigers and on Saturday ended up with seats in the upperdeck. We had a Cubs and Cards fan along with us, and all four of us commented on the fact that the Cell makes upper deck ticket holders feel like second class citizens. You enter the stadium's upper deck from the outside and can not get to the concourse/field level at any point. My father and I like to take photographs of the park, people and field before games but couldn't even go into other upper deck sections without a ticket. Meanwhile, if you're hungry for something to eat or drink that's not the staple hotdog and beer, forget about it. You always hear about how good the food at US Cellular is but they don't sell any of that stuff "upstairs." Curly fries? Nope. Deep dish pizza? Natta. We thought we could get down to the concourse through the kids' play area but... in order to even look through the glass doors to that section you have to have a kid with you. There was a guy standing by the door trying to call his wife on the cell because he went to get some drinks and they wouldn't let him back in where his kid and wife was without having a kid. I felt bad for the usher there because it had to seem like some surreal Joke to inforce that rule on the guy. So yeah, their was some nice improvements made to the park and it looks a lot nicer, just don't get tickets for the balcony... unless you want to know how it feels to be trapped for three hours.

I agree with you that policy really sucks. Many Sox fans agree the policy of upper deck fans not being able to go onto the lower concourse stinks. Put the blame on those idiots who like to climg down from the upper deck, call their buddies on their cell phones to "watch the news for something interesting", and then run on the field to attack either the visiting team's first base coach, or the home plate umpire. The Sox took so much bad press from those incidents that they decided to "protect the fans who paid for lower deck seats" by putting that rule in place. However, you can either go into the FUNdamentals deck or the Bullpen Sports Bar from your upper deck seats. That's not much consolation, but that's what the Sox say.

Still, the idea that fans can't go from the upper deck to the lower deck isn't too cool. I loved walking on the lower concourse during a game years ago. Hopefully, the Sox will change that policy soon since most people who go to the Cell are there to watch a game and have a good time without causing trouble.

[soxnut67]

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=30791&stc=1&d=1193090453

[soxnut67]

After this new stadium was opened the white sox knew that they made a huge mistake with this ballpark. so over the last few years they have painted the stadium green, put in green seats and even put in a roof just so people would feel that they were still across the street at the original comiskey park.but you cant go back after its gone.


No you can't go back. But, for those of us who are fans of the Sox, and who were at the old ballpark, it does create a nice feeling for us, and we love it. And we appreciate the efforts the sox are making to correct mistakes. There's only so much that can be done and I'm just happy my favorite team still plays in my favorite city.

[sflnyc]

hsnterprize...

It's amazing how some places look so different in person (or in this case by up close photos by people).

Seeing some angles (like the Fan Deck in Post #1) that one doesn't see on TV can do wonders.

I liked both Comiskey-II (original) and Comiskey-II (updated), but I have to say Comiskey-II (updated) is light years better. I should have figured something was up when a few years back when Comiskey-II's capacity dropped from 48,000 to 40,000 and I asked myself why? The during the 2005 Post-Season, I noticed the new roof and said when did that come in ?

My favorite parts of Comiskey-I (through pictures) was the Picnic Area underneath the outfield seats and the centerfield section where they had beach-type showers for fans to cool off during the summer (thanks Mel Allen & This Week In Baseball).

That Fan Deck area and concourse looks absolutely awesome and has already made it on my computer wallpaper collection.

[skobabe8]

okay, I'm not going to rain on this love for the Cell too much but I would like to point out one thing that I really, really hate about it. My dad and I returned to the Cell this past summer to catch the last series against the Tigers and on Saturday ended up with seats in the upperdeck. We had a Cubs and Cards fan along with us, and all four of us commented on the fact that the Cell makes upper deck ticket holders feel like second class citizens. You enter the stadium's upper deck from the outside and can not get to the concourse/field level at any point. My father and I like to take photographs of the park, people and field before games but couldn't even go into other upper deck sections without a ticket. Meanwhile, if you're hungry for something to eat or drink that's not the staple hotdog and beer, forget about it. You always hear about how good the food at US Cellular is but they don't sell any of that stuff "upstairs." Curly fries? Nope. Deep dish pizza? Natta. We thought we could get down to the concourse through the kids' play area but... in order to even look through the glass doors to that section you have to have a kid with you. There was a guy standing by the door trying to call his wife on the cell because he went to get some drinks and they wouldn't let him back in where his kid and wife was without having a kid. I felt bad for the usher there because it had to seem like some surreal Joke to inforce that rule on the guy. So yeah, their was some nice improvements made to the park and it looks a lot nicer, just don't get tickets for the balcony... unless you want to know how it feels to be trapped for three hours.

You aren't raining on anyone, those criticisms are fair. Having season tickets allows you to access the lower level anytime you want, so the issues you talked about don't affect me (except for access to the FUNdamentals deck since I dont have kids :happy: ).

If I ever sit next to you at a game I'll trade tickets with you so you can access the lower level and get a piece of pizza and some curly fries! :thumbsup: But there are some good eats upstairs too, specifically the corn off the cob (fantastic with all the toppings and the best deal in the park) and the italian beef (wet).

[Astros4Life]

I have to say I was impressed with comiskey when I came back this summer...I had been in 96 but did not see a game until this year...the stadium looked completely different in 07 than it did in 96...the roof gave it an older look

[Yankeefan90]

I love the fact that the columns are in the aisles, and they really don't obstuct the view of the game drastically, unlike in Fenway Park or Wrigley Field where the columns are in front of rows of seats and that could be a problem. I wish new Yankees Stadium did something like that with the upper deck, that way the frieze could become more prominent, but that's for another thread.

I think soxnut67 posted the best picture, because that shows that the upper deck really isn't that far away as suggested. The picture is taken about half way up the upper deck and the view isn't that much different than at Yankees Stadium, except Yankee Stadium is a bit closer and you can't see a good portion down the right field line. I'll tell you White Sox fans the more and more I see this park, the more i like it, it's grown on me.

[skobabe8]

I love the fact that the columns are in the aisles, and they really don't obstuct the view of the game drastically, unlike in Fenway Park or Wrigley Field where the columns are in front of rows of seats and that could be a problem. I wish new Yankees Stadium did something like that with the upper deck, that way the frieze could become more prominent, but that's for another thread.

I think soxnut67 posted the best picture, because that shows that the upper deck really isn't that far away as suggested. The picture is taken about half way up the upper deck and the view isn't that much different than at Yankees Stadium, except Yankee Stadium is a bit closer and you can't see a good portion down the right field line. I'll tell you White Sox fans the more and more I see this park, the more i like it, it's grown on me.

Actually, if you look close and pan to the right, soxnut67's picture is taken from the last row in the upper deck. Not too bad a view for the last row.

I absolutley love the columns up there. They add so much and seem to take away so little.

[Elvis]

The center field "Fan Deck", intially put up before the 2002 season. It only had 1 level at first, but another was added before the 2004 season. Fans can have private parties on the deck, and it was recently featured on an episode of Food Network's "Dinner Impossible".


And tonight's Dinner Impossible, Robert will be in another baseball-related setting--The Mall of America, former site of Metropolitan Stadium.

[Gary Dunaier]

You aren't raining on anyone, those criticisms are fair. Having season tickets allows you to access the lower level anytime you want, so the issues you talked about don't affect me (except for access to the FUNdamentals deck since I dont have kids :happy: ).

If I ever sit next to you at a game I'll trade tickets with you so you can access the lower level and get a piece of pizza and some curly fries! :thumbsup: But there are some good eats upstairs too, specifically the corn off the cob (fantastic with all the toppings and the best deal in the park) and the italian beef (wet).
I'm certainly not going to speak for Lions/Tigers@Cubs.OhMy!, and while your gesture is surely appreciated, I think it's obscene when teams create situations like this, where fans have to rely on "connections" or the generosity of others just to be able to walk around different levels of the ballpark.

[hellborn]

...
If I ever sit next to you at a game I'll trade tickets with you so you can access the lower level and get a piece of pizza and some curly fries! :thumbsup: But there are some good eats upstairs too, specifically the corn off the cob (fantastic with all the toppings and the best deal in the park) and the italian beef (wet).

Mmmmm...Italian Beef...I've never talked to anybody from outside the Chicago area who even heard of it, and it is just so good. Even better in a beef and sausage combo.

This thread is very interesting to me...I visited the park twice back in the mid '90s and really hated it. It wasn't due to nostalgia, either, I wasn't that fond of the old park. Sounds like I should give the Cell another shot next time I'm in town, though.

[hsnterprize]

http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/al/uscell900.JPG

Here's a better picture of the park's home plate facade. Granted, this entrance is more for the media and some season ticket holders. The fans mainly enter the park either through some entrances along the baselines or in the corners.

But...here's my question. Would you rather have a design like this, or the "popular" red brick facades that are at just about every other park opened since 1992? And we Sox fans "crucified" Jerry Reinsdorf for going cheap on the design at first. Now, I'm thinking the ballpark is better off for NOT going down the "red brick motif" road. Especially since this place...

http://pittsburgh.about.com/library/graphics/entrance.jpg

...is lauded as one of the best ballparks in all of baseball, and I don't see 1 red brick outside.

[hsnterprize]

http://www.adventurist.net/baseball/us_cellular/photos/view-of-downtown.jpg

When you're at the top of one of the entrance ramps outside the ballpark, you can see views of downtown Chicago like this.

We Sox fans acknowledge the ballpark was probably better off facing downtown Chicago. That's something current renovations can't change. However, when this place was first built, the trend of stadia facing the central part of a city wasn't around yet.

[Yankeefan90]

Actually, if you look close and pan to the right, soxnut67's picture is taken from the last row in the upper deck. Not too bad a view for the last row.

I absolutley love the columns up there. They add so much and seem to take away so little.

You're right, didn't even notice that. That's a very good view from the last row of the upper deck.

[soxnut67]

You're right, didn't even notice that. That's a very good view from the last row of the upper deck.


I think it's pretty good too, so I can't understand why people only trash our upper deck. I've been to PETCO and to me it seemed no different. So what gives?

[Gary Dunaier]

When you're at the top of one of the entrance ramps outside the ballpark, you can see views of downtown Chicago like this.

We Sox fans acknowledge the ballpark was probably better off facing downtown Chicago.
Was the skyline visible from within the stands of the original Comiskey?

[hsnterprize]

Was the skyline visible from within the stands of the original Comiskey?No. Even from the top rows of the upper deck on the 1st base side, you still couldn't see past the upper deck roof in left.

[Gregory Pratt]

Yeah, Sox Park is much better than it was in 1993-2003. That place was a dump!

I still don't particularly like it. But it's where my team plays, so...

[chisox08]

Great thread! Props to hsnterprize for starting this thread, and for the excellent pictures.. :applaud:

I have a few pics I've taken over the years from US Cellular. I'll try to post them later today. ..Have to get busy now uploading these to imageshack.

[nymdan]

Sox Park

Is that just what you call it, or is there some movement in Chicago to call it that, much like "Mays Field" in SF?

[skobabe8]

Is that just what you call it, or is there some movement in Chicago to call it that, much like "Mays Field" in SF?

Alot of people in Chicago call it that, especially oldtimers since it was the name of the park in 60s or 70s for a few years. Theres no movement, so to speak.

[chisox08]

Here's a few photos I took from 2005-2007. The ongoing renovations have made this ballpark look totally different than what it was 5-10 years ago. It's now a beautiful ballpark with character, and a fun place to watch a game!

