The World Needs More Kevin

Opened: April 18, 1991

Capacity: 40,615

In 2009 I saw that my Pirates were playing both the White Sox and Cubs over Memorial Day weekend so I decided to go out and see them. This was a fun trip. When I visited the park was known as US Cellular Field.

How did I get there?

Arrived in Chicago Friday afternoon and found my hotel. I stayed north of the Chicago River at State and Hubbard. The hotel was being remodeled so the rates were very affordable and offered easy access to the L Red Line. The nice thing with the two parks in Chicago is that they are both on the Red Line.

Ticket prices

Prices were about what I expected. Obviously the Cubs were much more expensive but the White Sox had won the World Series a few years before so they weren’t a bad team. I bought the tickets in advance but I shouldn’t have as none of the games were crowded.

Finding my seat and amenities

My big gripe was that when you entered the park you had to immediately go to the level where your ticket was. There was no walking around the park, seeing the statues and learning about the team’s history. Nope. God forbid the peasants mingle with the blue bloods. OK, that might be a bit harsh and the White Sox are not the only team to do it.

In game experience

A lot of the in game entertainment was geared towards kids. I was a bit uncomfortable there but that was my fault. It was late May and a sunny day so I didn’t bring a jacket with me. It got cold and windy (shocker right?) in the upper deck. My biggest irk was they put up something on the video board that there are traditions and then there are White Sox traditions. That seemed a bit over the top, especially for a franchise that hadn’t won a World Series for around 80 years.

Getting out

Easy to get out. Down the ramp, out of the park and then into the L Station. It is hard to miss, both getting in and out. It is the Sox/35th stop.

Wrap

The stadium has had a name change since I have been there. It is now Guaranteed Rate Field. That just does not sound right. I have been in Chicago twice since then and have driven by the stadium both times on the Dan Ryan but I have not seen a game there since.