Easy access via the Red Line from multiple stops in downtown and outlying areas
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/8369/imgbff0.jpg

Brand new forest green seats just installed.. fans waiting for pre-game autographs
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7663/imgeeb2.jpg

Skyline in the background.. I enjoy sitting in the last row and turning around to see the enormous Chicago skyline..
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/4686/imgclg0.jpg

..and then looking back at the field and the lake in the distance. The higher up the better view of the lake with all the sailboats. Notice the Fundamentals Deck is accessible from all levels of the ballpark.. and the bullpen right in front of the left field bleachers.
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/2944/imgdfx8.jpg

A closer look at the bullpen.. and Contreras warming up
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4301/imgfcq0.jpg

A view from the upper deck looking down on the different levels of the Fundamentals Deck. Notice the wide outfield concourse, the center field fan deck, and the fans standing along the railing up on the Fundamentals Deck
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5267/imgjvv6.jpg

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/4831/imgkmd0.jpg

Looking down on the Fundamentals Deck.. Fans can also watch the game from the narrow concourse behind the mini-diamond, along the railing, if they're not afraid of heights
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8940/imgiez1.jpg

Skyline in the background.. and the new Comiskey-like canopy which gives the ballpark some character
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/4086/imgaxu0.jpg

View from the Upper Deck on a cool evening.. Ahh, Field of Dreams!
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3648/imglat6.jpg

More to come...

[chisox08]

Six more from Game 1 of the 2005 World Series

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/8355/imgotc0.jpg

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/2209/imgqwz0.jpg

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/604/imgmlx8.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6812/imgnoh7.jpg

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3648/imgprw9.jpg

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/1593/imggdg4.jpg

[Gary Dunaier]

Those are great shots! I especially liked the first one, showing the train station nearby, and the "fans in the stands" view of the National Anthem. When you're watching them do the anthem on TV you don't really think about it, but seeing the TV crew right in front of the singer must give those who are actually there, at the game, a sense that this is a made-for-TV production.

[hsnterprize]

ChiSox08...YOU ROCK!!!!!!! Those are some OUTSTANDING shots of the Cell. Your shots clearly show just how far our favorite ballpark has come over the past few years. I have a couple of ideas on how the scoreboards can be modernized, but I'll save those ideas for another post. Still...your pictures are great...especially the panoramic shot of the field with Jose Contreras pitching to Craig Biggio.

Gary...that CTA Red Line stop has been on 35th Street for decades. It was recently renovated as part of a massive reconstruction effort by the Chicago Transit Authority, or CTA. There are 2 CTA stops people can use to get to White Sox games via train...they can either take the Red Line, which literally runs not only by the Cell to the south of downtown Chicago, but also by Wrigley Field to the north. Or...people can take the CTA's Green Line, and get off at the 35th-IIT-Bronzeville stop, and walk 4 blocks west to the ballpark.

According to Sox brass, another train service is coming soon to U.S. Cellular Field. A long-distance commuter train service here in the Chicagoland area called Metra (short for Metropolitan Rail) is planning on building a stop that allows fans from the far south side of the city and several southern suburbs to go straight to the ballpark from home. We'll know more next season about when that's supposed to be ready...we've been getting conflicting dates recently. Anyway, if you're the kind of person who likes to take public transportation to a baseball game, then U.S. Cellular Field fits that profile.

[hsnterprize]

Alot of people in Chicago call it that, especially oldtimers since it was the name of the park in 60s or 70s for a few years. Theres no movement, so to speak.There are people who'll call the place Comiskey, "The Cell", "Sox Park", and "White Sox Park". That's just local chat...there are those who don't like the U.S. Cellular Field name, but there isn't any major fan movement to change the name of the place. Even a local radio star, Steve Dahl, tried to get fans to call the place "The Joan" because Joan Cusack does commercials here in town for U.S. Cellular. Obviously, that idea didn't take off.

A lot of us know that if it weren't for U.S. Cellular, New Comiskey Park wouldn't have gotten the renovations it received. And guess what...the C.E.O. of U.S. Cellular, John Rooney (not to be confused with former Sox radio announcer and current St. Louis Cardinals announcer, John Rooney) is a BIG White Sox fan, and he was more than child-like excited when his company and the Sox came to a naming rights deal. There's even a U.S. Cellular store in the lower concourse of the ballpark.

[chisox08]

Those are great shots! I especially liked the first one, showing the train station nearby, and the "fans in the stands" view of the National Anthem. When you're watching them do the anthem on TV you don't really think about it, but seeing the TV crew right in front of the singer must give those who are actually there, at the game, a sense that this is a made-for-TV production.

Thanks for the nice comments. In case anyone's interested, the singer for that national anthem was Josh Groban. It was one of the best renditions I've ever heard in person. I remember getting chills seeing everyone in the stadium at their seats, not one empty seat to be found, with the giant flag in the outfield, and Groban belting out the national anthem; it was amazing.

[chisox08]

ChiSox08...YOU ROCK!!!!!!! Those are some OUTSTANDING shots of the Cell. Your shots clearly show just how far our favorite ballpark has come over the past few years. I have a couple of ideas on how the scoreboards can be modernized, but I'll save those ideas for another post. Still...your pictures are great...especially the panoramic shot of the field with Jose Contreras pitching to Craig Biggio.



Hey, thanks hsnterprize! I also agree the scoreboard could be more modernized, but that's not high on my priority list of renovations. Personally, I think the Cell is almost as perfect as it will ever be. The only thing keeping me away from a lot of games last year was the Dan Ryan construction, and now that the construction is finished, it won't be a nightmare anymore driving to the games. Now that '07 is behind us.. smooth sailing in '08. :D

[MattD1972]

If you told me that my son's first major league game would not be at Shea Stadium when he was born, I would have told you that you were nuts. But, about 6 weeks shy of his 5th birthday, Devin got to go to Chicago with his father (me), his uncle and his grandfather to visit my uncle. Being free on a sunday afternon, we decided to go to see the White Sox. For some reason, I had only taken my son to minor league games and not invested the time to go to NYC or Philly (both about 3 hours from me). So, his first big-league game was at US Cellular, watching the Sox destroy the Twins. :clapping A quick note on the picture: you can see the renovations in mid-stride, with a replaced roof, but blue seats.

[PleaseWinAWorldSeriesCubs]

Oh lord how much I hate that stadium. The Cell, Turner, and Miller are my 3 most hated stadiums

[emath2432]

Thats really the first time I have seen updated shots of the stadium... I always hated it (was there once back in '92 or '93)... really looks good these days... Great job by the Sox to make it what it shoulda been from the start :)

[hsnterprize]

Oh lord how much I hate that stadium. The Cell, Turner, and Miller are my 3 most hated stadiumsI'm not trying to antagonize anything here, but may I ask why?

[skobabe8]

I'm not trying to antagonize anything here, but may I ask why?

Im guessing from his name that theres no real reason.

[emath2432]

Thats really the first time I have seen updated shots of the stadium... I always hated it (was there once back in '92 or '93)... really looks good these days... Great job by the Sox to make it what it shoulda been from the start :)

Im guessing from his name that theres no real reason.

Please don't assume that all Cubs fans hate the Cell, and love Wrigley. In his case, he may be one of them... I on the other hand would love to blow up Wrigley (it's at least part of the reason we always lose), and the Cell is lookin' pretty good these days...

[skobabe8]

Please don't assume that all Cubs fans hate the Cell, and love Wrigley. In his case, he may be one of them... I on the other hand would love to blow up Wrigley (it's at least part of the reason we always lose), and the Cell is lookin' pretty good these days...

I dont, believe me. And I can tell that you are a smart fan. Its just curious that a person who loves the Cubs, hates where the Brewers, White Sox, and Braves play without stating a reason other than the Brewers, White Sox, and Braves play there.

I like some aspects of Wrigley, while I dislike others. I'll be happy have a discussion about that anytime.

[emath2432]

I actually don't care too much for the Brewers, or Braves stadiums either, but there are less important reasons for that...

To be honest, to have a chance to play in any of them, and get paid to do it would be a dream come true... No matter who the team....

[PleaseWinAWorldSeriesCubs]

I'm not trying to antagonize anything here, but may I ask why?

From all the times I've been there, and I've been there 20+ times, I never really felt a good atmosphere when watching a game. The stadium itself seems so bland but when I'm there and watching the game, I just can't find myself interested in whats going on. The only real reason I find myself going now is to either see the Cubs, Red Sox, or Yankees play the Sox. The only other reason is to test out my speed at the pitching thing.


Miller and Turner I hate just for the way the look and the outline. I don't like the Braves or Brewers but I don't hate them. I just really don't like the way everything is set up there and how the stadium as a whole looks.

Wrigley I do indeed love. Sure there a plenty of things wrong with it or things I'd like to see done but I really don't see that happening anytime soon.

And just to add one more thing, my sister designed or was in charge of design(or something along those lines) of the Sox left field wall with all the old players on it.

[Astros]

ChiSox08: Your photos are great and it's cool to look at a couple of them and know I was in the photo. While it certainly doesn't revive great memories of the game for me (haha) it does remind me of what a great time I had at U.S. Cellular Field and how much nicer it was in person than I thought it would be. I had heard so many detractions from other fans but it was really great to see it for myself. Thanks for sharing the photos!

Here are a few of mine from Games 1 and 2 of the 2005 World Series.

[soxnut67]

From all the times I've been there, and I've been there 20+ times, I never really felt a good atmosphere when watching a game. The stadium itself seems so bland but when I'm there and watching the game, I just can't find myself interested in whats going on. (or something along those lines) of the Sox left field wall with all the old players on it.


Actually, I feel the same way about Wrigley. I think it's the most boring place in the world to watch a game. After a few innings I can't wait to leave. But, hey, we all have different tastes.

[Lafferty Daniel]

Actually, I feel the same way about Wrigley. I think it's the most boring place in the world to watch a game. After a few innings I can't wait to leave. But, hey, we all have different tastes.

Why? Because Wrigley doesn't have an interactive area sponsored by Pontiac?

[chisox08]

Hey Astros, I can actually see my silver jacket (just a dot in the crowd) in that last photo. :laugh That was a great game to be at. I thought it could go either way, and then Bobby came in and shut em down. I actually sat next to an Astros fan who couldn't have been nicer; huge Astros fan and drove all the way from Houston. Great memories! Thanks for posting those.

[hsnterprize]

Please don't assume that all Cubs fans hate the Cell, and love Wrigley. In his case, he may be one of them... I on the other hand would love to blow up Wrigley (it's at least part of the reason we always lose), and the Cell is lookin' pretty good these days...Well this White Sox fan appreciates a Cub fan who can be honest and objective. Thanks for the nice words about the Cell. I respect Wrigley's age and history...let's face it...when you play in a stadium that's over 90 years old, there's bound to be some happenings there from time to time. What bothers me is that (at least the popular perception is) there's the sense that the Cubs' brass seem to care more about preserving the park instead of putting a good team on the field. I was growing up during the times when WGN TV was turning from a local independent station to a national superstation, and I saw for myself the "World's Largest Beer Garden" attitude fester at that place over and over again. I can tell you of countless times when I'd see a large crowd at Wrigley at the start of a game, and half of that crowd leaving after Harry Caray sang the 7th inning stretch. And from what I've seen, heard, experienced, and talk about with Cubs fans and sports media alike...many of the people who attend Wrigley are there for the social status of it. In other words, while there are tons and tons of legitimate Cubs fans here in Chicago and around the country, there are many who'll go to Wrigley because...

A) It's a tourist attraction. Wrigley Field is marketed like a lot of other Chicago-based attractions like the Sears Tower, Navy Pier, and Michigan Avenue. The Cubs' exposure on WGN-TV's Superstation give a lot of transplanted Chicagoans a taste of home every afternoon. That was one of the biggest reasons why so many people from across the country would become Cubs despite their own city having a team.

B) There's no ballpark like it in their hometown. Granted, when other cities' "retro" parks were popping up like tumbleweeds, people appreciated the "real retro" parks like Wrigley and Fenway Park. People come from miles around to see a "classic" ballpark like Wrigley because there's a "retro-looking" place in their city.

C) The neighborhood party scene. There was a time when East Lakeview (the neighborhood that's now known as "Wrigleyville") wasn't as trendy as it is now. But with events starting in the early-80's, from the Cubs' national exposure on WGN's new Superstation, Harry Caray's rise to popularity, to the Cubs' 1984 National League Eastern Division championship, to the gentrification of the surrounding neighborhood, Wrigleyville became "the place to be" for baseball and non-baseball fans alike. That's why so many other teams are building "retro" ballparks with neighborhoods nearby...they want to recreate that Wrigleyville experience in their city. At times, the area can be fun. But, there have been a LOT of situations where crowds, unruly people, and other vices that would turn an otherwise "fun" place to be into a spot to be careful in, if not avoid. I'm not trying to insult any Cubs fans here, but even the most ardent Cubbie lover knows that when there's a lot of drunk people walking around before or after a game at Wrigley, you best be aware of your surroundings.

[Lafferty Daniel]

C) The neighborhood party scene. There was a time when East Lakeview (the neighborhood that's now known as "Wrigleyville") wasn't as trendy as it is now. But with events starting in the early-80's, from the Cubs' national exposure on WGN's new Superstation, Harry Caray's rise to popularity, to the Cubs' 1984 National League Eastern Division championship, to the gentrification of the surrounding neighborhood, Wrigleyville became "the place to be" for baseball and non-baseball fans alike. That's why so many other teams are building "retro" ballparks with neighborhoods nearby...they want to recreate that Wrigleyville experience in their city. At times, the area can be fun. But, there have been a LOT of situations where crowds, unruly people, and other vices that would turn an otherwise "fun" place to be into a spot to be careful in, if not avoid. I'm not trying to insult any Cubs fans here, but even the most ardent Cubbie lover knows that when there's a lot of drunk people walking around before or after a game at Wrigley, you best be aware of your surroundings.



I love Wrigleyville. There are so many good bars and nice little pizza joints in that area.

[Sean O]

I love Wrigleyville. There are so many good bars and nice little pizza joints in that area.

Bacci's = cheap and good. It's not deep dish, so it's not really chicago, but you can't beat the deal.

[hsnterprize]

Hmmm...I have a question for PleaseWinAWorldSeriesCubs. Maybe other posters can answer this as well. No funny business, though...I'm being serious.

PWAWSC-you said...

From all the times I've been there, and I've been there 20+ times, I never really felt a good atmosphere when watching a game. The stadium itself seems so bland but when I'm there and watching the game, I just can't find myself interested in whats going on.

This is a 2-part question. First, when you say you "never felt a good atmosphere", what exactly do you mean? I'm not trying to be sarcastic here...I'd really like to know. Other than, "it's not like Wrigley", what are you looking for? And secondly, what's going on that you can't get interested in?

[emath2432]

Well this White Sox fan appreciates a Cub fan who can be honest and objective. Thanks for the nice words about the Cell. I respect Wrigley's age and history...let's face it...when you play in a stadium that's over 90 years old, there's bound to be some happenings there from time to time. What bothers me is that (at least the popular perception is) there's the sense that the Cubs' brass seem to care more about preserving the park instead of putting a good team on the field. I was growing up during the times when WGN TV was turning from a local independent station to a national superstation, and I saw for myself the "World's Largest Beer Garden" attitude fester at that place over and over again. I can tell you of countless times when I'd see a large crowd at Wrigley at the start of a game, and half of that crowd leaving after Harry Caray sang the 7th inning stretch. And from what I've seen, heard, experienced, and talk about with Cubs fans and sports media alike...many of the people who attend Wrigley are there for the social status of it. In other words, while there are tons and tons of legitimate Cubs fans here in Chicago and around the country, there are many who'll go to Wrigley because...




I don't think it's that way as much anymore... People are genuinely into the game these days (check out all the boos that have going on there the past 10 years or so... I never remember much of that 20 years ago, and the team was awful)

[PleaseWinAWorldSeriesCubs]

Hmmm...I have a question for PleaseWinAWorldSeriesCubs. Maybe other posters can answer this as well. No funny business, though...I'm being serious.

PWAWSC-you said...



This is a 2-part question. First, when you say you "never felt a good atmosphere", what exactly do you mean? I'm not trying to be sarcastic here...I'd really like to know. Other than, "it's not like Wrigley", what are you looking for? And secondly, what's going on that you can't get interested in?

What I mean is that I just don't feel like I'm at a baseball game, maybe its because nothings going on in the game, maybe its the fans not really into. I'm not really sure to be honest. Its hard to describe.

[hsnterprize]

What I mean is that I just don't feel like I'm at a baseball game, maybe its because nothings going on in the game, maybe its the fans not really into. I'm not really sure to be honest. Its hard to describe.Okay...that's a fair answer. Once again...I'm not trying to antagonize anyone, and I appreciate your honesty.

[hsnterprize]

I don't think it's that way as much anymore... People are genuinely into the game these days (check out all the boos that have going on there the past 10 years or so... I never remember much of that 20 years ago, and the team was awful)I'm thinking that "Loveable Losers" tag is really wearing thin at Wrigley. 20 years ago, there was a time when the "let's have a good time at the ballpark regardless of whether the Cubs win or lose" attitude was running rampant. Harry Caray was in full swing, Murphy's Bleachers (a bar across the street from the Waveland and Sheffield Avenue scoreboard) was buzzing, and it was all about having fun. Times HAVE changed. The Cubs not winning a World Series in now their 100th straight season has a lot of fans on edge. Not to mention, seeing the White Sox win Chicago's first baseball championship in 88 years also makes a lot of Cubs fans upset. I've heard people compare and complain about that...the Cubs have a larger fanbase, their ballpark is more historic, the team is better marketed, etc. However, we Sox fans both in Chicago and across the country have been saying for years that it's about how the team is assembled, not about off-the-field hijinks like "goat curses", manual scoreboards, bars across the street, ivy on the wall, and other stuff that can detract from the game.

Like I've said before...I respect Wrigley's history and it's "classicness", but we both know the Cubs are selling away that "classicness" little by little (i.e., ads on the outfield wall doors, ads behind home plate, the new outfield bleachers sponsored by Bud Light, the small L.E.D. ribbonboards either under the scoreboard or under the upper deck facades, etc.), and there isn't much to show for it. And as long as we keep seeing sellout crowd after sellout crowd at Clark and Addison, we know the Cubs will make money hand over fist, and there won't be much incentive to build a winner. That is...unless the fans...the TRUE Cubs fans (those who vow to stay away from Wrigley unless the Cubs build a winner) demand it with their wallets and their absence. The tourists will come, but fans have to keep voicing their disgust with "all-things-Cub" until things change.

[Lafferty Daniel]

Well this White Sox fan appreciates a Cub fan who can be honest and objective. Thanks for the nice words about the Cell. I respect Wrigley's age and history...let's face it...when you play in a stadium that's over 90 years old, there's bound to be some happenings there from time to time. What bothers me is that (at least the popular perception is) there's the sense that the Cubs' brass seem to care more about preserving the park instead of putting a good team on the field. I was growing up during the times when WGN TV was turning from a local independent station to a national superstation, and I saw for myself the "World's Largest Beer Garden" attitude fester at that place over and over again.


So I guess signing Alfonso Soriano to a multi-year deal doesn't count? Carlos Zambrano? In the last few years the Cubs have been much more agressive than the White Sox in free agency.

[Sean O]

What I mean is that I just don't feel like I'm at a baseball game, maybe its because nothings going on in the game, maybe its the fans not really into. I'm not really sure to be honest. Its hard to describe.

I just want to make sure I have this, a Cubs fan is chiding another team for having fans that don't pay attention to what's happening on the field?

The only time, in my experience, anyone cared about what was happening on the field was when Latroy Hawkins started warming up, and then people started hurling insults at him. Within earshot.

[soxnut67]

Why? Because Wrigley doesn't have an interactive area sponsored by Pontiac?

How about not answering your own question and let me answer it?

For one, probably because I have no interest in the Cubs. Other reasons include:

their lousy organ and sound system--not that I need to be blasted w sounds every second either. (noone can beat Nancy Faust on the organ at Comiskey anyway)

the terrible bathrooms.
the cramped conditions.
awful parking situation.
that stupid basket near the top of the outfield wall.

It's just blah to me anyway. I've enjoyed County Stadium & Petco much more than any trip i've made to Wrigley.

[hsnterprize]

So I guess signing Alfonso Soriano to a multi-year deal doesn't count? Carlos Zambrano? In the last few years the Cubs have been much more agressive than the White Sox in free agency.Yes...the Cubs may have been more aggressive than the White Sox in pursuing free agents, but that should be expected considering who owns the Cubs (Tribune Company), and that there has been lots of money the team could've spent. Remember...one of the BIGGEST complaints Cubs fans would have about the Tribune Company was that they would NOT spend money on free agents when they had the chance. They almost had to get Soriano considering all the pressure there was for the team to win. Zambrano has been with the team for the past 5 years, and he's been growing into the team's ace pitcher. Still, with the Cubs spending over $300 million last off-season to build a roster that performed like it did last year in a less-than-stellar division, and the team being up for sale, there isn't much room for the team to get better.

The White Sox have been historically cheap. They're not owned by any major media company, so they don't have a ton of money to spend on high-priced free agents. They made news this past season with the resigning of players like Mark Buehrle, Jermaine Dye, and A.J. Pierzynski...and there's debate here on whether or not Joe Crede will stay with the team or not now that's fully recovered from his back surgery. If the Sox had as much money as the Cubs to spend on free agents, I know they'd be going after big names on a constant basis. But as the 2005 season proved, it's not HOW MUCH money a team spends, it's HOW WELL the money is spent. The White Sox' payroll that year was just over $78 million, and they ended up winning the World Series.

[Gary Dunaier]

ads on the outfield wall doors, ads behind home plate, the new outfield bleachers sponsored by Bud Light, the small L.E.D. ribbonboards either under the scoreboard or under the upper deck facades, etc.
As a ballpark fan (disclaimer: I have never been to Wrigley), I don't have a problem with any of these changes.

My only objection to the ads behind the plate is when they put up the green screens and have ads that can only be seen on TV, not at the park. To me, that's manufactured and phony. Fans may dislike ads behind the plate in general, and they have a legitimate point of view, but if they must be there then I want them to be real ads that can be seen when you're in the ballpark, not technological gewgaws.

[hsnterprize]

As a ballpark fan (disclaimer: I have never been to Wrigley), I don't have a problem with any of these changes.

My only objection to the ads behind the plate is when they put up the green screens and have ads that can only be seen on TV, not at the park. To me, that's manufactured and phony. Fans may dislike ads behind the plate in general, and they have a legitimate point of view, but if they must be there then I want them to be real ads that can be seen when you're in the ballpark, not technological gewgaws.I don't necessarily have a problem with these changes either. If anything, my bone of contention is that over the years, the Cubs have often sold themselves to the public as a team that "wouldn't resort to such tactics" to "keep up with the Joneses". They promoted themselves as a team and franchise that says it keeps the "classic" and "traditional" aspects of the game while the other teams go with all the modern stuff.

Not to mention, there has been over the last few years a sort of snobbish attitude among many Cubs fans here in Chicago that comes from their ballpark's popularity. In other words, while U.S. Cellular Field and other places use ads on the wall and other modern "bells and whistles", Wrigley's been keeping with its "traditional baseball theme" while incorporating "modern vices" like those I've mentioned. In fact, Wrigley's traditionalism is such a big deal here, that when Under Armour bought the rights to put its logo on the outfield doors, there was a sense of angst and aghast among some of the Cubbie faithful. It was like, "how dare they sell out Wrigley's tradition to put some ads on the wall?!?!?!?!?" Or..."how dare they even think about rebuilding the bleachers", or "how dare they add new seats to the bleachers or behind home plate?!?!?!?!?" It's as if any kind of change is met with such angst that its front page news. That's why the Under Armour story and the recent news of Wrigley's field renovation are such big items here.

I can also understand how you feel about those "TV only ads" that Fox and ESPN use in their broadcasts. They can be annoying, especially if you're watching games in HD. However, I understand it's all about generating revenue. So I don't let it bother me. The game itself doesn't depend on sponsors...the networks, teams, and league do. Someone has to pay for all those super-high salaries, don't they?

But enough about Wrigley...let's go back to the Cell, shall we?

[hsnterprize]

Astros...

You put up some great pictures. Not to mention, I'm glad you enjoyed your time at the Cell despite the cold weather and the Astros' loss. To tell you the truth, we White Sox fans often talk about how loud the ballpark was when Paul Konerko hit that grand slam. I think it was the loudest it's ever been at that place...and you can credit that new roof for keeping a lot of the volume in.

And just for the record...I believe Jermaine Dye caught a break when he fouled off that pitch prior to Konerko's homer, and was sent to first because the umpire thought he was hit. At full speed at the time, we all thought Dye was hit, but after a while, we realized he wasn't. He didn't act like a hitter who was hit in the hand with a pitch on a cold and wet night. But has Chad Qualls recovered from the granny yet? Heck...has Brad Lidge recovered from the walk off he gave up to Scott Podsednik??? I think he was still in a trance from giving up that long ball to Albert Pujols in the NLCS that year. In fact, I just read a report from NASA that says that ball he hit is just about ready to return from orbit.

Anyway, you said something that really caught my attention...you said, "I had heard so many detractions from other fans but it was really great to see it for myself." Well, join the club of folks who were in the same boat...only to find out the detractions were false at best. Sure, U.S. Cellular Field isn't like any other place, and it's not supposed to be. Thanks for giving it a fair chance. It'll be even better if and when you come back.

One more thing...you ought to start a thread about Minute Maid Park. Write about from an Astros fan's perspective. From what I've seen, it looks really neat, and an improvement from the Astrodome...not that the Astrodome was a bad place, but Minute Maid Park is a nice baseball place.

[emath2432]

I just want to make sure I have this, a Cubs fan is chiding another team for having fans that don't pay attention to what's happening on the field?

The only time, in my experience, anyone cared about what was happening on the field was when Latroy Hawkins started warming up, and then people started hurling insults at him. Within earshot.

Thats more the perception than the reality these days...Sure, the bleachers are more of a party area, but the rest of them are there for the game... Trust me, we pay attention...

[Astros]

Astros...

You put up some great pictures. Not to mention, I'm glad you enjoyed your time at the Cell despite the cold weather and the Astros' loss. To tell you the truth, we White Sox fans often talk about how loud the ballpark was when Paul Konerko hit that grand slam. I think it was the loudest it's ever been at that place...and you can credit that new roof for keeping a lot of the volume in.

And just for the record...I believe Jermaine Dye caught a break when he fouled off that pitch prior to Konerko's homer, and was sent to first because the umpire thought he was hit. At full speed at the time, we all thought Dye was hit, but after a while, we realized he wasn't. He didn't act like a hitter who was hit in the hand with a pitch on a cold and wet night. But has Chad Qualls recovered from the granny yet? Heck...has Brad Lidge recovered from the walk off he gave up to Scott Podsednik??? I think he was still in a trance from giving up that long ball to Albert Pujols in the NLCS that year. In fact, I just read a report from NASA that says that ball he hit is just about ready to return from orbit.

Anyway, you said something that really caught my attention...you said, "I had heard so many detractions from other fans but it was really great to see it for myself." Well, join the club of folks who were in the same boat...only to find out the detractions were false at best. Sure, U.S. Cellular Field isn't like any other place, and it's not supposed to be. Thanks for giving it a fair chance. It'll be even better if and when you come back.

One more thing...you ought to start a thread about Minute Maid Park. Write about from an Astros fan's perspective. From what I've seen, it looks really neat, and an improvement from the Astrodome...not that the Astrodome was a bad place, but Minute Maid Park is a nice baseball place.


Thanks for the comments. I actually took a very funny and interesting photo of a couple of fans on the concourse who had their faces painted. I stopped to see if I could take their picture so they posed. What I didn't see at the time because the concourse was so packed was that a dad and his son were walking right behind these two fans and he gave the ol' "we're number 1" signal with the middle finger. His son appears in the photo looking horrified at what his dad is doing. It is a very funny photo but I'm not sure if I can post it here.

U.S. Cellular Field was very nice. I especially liked seeing the Old Comiskey site from the Club Concourse behind the home plate area. There is a large model of Old Comiskey Park and lots of historical artifacts/photos from the franchise. It was good to see that while the White Sox moved on from a ballpark standpoint, they didn't lose sight of their team history along the way.

I probably will start a thread on Minute Maid Park to show all the different angles and areas around the ballpark. It is a great ballpark.

[soxnut67]

Here is a pic of the new neighborhood being developed near the ballpark. It has replaced all of the housing projects.


31106

[soxnut67]

Arial photo from google earth


31107

[Gary Dunaier]

That's a great photograph! I love ballpark photos that show some of the neighboring buildings, so that you get a feel for what type of area it's located in. (I'd have preferred that the Senior Citizen home just beyond the scoreboard wasn't cut off at the edge, but that's just me.)

It would have been interesting to see that same angle with the housing projects there.

[hsnterprize]

That's a great photograph! I love ballpark photos that show some of the neighboring buildings, so that you get a feel for what type of area it's located in. (I'd have preferred that the Senior Citizen home just beyond the scoreboard wasn't cut off at the edge, but that's just me.)

It would have been interesting to see that same angle with the housing projects there.A better "neighborhood" photo of the Cell would've been if it were taken west of the ballpark. Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood is a very nice area, with new housing developments (i.e., town homes, condos, single-family homes) pricing as much as $1 million. It's not a "trendy" neighborhood like Lakeview is around Wrigley Field, but it's a good, clean area with good people and places to eat and hang around before/after White Sox games. Not to mention, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley grew up there near the intersection of 35th Street and Lowe Avenue, which is only about 4 block west of the ballpark.

[hsnterprize]

On April 11th, the White Sox unveiled a special monument outside the ballpark dedicated to the 2005 World Series Champions. It's called "Championship Moments", and it's a combination statue featuring key moments from that season, and a brick layout featuring personalized bricks from fans. WGN-TV did a story about the unveiling, and here's a link to that story...

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/cs-080411-chicago-white-sox-championship-moments,1,944819.story

As pictures become available, I'll post some here. It's a very nice looking monument, and it only adds to the character of U.S. Cellular Field. Now there's lineage to the White Sox' history on both the inside AND outside of the ballpark.

[NMAN90]

Im a Sox fan, but ive only made the pilgrimage (sorry, im a bad speller) to the Cell once, and that was June 19th 2007. And it was just a fantastic atmosphere, really just a great place to enjoy a ballpark, but the upperdeck issue really made me angry, but my awsome seats made up for it :cool: (since I was located right behind homeplate), heres a pic of my seat

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i170/WHITESOX901/630495-R1-15-17A.jpg

Im returning agianst the Twins June 9th, and I cant wait to get a real good look around and to see the Championchip plaza. I am sitting in the Bleachers, row 11, any know how good those seats are?

[YankeeFanUK]

i went to the Cell last August for the 4 game series with the Sawx...2 of my games were in the upper deck, one behind the plate & one in the bleachers...the bleachers were an ok seat...my only problem with the Cell was if you had seats in the upper deck you were`nt allowed to go down to the lower ( although i sweet talked one of the elevator workers and got down :) )

[skobabe8]

Im returning agianst the Twins June 9th, and I cant wait to get a real good look around and to see the Championchip plaza. I am sitting in the Bleachers, row 11, any know how good those seats are?

Should be pretty good. What section?

The UD rule probably isnt the most fan friendly thing in the world, but my UD season tickets allow me to go in the lower level so it doesnt affect me.

If anyone buys an upper deck ticket from a scalper and the ticket has a picture on it (a season ticket holder's ticket) you ARE ALLOWED to go on the lower level.

[YankeeFanUK]

the UD rule only came into effect after the renovations...i went to the Cell for the opening day game with the Tigers back in 03 and you could go anywhere ( UD ticket or not )

[jerseyyankeefan]

From TV, I'm in NYC, the place looked too similar to Yankee Stadium when first built, but the renovations changed all that -- the place looks great.

[Sean Ryan]

Anyone have pictures before it was renovated. I want to SEE how it looked like YS

[Yoda]

Anyone have pictures before it was renovated. I want to SEE how it looked like YS

Doesn't look anything like it.

But it looks pretty sterile.
http://www.minorleagueballparks.com/comisk.jpg

[hsnterprize]

Should be pretty good. What section?

The UD rule probably isnt the most fan friendly thing in the world, but my UD season tickets allow me to go in the lower level so it doesnt affect me.

If anyone buys an upper deck ticket from a scalper and the ticket has a picture on it (a season ticket holder's ticket) you ARE ALLOWED to go on the lower level.None of us non-season ticket holders like that "upper deck" rule. I heard Brooks Boyer, the VP of Marketing for the White Sox, say on the radio a couple of years ago that the rule was to "protect the fans" in the lower bowl because of so many incedents of people who'd come from the upper deck downstairs and start trouble. The fans running on the field and attacking the visiting team's 1st base coach/umpire was only what was publicly seen. And I'm not trying to say that everyone in the ballpark is there to cause trouble. There are way too many people who go to White Sox games to have a good time and watch the game. However, with the on-field incidents so well publicized by local and national media, the Sox (in my opinion) had to do something. The PR was terrible after those situations...and at almost seemed to turn from an embarrassment to a source of anger only when everyone from fans of other teams to the press kept bringing it up. And granted...most of those comparisons only came vs. a "fun loving, sold out" crowd at Wrigley Field just 9 miles north of the Cell.

Thankfully, those comparisons have pretty much died down thanks to the team winning the '05 World Series. Obviously, this Sox fan would like to see the team win some more titles in my lifetime. But suffice it to say a lot of the "superficial" comparisons between the White Sox and Cubs have gone away.

[jerseyyankeefan]

Doesn't look anything like it.

But it looks pretty sterile.
http://www.minorleagueballparks.com/comisk.jpg

I think it looked a lot like Yankee Stadium from the inside -- blue seats, blue padding along the walls, three levels, big steep, upper deck with a slight overhang. My concern with the new Yankees Stadium is the blue seats and exposed concrete will also have a sterile look, but we'll see.

[hsnterprize]

I think it looked a lot like Yankee Stadium from the inside -- blue seats, blue padding along the walls, three levels, big steep, upper deck with a slight overhang. My concern with the new Yankees Stadium is the blue seats and exposed concrete will also have a sterile look, but we'll see.
I'm thinking the blue seats may be more accepted with the new Yankee Stadium considering blue is a color of the team. The only reason why New Comiskey Park had blue seats in it at the time was because Jerry Reinsdorf wanted them there...he's a Brooklyn Dodgers fan.

As long as the new Yankee Stadium has legitimate connections with its predecessor, it'll be fine. Sure...it'll feel funny at first being in a new stadium, but you'll get used to it. Or...if you and other Yankees fans don't like it, keep making noise with your local media. I'm sure Hank Steinbrenner and company would be able to fork over whatever renovation costs it would take to make a ballpark to the fans' liking. That's what we had to do in order for the Sox to make whatever changes they had to make with New Comiskey in order to make The Cell.

[Philtration]

Actually, if you look close and pan to the right, soxnut67's picture is taken from the last row in the upper deck. Not too bad a view for the last row.

I absolutley love the columns up there. They add so much and seem to take away so little.

Exactly.
Take a look at the view from the top of the much maligned upper deck.
The renovations have made this a great ballpark and a lot of people who bash it have never been there or still have the original design in their heads.
It is a different place now and is made for baseball without the forced, cute look of some places.
They have done a great job fixing some of the mistakes that were made when the place was opened.

[MarcianoNY]

I think it looked a lot like Yankee Stadium from the inside -- blue seats, blue padding along the walls, three levels, big steep, upper deck with a slight overhang. My concern with the new Yankees Stadium is the blue seats and exposed concrete will also have a sterile look, but we'll see.

Compare the original interior of New Comiskey to this rendering of some Yankee Stadium renovations that weren't realized, especially the luxury boxes. In the second photo check out how the exterior of the bleachers wraps around the curve... that is a dead-on knock off of Yankee Stadium - they didn't even try to hide it! Also check out the double-wall in front of the bleachers. Did they change the distances, or was that purposely put there to copy YS??! It definitely looks a lot better in its current form, but I think it's funny that, while making it less a clone of YS, they added a frieze to the roof.

[NMAN90]

SEC 160, its the farthest one from the exploding scoreboard.

Ill be the the fat kid in the Black SOX Jersey with a ginger kid, come say hi!:p

if anyone is going that is! always nice to talk baseball with other Sox Fans:cool:

[hsnterprize]

Compare the original interior of New Comiskey to this rendering of some Yankee Stadium renovations that weren't realized, especially the luxury boxes. In the second photo check out how the exterior of the bleachers wraps around the curve... that is a dead-on knock off of Yankee Stadium - they didn't even try to hide it! Also check out the double-wall in front of the bleachers. Did they change the distances, or was that purposely put there to copy YS??! It definitely looks a lot better in its current form, but I think it's funny that, while making it less a clone of YS, they added a frieze to the roof.

I"m not sure if the original New Comiskey Park was supposed to be a "knockoff" of Yankee Stadium. If anything, it was supposed to be a modern baseball facility. It wasn't a totally bad idea at first, but we all know what happened. Not to mention, there are 2 levels of luxury boxes in the ballpark, and that was another "genius" idea Jerry came up with...sticking all the boxes in between the seating decks. Not too smart for the times.

From what I've heard, Reinsdorf wanted a version of Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium incorporated into New Comiskey. He said he really liked that design. But I would'nt be surprised if Yankee Stadium was incorporated into the mix. Remember...Reinsdorf wanted something modern, practical, and CHEAP. And he learned the hard way that wasn't the way to go.

[six4three]

Especially if the story is true, and he could have had Camden Yards....

[hsnterprize]

Especially if the story is true, and he could have had Camden Yards....Yes, he could've.

[Yoda]

I'd rather have renovated USCF than Camden.

[Lions/Tigers@Cubs.OhMy!]

Especially if the story is true, and he could have had Camden Yards....

??? What would Oriole Park be without Camden Yards? That warehouse in right field is a) what makes the experience so unique to Baltimore and b) what influenced so many other cities to add a bit of urban/neighborhood flare to their designs. Since Camden we've gotten the warehouse actually built into Petco Park, the whole train theme at Safeco, the bay at AT&T, possibly the riverwalk at the Great American and best illustrated by the yellow roberto clemente bridge at PNC. (It could be argued that the Wrigley Rooftops predates this but I don't recall there being a rooftop frenzy, like there is now, until about 10 years ago... after Camden Yards).

What was New Comisky going to use the Dan Ryan Expressway?

[Kentucky Bomber]

??? What would Oriole Park be without Camden Yards? That warehouse in right field is a) what makes the experience so unique to Baltimore and b) what influenced so many other cities to add a bit of urban/neighborhood flare to their designs. Since Camden we've gotten the warehouse actually built into Petco Park, the whole train theme at Safeco, the bay at AT&T, possibly the riverwalk at the Great American and best illustrated by the yellow roberto clemente bridge at PNC. (It could be argued that the Wrigley Rooftops predates this but I don't recall there being a rooftop frenzy, like there is now, until about 10 years ago... after Camden Yards).

What was New Comisky going to use the Dan Ryan Expressway?

They could have backed it up to the projects and added nightly drama to the ballgames.

[MarcianoNY]

They could have backed it up to the projects and added nightly drama to the ballgames.

Haha.... seriously though, if you need a build a "warehouse" (I'm starting to hate that word) into your stadium to make it feel like it's in an old inner-city neighborhood, you've got problems. That warehouse in Petco looks ridiculous. RIDICULOUS. As in: worthy of ridicule. You'd think that Camden Yards could've been a cookie-cutter but if it had that stupid warehouse people would bow down and worship it.

[Lions/Tigers@Cubs.OhMy!]

You'd think that Camden Yards could've been a cookie-cutter but if it had that stupid warehouse people would bow down and worship it.

If I'm understanding you correctly, then yes I do think that would have happened. Without the warehouse it would have been arlington's park, and there isn't anybody jumping up and down to praise that place.

I actually like the warehouse in Petco and am glad that they built Oriole Park with te warehouse in mind... I jjust get frusterated when things seem too forced... like minutemaid seems very forced to me (but I've never actually been there).

oh! and be very careful what you say about the Cell's neighborhood... Sox fan's are very protective of it. I got roasted on here not to long ago about making a joke that there are bars on the windows instead of bars to drink at.

[Lions/Tigers@Cubs.OhMy!]

a Picture (I took) of Camden Yards

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/rehasty/camden.jpg


now imagine instead of that warehouse being there it's the Dan Ryan. I'd have to agree that after all the renovations, the WSox are far better off with the Cell... it looks good, works well and is focused on what's important... the game on the field.

[CitiFieldIsNoShea]

One of the most interesting developments to come out (or actually not come out of) of new Comiskey Park, is Armour Field.

I first read about it a couple of years ago and thought this would be a good place to discuss it.

It certainly seems like the architect took chances with the design, incorporating columns into a modern stadium while also having a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline. Despite the columns, the design seems as though it would have been widely acclaimed as opposed to the universal criticism which the HOK designed park turned out to be.

Here are a couple of images of what Sox fans could've had...

[J.R.]

Thankfully, those comparisons have pretty much died down thanks to the team winning the '05 World Series. Obviously, this Sox fan would like to see the team win some more titles in my lifetime. But suffice it to say a lot of the "superficial" comparisons between the White Sox and Cubs have gone away.

Ozzie says otherwise.

We won it a couple of years ago, and we're ####. The Cubs haven't won it in 100 years, and they're the #### best. #### everybody. We're ####, and we're going to be #### the rest of our lives, no matter how many World Series we win.

[hsnterprize]

One of the most interesting developments to come out (or actually not come out of) of new Comiskey Park, is Armour Field.

I first read about it a couple of years ago and thought this would be a good place to discuss it.

It certainly seems like the architect took chances with the design, incorporating columns into a modern stadium while also having a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline. Despite the columns, the design seems as though it would have been widely acclaimed as opposed to the universal criticism which the HOK designed park turned out to be.

Here are a could of images of what Sox fans could've had...That would've really been an "outside the box" kind of idea for the time. From what I've heard, the architects who designed Armour Field actually presented their models and such to the Sox, but Reinsdorf rejected it...he was set on having a "modern stadium" with 2 levels of skyboxes instead of a classic looking place. Now I'm sure if he had it to do all over again, he'd reconsider. But remember...classic looking stadia wasn't the trend back when this place was being designed.

[banko]

I remember seeing that design many years ago.

I thought it was fantastic.

It is somewhat similar to Elvis' 'neo'-Polo Grounds.

I don't remember if the design incorporated an upper-deck supported by columns, but I DO remember a good article about how, with modern technology, very thin columns could be used to bring the upper-decks closer to the field.

I spent a lot of my youth (the 60's) working on the concept of a 'modern' Polo Grounds (I wish I had the computer skills to do rendering).

Even as a 16-year-old. I was surprised that the circular 'cookie-cutter' was the standard 'template' for a multi-purpose stadium, when the Polo Grounds concept is far superior. Imagine the Polo Grounds...with 'notches' at the foul lines...allowing for today's minimum distances...and retractable stands along the outfield walls.

And, all of today's modern amenities.

Cupholders.

Wow.

[banko]

P.S.

In about 1966 (and I tell the truth here), my final drawing included a hotel in centerfield...'anticipating' Sky Dome by just a tad bit.

[cgcoyne2]

I think it looked a lot like Yankee Stadium from the inside -- blue seats, blue padding along the walls, three levels, big steep, upper deck with a slight overhang...

If you look at that picture like this it looks a lot like Yankee Stadium.

42565


I work with a group of guys that travel to other baseball parks. I live in NJ. All of the group are Mets and Yankee fans. It's probably split down the middle. They went to Wrigley, US Cellular and Miller Park this year in April. I was unable to attend. I visited Wrigley in 2001. They liked all three parks but the Upper Deck rule at the CELL was not taken lightly. One of the guys went to Customer Service and complained. He explained that they were there to "SEE" the ballpark. He was told to come back after the 6th inning and they were allowed downstairs.

We've met a lot of people traveling around the country to see ballparks and MLB is going to have to respect that. I don't want to go to a ballpark and 5 years later say that I was there but I never saw that part of the park. You shouldn't have to go 50 times to a stadium to see all the nooks and crannies. When I go to a stadium I sit for a few innings then take my walk. I get tons and tons of pictures. At PNC I just walked into the Luxury box level (it was unattended) and took a look. If I had to just sit there in my seat or section I'd be mad. There are a lot of group traveling from park to park now. You'd be surprised.

[Chevy114]

If you look at that picture like this it looks a lot like Yankee Stadium.

42565


I work with a group of guys that travel to other baseball parks. I live in NJ. All of the group are Mets and Yankee fans. It's probably split down the middle. They went to Wrigley, US Cellular and Miller Park this year in April. I was unable to attend. I visited Wrigley in 2001. They liked all three parks but the Upper Deck rule at the CELL was not taken lightly. One of the guys went to Customer Service and complained. He explained that they were there to "SEE" the ballpark. He was told to come back after the 6th inning and they were allowed downstairs.

We've met a lot of people traveling around the country to see ballparks and MLB is going to have to respect that. I don't want to go to a ballpark and 5 years later say that I was there but I never saw that part of the park. You shouldn't have to go 50 times to a stadium to see all the nooks and crannies. When I go to a stadium I sit for a few innings then take my walk. I get tons and tons of pictures. At PNC I just walked into the Luxury box level (it was unattended) and took a look. If I had to just sit there in my seat or section I'd be mad. There are a lot of group traveling from park to park now. You'd be surprised.

If im at a ballpark, Im getting the best seat possible if I only go once. I did that in wrigley we had great seats because I knew i might never go back again!

[YankeeFanUK]

If im at a ballpark, Im getting the best seat possible if I only go once. I did that in wrigley we had great seats because I knew i might never go back again!

i agree ...every Park i visit ( 21 so far ) i do a 3 game series...1 seat in the bleachers, 1 upper deck and 1 the VERY best i can get...if i was only going for 1 game i`d buy the best

[cgcoyne2]

If im at a ballpark, Im getting the best seat possible if I only go once. I did that in wrigley we had great seats because I knew I might never go back again!

I can agree but my point was that I want to see the whole park. I walk all the concourses, take tons of pictures and get the feel of the whole place. I go everywhere. Even some places I shouldn't be if I can!!!

[skobabe8]

oh! and be very careful what you say about the Cell's neighborhood... Sox fan's are very protective of it. I got roasted on here not to long ago about making a joke that there are bars on the windows instead of bars to drink at.

No, you were roasted because you came up with your joke 10 years too late.

[Chevy114]

I can agree but my point was that I want to see the whole park. I walk all the concourses, take tons of pictures and get the feel of the whole place. I go everywhere. Even some places I shouldn't be if I can!!!

Yeah it seems a shame to pay 30 bucks for a seat so you can spend 7 of 9 innings walking around the concourses.

[Yoda]

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/jjjj.jpg

[Yoda]

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/uscf2.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/uscf.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/dfsdfsdf.jpg

[Chevy114]

Wow I never realized how dark the seats were at night.

[Yoda]

Wow I never realized how dark the seats were at night.

The pictures I posted are enhanced with a program that uses something called HDR. For a full explanation google HDR photography (they can explain it better anyway)

Here's what one of the originals looked like:
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/P1060824.jpg

Basically you take the same picture at three different exposures and kind of combine them to bring out detail and color the way you want.

[Chevy114]

That is cool, it looks like when you turn the lights out in the house to play like hide and seek as a kid but yet the street lightst still shine in.

[Yoda]

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/P1060893.jpg

[Chevy114]

I like your editied picture better lol

[Philtration]

People need to remove the pre-renovation image of U.S. Cellular from their minds because that ballpark does not really exist any longer.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/12-4921.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/USCellular2.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/893493.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/pMLB2-2241243dt.jpg

[Yoda]

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/celldusk.jpg

[Seattle1]

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/uscf.jpg


I really like that picture a lot.

:applaud:

[Yoda]

My friend took this one....

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/my%20photos/Picture065.jpg

[six4three]

But remember...classic looking stadia wasn't the trend back when this place was being designed.

True, but they were right around the corner.

He had an opportunity to be a visionary, but was stuck in an outdated past.

[J.R.]

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/uscf.jpg

Nice pic.

Is it true that the girders/frames in the outfield are built to the approximate height of the roofline of old Comiskey's grandstand?

[Chevy114]

What was the grand total for renovation costs again?

[Yoda]

Nice pic.

Is it true that the girders/frames in the outfield are built to the approximate height of the roofline of old Comiskey's grandstand?


Not sure. But you might like this

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/dhcb33/comiskey67.jpg

[Yoda]

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/celldusk2.jpg

[Yoda]

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/firey.jpg

[Yoda]

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/P1060713.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/P1060718.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/P1060816.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/P1060716.jpg

[Sean O]

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Chips347/yodapics/P1060816.jpg


First off, wow, there weren't that many people there for any Sox game I ever attended. I'd be surprised if there were half that many.

Second, I love US Cellular, but you can kinda see how fake that inner fence is from this angle. Do we really need that type of separation past the bullpens in left?

[Yoda]

Not sure why they made a new fence. But it wasn't always like that.


They did it long before nutjobs started running on the field too, so it must be for extra home runs.

[Yoda]

Also, the Sox are mainly a nice weather draw. Once it warms up they average about 35k+.

When it's chilly only the die hards show up :shrug:


Does that make a good chunk of sox fans fair weather? maybe.

[Sean O]

Also, the Sox are mainly a nice weather draw. Once it warms up they average about 35k+.

When it's chilly only the die hards show up :shrug:


Does that make a good chunk of sox fans fair weather? maybe.

Well, some of the last games I went to down in Chicago were in Mid April of 2005 versus the Twins (the Monday and Tuesday deals ruled), when it was unseasonably in the 70s and perfect. Attendance was listed as 27k for the first, but only 18k for the 2nd. Seemed like we were the only ones in the upper deck.

It was a shame we didn't get much of a chance to see the lower deck since they close everything off, but the front of the upper deck was perfectly fine.

[stlfan]

Second, I love US Cellular, but you can kinda see how fake that inner fence is from this angle. Do we really need that type of separation past the bullpens in left?

Actually, if you look at this photo posted by philtration, the park has always had the fence distant from the front row of the outfield seating.

[stlfan]

I had never seen this cool photo on ballparksofbaseball.com of the removal of part of the upper deck.

[cgcoyne2]

I had never seen this cool photo on ballparksofbaseball.com of the removal of part of the upper deck.

Now that is a cool picture!!!

[MarcianoNY]

I had never seen this cool photo on ballparksofbaseball.com of the removal of part of the upper deck.

Like seeing the Yankee Stadium renovation in reverse

[stlfan]

Like seeing the Yankee Stadium renovation in reverse
It reminded me a lot of the few Yankee Stadium renovation photos too.

[hsnterprize]

True, but they were right around the corner.

He had an opportunity to be a visionary, but was stuck in an outdated past.

But here's my question...how was he to know the past was "outdated"? If other new stadia were built like New Comiskey, Reinsdorf probably would've been called a "visionary", but how was he, or all of us for that matter, to know that the "past" was the new "future" as far as baseball was concerned. Remember...before New Comiskey was built, the newest stadium that went up was the Skydome (now Rogers Centre) in Toronto, and that was praised highly for being a "futuristic" ballpark. During the "retro" boom, that place was outdated faster than you can say, "let's make out in the Dome's Hard Rock Hotel."

Oriole Park started the whole retro-ballpark trend, and I agree with you to a point that Reinsdorf could've been the first owner with that style of ballpark. But look what happened since then...just about every new major and minor league ballpark is an "Oriole Park wanna-be", with forced quirks and ingenuine angles that look good on postcards, but don't really reflect baseball's past the way older parks did. Now with new parks in San Diego, Cincinnati, Washington D.C., and even the new Yankee Stadium...current ballpark trends are going away from that "faux retro" style. That style was just as trendy in the 90's as the "mega cookie cutter" stadiums of the 60's and 70's.

[hsnterprize]

Also, the Sox are mainly a nice weather draw. Once it warms up they average about 35k+.

When it's chilly only the die hards show up :shrug:


Does that make a good chunk of sox fans fair weather? maybe.

No...I don't think so. The only reason the whole "attendance" thing comes up is because of Wrigley being sold out every game. Once again...the Cubs have a NATIONAL fan base, and Wrigley Field is a tourist attraction, so their place is going to fill up. The White Sox don't have as large of a fanbase as the Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, or Dodgers.

U.S. Cellular Field usually gets pretty close to full, if not filled up, between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

[six4three]

But here's my question...how was he to know the past was "outdated"?
Well, the Orioles did.

That's the difference between a visionary and mere mortals. Reinsdorf was handed something completely new, an opportunity to be at the forefront of a movement, and he rejected it in favor of the familiar. Ended up at the rear of the pack instead of leading it.

The Orioles were handed the same opportunity almost immediately afterwards (they broke ground a month after the White Sox), and saw it for what it was.

Just a shame, is all I'm saying.

[stlfan]

Well, the Orioles did.

That's the difference between a visionary and mere mortals. Reinsdorf was handed something completely new, an opportunity to be at the forefront of a movement, and he rejected it in favor of the familiar. Ended up at the rear of the pack instead of leading it.

The Orioles were handed the same opportunity almost immediately afterwards (they broke ground a month after the White Sox), and saw it for what it was.

Just a shame, is all I'm saying.

After hearing that Reinsdorf was given a Camden like proposal but rejected it, You have to give credit to the Orioles. If you look at early designs for Camden, they look a lot like New Comiskey (pre-renovation). But they chose to be bold and be visionaries. I suggest reading "Ballpark" if you haven't already. It goes through the whole process of the conception to the final product of Camden Yards.

[Yoda]

Can anyone link to pictures of other possible Camdens?

[stlfan]

Cool pic I found online at steelservicecorp.com of the renovations.

[Yoda]

Very awesome! :applaud:

[hsnterprize]

Well, the Orioles did.

That's the difference between a visionary and mere mortals. Reinsdorf was handed something completely new, an opportunity to be at the forefront of a movement, and he rejected it in favor of the familiar. Ended up at the rear of the pack instead of leading it.

The Orioles were handed the same opportunity almost immediately afterwards (they broke ground a month after the White Sox), and saw it for what it was.

Just a shame, is all I'm saying.I can see where you're coming from. He did reject the Camden Yards design...and mainly because he wanted to be cheap. He thought 2 levels of luxury boxes sandwiched between 3 levels of seating was the way to go. I agree he could've been in the forefront as far as ballpark design was concerned. He made a mistake, and it took him a long time and a lot of complaints from fans and media for him to admit that.

Having said that, I'm glad of the park's current layout...only because it's NOT like the other "faux retro" ballparks out there. Yes, it has green seats, but the motif and layout is unique to the White Sox, and I think this park will ultimately be celebrated if and when it lasts as long as it possibly can. Remember...even Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, or Yankee Stadium weren't exactly "celebrated" when they first went up. Only after time and history were those places heralded as they are now. And I believe in time, U.S. Cellular Field will be celebrated too. I also feel it will be celebrated for NOT starting or following the "faux retro" trend...that it stood out in a unique and classy way, and it ultimately paid attention to its own history instead of trying to copy everyone else's.

[stlfan]

Remember...even Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, or Yankee Stadium weren't exactly "celebrated" when they first went up. Only after time and history were those places heralded as they are now. And I believe in time, U.S. Cellular Field will be celebrated too.

Fenway is a good example in your argument. True, the reasons weren't the same as New Comiskey/U.S. Cellular as to why they renovated it, but Fenway went under an extensive renovation 22 years after it was constructed in 1912. The outfield bleachers and the green monster were famous results of this renovation. I do think history will look back on U.S. Cellular Field much differently on it than our reactions to it in 1992-1993 after Camden Yards opened up. And I think your reasons hsnterprize are correct.

[Jim Vaz]

I must say the more and more I see US Cellular I like what they were able to do to it.

They took a bland pre Camden Yards cookie cutter and made it really eye appealing and fan friendly.

[six4three]

Fenway is a good example in your argument. True, the reasons weren't the same as New Comiskey/U.S. Cellular as to why they renovated it, but Fenway went under an extensive renovation 22 years after it was constructed in 1912. The outfield bleachers and the green monster were famous results of this renovation. I do think history will look back on U.S. Cellular Field much differently on it than our reactions to it in 1992-1993 after Camden Yards opened up. And I think your reasons hsnterprize are correct.

True enough, but it should be noted that few ballparks built in 1912 were intended to last more than a couple years. I don't know for sure, but based on plans of Fenway I'd number that park among them. There's a slight difference.

Glad that the upgrades were so substantial - I'm planning to be in Chicago in August, and I'll take in a game then.

[hsnterprize]

Cool pic I found online at steelservicecorp.com of the renovations.Here's another picture from that site.

http://www.steelservicecorp.com/Chicago%20White%20Sox/04[1].jpg

It's a ceremonial piece of steel...the last piece installed in the framework during the Cell's renovation. All the workers got to sign that beam, and it was decorated with flags and such before being lifted into the framework.

[Lions/Tigers@Cubs.OhMy!]

Well, the Orioles did.

That's the difference between a visionary and mere mortals. Reinsdorf was handed something completely new, an opportunity to be at the forefront of a movement, and he rejected it in favor of the familiar. Ended up at the rear of the pack instead of leading it.

The Orioles were handed the same opportunity almost immediately afterwards (they broke ground a month after the White Sox), and saw it for what it was.

Just a shame, is all I'm saying.

I can't believe I'm about to do this but...

Reinsdorf has a baseball team that won the world series just a few years ago and a Basketball team that won six titles in seven years. I was raised to root for two teams in Chicago, the Cubs and whoever is playing the White Sox (and I absolutely hate watching basketball) but to hear someone say that "that's the difference between a visonary and mere mortals;" I'm sure he'd rather take the championships as a measuring stick than a stadium (that hasn't provided a championship yet).

Wow, I never thought I'd defend that man, I'm going to go throw up now.

[Pelt]

Can anyone link to pictures of other possible Camdens?

I actually like the concept in the first pic better than the New Comiskey looking concept in the second pic.

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/3461/camdenconcept1jl6.jpg

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/3034/camdenconcept2el4.jpg

[Yoda]

Thanks Pelt!

[stlfan]

I wonder what the interior configuration in the top rendering looked like. It almost looks like it would have a Polo Grounds look to it or a more modern version of Memorial Stadium.

[Pelt]

I know.

I remember talk of a multi-purposed octogon shaped stadium being designed for Baltimore, before 1986, so they could immediately lure another NFL team in wake of the Colts exodus to Indy 1984. I'm guessing that may be the one, even though the photo says 1986.

My "Ballpark" book is buried, or I'd get a couple pics of the model up too.

[stlfan]

I know.

I remember talk of a multi-purposed octogon shaped stadium being designed for Baltimore, before 1986, so they could immediately lure another NFL team in wake of the Colts exodus to Indy 1984. I'm guessing that may be the one, even though the photo says 1986.

My "Ballpark" book is buried, or I'd get a couple pics of the model up too.

Is the model you are talking about the photo of the model of Camden Yards with the large radio tower?

[Pelt]

That's the one. It kind of reminds me of the towers that ended up in Petco's design.

[LetsGoMets687]

I actually like the concept in the first pic better than the New Comiskey looking concept in the second pic.

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/3461/camdenconcept1jl6.jpg


Wow--a dual-purpose, generic, 80s-style octagon. If they would've built that, the orioles would probably already be looking to replace it or move elsewhere.

[stlfan]

Here's what I envision the layout would have been.

[LetsGoMets687]

Here's what I envision the layout would have been.

That's pretty good. The only difference--in the rendering, the sides of the octagon are equal, not oblong-shaped.

[Pelt]

Wow--a dual-purpose, generic, 80s-style octagon. If they would've built that, the orioles would probably already be looking to replace it or move elsewhere.

As compared to the other design style for Camden, which was obviously what the White Sox went with, I find it much more interesting.

It really only lacks the brick outer skin that most retro parks went with to cover up the ramps.

[LetsGoMets687]

As compared to the other design style for Camden, which was obviously what the White Sox went with, I find it much more interesting.

It really only lacks the brick outer skin that most retro parks went with to cover up the ramps.

How can a multi-purpose arena be better then a baseball-only design? The baseball sight lines would be horrible in that design--seats pushed away from the action, no cantilevers and way too many seats not even facing the infield.

[Pelt]

How can a multi-purpose arena be better then a baseball-only design? The baseball sight lines would be horrible in that design--seats pushed away from the action, no cantilevers and way too many seats not even facing the infield.

That's quite an assumption based upon that one pic, which doesn't even show much of the inside.

[LetsGoMets687]

That's quite an assumption based upon that one pic, which doesn't even show much of the inside.

Not that much of an assumption that that's a dual-purpose design considering the wide, equidistant shape of the stands--obviously suitable for both sports, and the fact that Baltimore was looking to lure the NFL back to town with a new stadium.

[six4three]

I actually like the concept in the first pic better than the New Comiskey looking concept in the second pic.

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/3461/camdenconcept1jl6.jpg


Hey, I think I've seen their concept model:

http://www.rosetheatre.org.uk/img/news/rose-model.jpg

[mrakbaseball]

Ramps, ramps and more ramps. The exterior was/is dominated by the ramps too much. While renovating the interior the White Sox should have done something about the ramps. They jut out from the stadium way too much.

[Tino24]

One of the most interesting developments to come out (or actually not come out of) of new Comiskey Park, is Armour Field.

I first read about it a couple of years ago and thought this would be a good place to discuss it.

It certainly seems like the architect took chances with the design, incorporating columns into a modern stadium while also having a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline. Despite the columns, the design seems as though it would have been widely acclaimed as opposed to the universal criticism which the HOK designed park turned out to be.

Here are a couple of images of what Sox fans could've had...

Are there any more pictures of the original design?

[skobabe8]

Ramps, ramps and more ramps. The exterior was/is dominated by the ramps too much. While renovating the interior the White Sox should have done something about the ramps. They jut out from the stadium way too much.

They are tearing some of the ramps down and redoing them this offseason.

[DJ Starion]

They are tearing some of the ramps down and redoing them this offseason.

I wish they'd tear down and redo the Out of Town and Main Scoreboards

[mrakbaseball]

They are tearing some of the ramps down and redoing them this offseason.

That's good news. The criticism New Comiskey received its first 10-12 years of existence has really tapered off with all the renovations its undergone this decade.

[ChineseDemocracy]

Interior ramps are the way to go.

Putting them on the outside really makes the stadium look bad.

[skobabe8]

I wish they'd tear down and redo the Out of Town and Main Scoreboards

There are rumors that the out of town board could get a makeover this year or next.

Half of the main ramp structure will be taken down and incorporated into an entertainment style complex across 35th st.

[Pelt]

Are there any more pictures of the original design?

Here are some seating diagrams of it.

[Pelt]

A couple more:

[DJ Starion]

There are rumors that the out of town board could get a makeover this year or next..

I really hope so. Hell, making it one big screen could be ideal

[Philtration]

I love the fact that they have never just left things the way they are.
They have gone to great lengths to make the place better and better and what was once a mistake has turned into one of the best parks in the game.

Removing the ramps is just another good move and I would like to see something done with the scoreboard.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/2476213083_325d132488.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/2903399233_53659f96a7_b.jpg

[DJ Starion]

There's just so much empty space in between the main display and the ads.

[nymdan]

Here are some seating diagrams of it.
Wow! Polo Grounds, anybody?

[Philtration]

Right. On top of that there are plenty of large advertisements along the back of the outfield concourse so you don’t need half of the scoreboard dedicated to them. I would actually like to see the billboards removed. I know that it brings in money but it is just too much in my opinion.
Expand on the video screen in place of the scoreboard ads. Remove that ugly McDonald's logo and bring back the clock in it's place.

I loved the old scoreboard at Comiskey. It was a monster and had style. Even the later 80's version with the split screens was better than the current one.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/comiskey63.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/scoreboard2.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/scoreboard5.jpg

[Bobby_Ayala]

Interior ramps are the way to go.

Putting them on the outside really makes the stadium look bad.


Half of the main ramp structure will be taken down and incorporated into an entertainment style complex across 35th st.

They are tearing some of the ramps down and redoing them this offseason.

Any pics to update the progress of the exterior ramp renovation? :reporter:

[dgk]

Any pics to update the progress of the exterior ramp renovation? :reporter:

shot this tonight

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/3102086528_83f85dafa8_o.jpg

comparison shot from last march

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2375697797_97873777b7_o.jpg

[mrakbaseball]

shot this tonight

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/3102086528_83f85dafa8_o.jpg


Is that the 1st or 3rd base side?

[dgk]

3rd base side, along 35th St. the snow-covered parking lot in the foreground is where old comiskey stood.

[mrakbaseball]

exterior ramp renovation
Phase IX of the renovations. Unfortunately it doesn't appear that the 1st base side will be renovated. The interior of this ballpark looks good but, the ramps... :ughh:

[citifaithful]

I actually like the concept in the first pic better than the New Comiskey looking concept in the second pic.

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/3461/camdenconcept1jl6.jpg

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/3034/camdenconcept2el4.jpg

Interesting. What book is this?

[mrakbaseball]

I read in the NY Times that the original press area behind home plate at New Comiskey was converted into a lounge area. The press box is currently located along the 1st base line. This has to be the only current ballpark where the press box isn't located behind the plate.

[mrakbaseball]

old and new pressbox.

[ol' aches and pains]

shot this tonight

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/3102086528_83f85dafa8_o.jpg

comparison shot from last march

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2375697797_97873777b7_o.jpg

Big improvement. Slowly but surely, they're making the Cell look presentable. It was a total piece of crap when it opened, but by the time they want to tear it down, it might look pretty good.

[skobabe8]

Phase IX of the renovations. Unfortunately it doesn't appear that the 1st base side will be renovated. The interior of this ballpark looks good but, the ramps... :ughh:

They took the time and effort to build those beautiful arches to pay homage to the old place, and then completely obstruct them with ramps. At least they are trying to make it right now. Hopefully the new restaurant and team store connected to the ramp structure will be nice.

[Philtration]

They took the time and effort to build those beautiful arches to pay homage to the old place, and then completely obstruct them with ramps. At least they are trying to make it right now. Hopefully the new restaurant and team store connected to the ramp structure will be nice.

Right.
I like the fact that they admitted the place was wrong and they have spent a lot of time and effort to correct it.
U.S. Cellular gets better each year and is now a great ballpark.

[ChineseDemocracy]

Ballpark puberty.

[hsnterprize]

Every ballpark...even "shrines" like Wrigley Field and Fenway Park go through renovations. We all know this, but there seems to be this perception that parks like that seemed to be built "perfectly" from the very first layed brick.

I was one of may White Sox fans who didn't like the first design of New Comiskey Park. But since all the renovations and such, the place is looking better and better every year.

What I'd like to see in the near future is not only a re-vamped scoreboard system in the outfield, but also a "grand entrance" along the 3rd base corner entrance near the intersection of 35th Street and Wentworth Avenue. It would be viewable from the Dan Ryan Expressway, and it would be a pretty neat focal point for fans and tourists alike.

[DJ Starion]

Is there only going to be once access ramp now going from the upper deck now? or are they planning on rebuilding something less obstructive?

[DJ Starion]

Right. On top of that there are plenty of large advertisements along the back of the outfield concourse so you don’t need half of the scoreboard dedicated to them. I would actually like to see the billboards removed. I know that it brings in money but it is just too much in my opinion.
Expand on the video screen in place of the scoreboard ads. Remove that ugly McDonald's logo and bring back the clock in it's place.

I loved the old scoreboard at Comiskey. It was a monster and had style. Even the later 80's version with the split screens was better than the current one.

And the advantage of having more videoboards is being able to rotate advertisements on there, thus possibly getting in more ad revenue

[DJ Starion]

whoops

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Construction work is stopped on renovations at US Cellular Field.

Last month, workers started building a new pedestrian ramp over 35th Street, connecting the north parking lot and the stadium.

A Building Department spokesman says the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority faces possible fines for starting work without building permits.

The state agency received permits to demolish the old ramp. But permission to build the new one has not yet been granted.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/sports&id=6558890

[Bobby_Ayala]

old and new pressbox.

Broadcast area is the same right? Only the print media was moved along the 1st base side.

[CitiFieldIsNoShea]

I've been looking several pages back and on whitesox.com and haven't found any information about the progress taking place during the current phase, which I believe is phase 9 if I am interpreting everything correctly. I know at one point on their website there was an outline of what progress would take place and a rough schedule for it. I can no longer find this page. If anyone has a basic overview of what has happened to the stadium since 2003 to the present I would appreciate it.

[RutgersWhiteSoxFan]

The Cell gets a really bad rap. I mean, really bad. Yeah, it wasn't great when originally opened, but the renovations have made it a super place to see a game.

You wanna see a museum...head to the North Side. A ballgame in comfort and style...The Cell it is.

[DJ Starion]

IMO they just need to change the scoreboards and it would be perfect.

[chip]

I like the changes they’ve made to the Cell.
It reminds me of what I thought a renovated Cleveland
Municipal Stadium would have looked like. I would have
replaced the dark corroded louvers with glass or something clean
looking like they used on the upper portion of the Cell.
I also like the new box shaped light towers that look like
Cleveland and Yankee Stadium.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/telemudd/CMSExterior.jpg

[skobabe8]

Broadcast area is the same right? Only the print media was moved along the 1st base side.

That is correct.

[DJ Starion]

So I was bored today and it wasn't as cold as usual so I decided to check out the Cell, and in the spirit I took these pics with my new cell, a Sprint HTC Touch Diamond (LOVE it :) ).

Comparing this to what was taken early December, it looks like absolutely nothing has been done. Will it even be ready by April?

Just a friendly reminder that our president is a White Sox fan.
http://www.gonrad.com/200901/image_025.jpg

Ramp looking the same, at least to me.
http://www.gonrad.com/200901/image_026.jpg
http://www.gonrad.com/200901/image_027.jpg
http://www.gonrad.com/200901/image_028.jpg

[mrakbaseball]

U.S. Cellular's ramps should have been constructed like Angel Stadium's, or at the very least have the arched motif built along the outside of the ramps. They are this stadium's main detriment IMO. The ramps unfortunately, are the 1st thing I notice about this park.

[skobabe8]

Good pics. I see progress from December. The elevator core is new, plus at least there is scaffolding on the ramps. Supposedly they will be working nights and weekends to get this thing ready. We will see.

[whitesox901:]

pic from my seats 06/19/07

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i170/WHITESOX901/White%20Sox%20Game%20June%2019th%202007/630495-R1-15-17A.jpg

good ones I found online

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i170/WHITESOX901/2599379736_e6329bbfdf_b.jpg
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i170/WHITESOX901/2432494893_c18d1082c3_b.jpg

[DJ Starion]

Credit - Fenway @ WhiteSoxInteractive


http://www.gonrad.com/200903/uscf3091.jpg
http://www.gonrad.com/200903/uscf3093.jpg

[mets16]

Credit - Fenway @ WhiteSoxInteractive


http://www.gonrad.com/200903/uscf3091.jpg
http://www.gonrad.com/200903/uscf3093.jpg

100 degrees:evil

but seriously, the new boards are nice, but why can't they do this?:
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3030/scorex.png
I think it makes the board look better, not with that little screen on a big board.

[DJ Starion]

I agree. I have a feeling it will be next on the list, but the OOT was a worse problem, IMO

[Philtration]

100 degrees:evil

but seriously, the new boards are nice, but why can't they do this?:
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3030/scorex.png
I think it makes the board look better, not with that little screen on a big board.

Better!
I hope they do something like this soon.

[AntD36]

pic from my seats 06/19/07

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i170/WHITESOX901/White%20Sox%20Game%20June%2019th%202007/630495-R1-15-17A.jpg




Great seats. I'm sure seats on the field level are great, but you really can't go wrong with these.

[Yankeefan3783]

Comiskey has become one of the better looking stadiums in the league.

[skobabe8]

Better!
I hope they do something like this soon.

Me too. The main board needs to be overhauled.

They can take out the billboards on either side of the main board, expand the main board, and put those ads on the new, wider main board.

Hopefully this is in the pipeline.

[DJ Starion]

Me too. The main board needs to be overhauled.

They can take out the billboards on either side of the main board, expand the main board, and put those ads on the new, wider main board.

Hopefully this is in the pipeline.

Hell, i'd be happy if they just expanded the screen to be flush against those ads and eliminate the dead space between ad space and screen.

[skobabe8]

Hell, i'd be happy if they just expanded the screen to be flush against those ads and eliminate the dead space between ad space and screen.

Or make the entire shape of the scoreboard a digital screen, similar to what KC did with their main board.

[BigJ]

Comiskey has become one of the better looking stadiums in the league.

Yeah it really is amazing the transformation this park has made for the good. Course I'm sure it took a ton of $$$ to do it though.

[DJ Starion]

Credit: Fisk_Fan@WSI

[RoastedPeanut]

Credit: Fisk_Fan@WSI

As much as I like the new board, again, management has found a way to screw with the fans.. They did that over in Cleveland by replacing the out of town board, and not only did they mess that avenue up by showing a rotating two games at a time, but it became yet another large method for them to force advertisements into the mix..

[DJ Starion]

I'd rather see ads once in a while and have scores rotate (which is what i've been used to going to Brewers games) and actually keep them updated than what they had before.

[Philtration]

Now to get rid of the rest of the ramps to expose what is actually a very good exterior.
Not a red brick to be found here.

http://www.filminglocations.com/Images/ListingPictures/Original/1479_060707_DD095.JPG

Notice the creeping ivy at the lower left section?
I wonder if they are planing to let that keep going until it comes out like this..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3146937860_d42c26da24.jpg

[skobabe8]

^^^I would love that. Although the ivy has been growing since the early 90's and has a long way to go!

[whitesox901:]

Great seats. I'm sure seats on the field level are great, but you really can't go wrong with these.

they were awesome, truly! :clapping

[ChineseDemocracy]

The ivy is absolutely beautiful.

With the ramps coming out and the ivy creeping in, White Sox fans will further enjoy their ballpark experience.

[Zoso]

Big improvement. Slowly but surely, they're making the Cell look presentable. It was a total piece of crap when it opened, but by the time they want to tear it down, it might look pretty good.

:laugh

They took the time and effort to build those beautiful arches to pay homage to the old place, and then completely obstruct them with ramps. At least they are trying to make it right now. Hopefully the new restaurant and team store connected to the ramp structure will be nice.

These are the first updated shots I've seen of the exterior and it's a far bigger improvement than the CGI pics had me believing. It opens nearly the entire north facade of the park. Gradually take down all of the ramps now, please.

They have to get rid of those billboards in the outfield and work ads into some other new structure that serves a purpose other than to simply advertise something. At least Texas stuck their giant billboards on top of the office building in center. Put up something in the outfield that'll beautify it and also make money, maybe house some seats and an enclosed area where fans could pay a premium for the better treatment. The billboards make money, but they just added 4 million in revenue (we'll see) with the new Jim Beam Club and something like what I'm suggesting would add more and negate the ad revenue.

[Philtration]

:laugh



These are the first updated shots I've seen of the exterior and it's a far bigger improvement than the CGI pics had me believing. It opens nearly the entire north facade of the park. Gradually take down all of the ramps now, please.

They have to get rid of those billboards in the outfield and work ads into some other new structure that serves a purpose other than to simply advertise something. At least Texas stuck their giant billboards on top of the office building in center. Put up something in the outfield that'll beautify it and also make money, maybe house some seats and an enclosed area where fans could pay a premium for the better treatment. The billboards make money, but they just added 4 million in revenue (we'll see) with the new Jim Beam Club and something like what I'm suggesting would add more and negate the ad revenue.

I totally agree.
The A.L. and N.L scoreboard in right field is being replaced with a new color LCD board but I would like to see the ads removed.
I did not care for the iron work and light towers in the outfield when it was all white but it is a hundred times better since they changed them to black.
It adds a nice balance to the roof and Yankee Stadium style frieze.

The place has really matured into a great ballpark.
Even Cub fans that I know admit to that now.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/cell.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/cell2.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/white_sox_game2.jpg

[Zoso]

Yeah it's not bad now. Logistically it's always been great. If you just lose the billboards and the ramps it could become one of the classic modern/round/symettricals in time in the Kaufman mold.

[ZeoBandit]

I agree. I am a die hard Cubs fan. This place was a dump when it first opened, and had no character, but the Sox have done a nice job fixing it up. It looks like a real nice place now.

[DJ Starion]

I agree. I am a die hard Cubs fan. This place was a dump when it first opened, and had no character, but the Sox have done a nice job fixing it up. It looks like a real nice place now.

Yeah when it first opened it didn't really have any character. It just looked like a mix of RYS and Kauffman. Now it's got his own personality and really feels like a White Sox park. It's intimidating looking on the inside.

I have tickets for May 6th against Detroit too. Half price for Legacy Brick holders, plus a pregame parade opportunity.

[DiggerODell]

Now to get rid of the rest of the ramps to expose what is actually a very good exterior.
Not a red brick to be found here.

http://www.filminglocations.com/Images/ListingPictures/Original/1479_060707_DD095.JPG

Notice the creeping ivy at the lower left section?
I wonder if they are planing to let that keep going until it comes out like this..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3146937860_d42c26da24.jpg

I can hardly wait to see it! May 23 just around the corner now.

[Gary Dunaier]

I have tickets for May 6th against Detroit too. Half price for Legacy Brick holders, plus a pregame parade opportunity.

"Legacy Bricks..." are those similar to the Citi Field Fan Walk bricks, except that they're called Legacy?

[skobabe8]

"Legacy Bricks..." are those similar to the Citi Field Fan Walk bricks, except that they're called Legacy?

Yep. Just a plaza outside the main gate with names and inscriptions.

[whitesox901:]

anyone got some pics of the renovation during the 08-09 off season?

[Philtration]

anyone got some pics of the renovation during the 08-09 off season?

The only one that I have seen was of the new Out-Of-Town scoreboard in right field.

Old

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/board.jpg

New


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/uscf3091.jpg

[skobabe8]

anyone got some pics of the renovation during the 08-09 off season?

Work on one of the gates is nearing completion. Picture courtesy of sox102 at WSI.com:

http://www.whitesoxinteractive.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=6163&d=1238614608

[The Old Ballpark]

Work on one of the gates is nearing completion. Picture courtesy of sox102 at WSI.com:

http://www.whitesoxinteractive.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=6163&d=1238614608

You have to be logged in to the WhiteSoxInteractive site to see pic. Could you cut and paste?

Thanks.

[mandrake]

FWIW, in case this was not posted already, but MLB TV has the comcast coverage of the Sox vs Brewers on right now. Nothing sounds like spring like "He gone" and "Grab some bench".:laugh

[DJ Starion]

You have to be logged in to the WhiteSoxInteractive site to see pic. Could you cut and paste?

Thanks.

Here ya go

[The Old Ballpark]

Here ya go

Thanks much!

[DJ Starion]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-090402-us-cellular-field-pg,0,6406620.photogallery

Some new pics of OOT and Gate 5 there

[skobabe8]

Thanks for the backup, DJ! :clapping

[Philtration]

"Legacy Bricks..." are those similar to the Citi Field Fan Walk bricks, except that they're called Legacy?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2009-04/45951859.jpg

[Philtration]

Here is the new out of town scoreboard.
Much better than the old one.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2009-04/45951871.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/phil62/baseball%20site/board.jpg

[BigJ]

Going to have to wait another day now to see the new changes at US Cellular. Opening Day tomorrow has already been postponed due to a forecast for snow in Chicago on Monday. They will retry for Tuesday.

[NYBase]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2009-04/45951859.jpg

How come every stadium that does this happens to do a bad job at laying them down... are they supposed to be gapped and crooked?

[Philtration]

How come every stadium that does this happens to do a bad job at laying them down... are they supposed to be gapped and crooked?

You are right. I noticed the same thing.

[skobabe8]

How come every stadium that does this happens to do a bad job at laying them down... are they supposed to be gapped and crooked?

How are they crooked?

[DiggerODell]

How are they crooked?

Err . .. they was laid by human beings . . . folks expect more these times . . ha! I looked too, perhaps my mind is skewed, but I could not see it in those bricks.

[DJ Starion]

FOX32 just showed a look today at USCF. New ads galore. I'm gonna use this pic as a reference:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i170/WHITESOX901/2432494893_c18d1082c3_b.jpg

Pontiac Fundamentals now sponsored by Comcast HD Triple Play

ComEd ad now a Stanley Tools ad

Pepsi ad updated w/ new logo

Miller Lite logo the same

Chevy ad now for trucks

Motorola replaced by Vienna Beef

Also the old matrix board that showed the box score and lineups will be used the same except no lineups as those are moved to the new OOT. old board will still have box score and other info.

[skobabe8]

You forgot to mention the addition that was made to the Division Champions banner. :D

[DJ Starion]

You forgot to mention the addition that was made to the Division Champions banner. :D

Yes that too. LOL

I wonder if the BoA ad is still there

btw: were you the one that threw out the first pitch at legacy brick night?

[DukeBX]

I remember seeing this park on tv when you guys played the twins in that 1 game playoff in October. the park looked great that day.:nod:

[mandrake]

I remember seeing this park on tv when you guys played the twins in that 1 game playoff in October. the park looked great that day.:nod:

It looks GREAT today. Free on MLB extra innings. How do you think Steve Stone will work out with the Hawk ? Two complete different styles; I like both of them but wonder if Stoney will have any isses with Hawk's 'homer' style. He's already unloaded the "sit back and strap it down" and "he gone, grab some bench". Not exactly Stoney's style, but he did have to suffer Harry Carey for years.

BTW how COLD is it there? If you look at the crowd, you would think the Bears were playing.

[skobabe8]

Yes that too. LOL

I wonder if the BoA ad is still there

btw: were you the one that threw out the first pitch at legacy brick night?


Yes.

Well technically, my fiance threw out the first pitch. I stood next to the mound. 4/11/2008

[skobabe8]

Here are pictures of me popping the question and us on the field.