There's nothing wrong with the location! It's not as fun as Wrigleyville, but it's definitely not some crime-infested hellhole that is scaring away fans. The area to the immediate east of the ballpark was much worse in the 90s (back when the Robert Taylor Homes were still standing) than it is now. And the area to the immediate north and west of the ballpark has gentrified considerably since the 1990s. White Sox attendance problems can be chalked down to three reasons: 1. The team sucks! 2. The ballpark is uninspiring. 3. Sox Fans hate Jerry Reinsdorf and don't want to line his pockets anymore.
100%. The area around Turner Field kept getting worse despite promises by mayors and governors alike to promote commercial development around the stadium. Plus the Stadium itself was not in the best condition when started due to it's main purpose being for the Olympics(this is quite common in major events) and so it many corners were cut during its construction. Glad Turner Field is still being used(for football) as it's still a very special place not only for the Braves but for the state/city
@@RockSmithStudio yeah that was an idea situation for Georgia State University since from what I've read their football team were Atlanta vagabond playing where they could, including the Georgia Dome, and other places. By buying Turner Field for $30 Million, a good prices for a stadium. They've remodeled it for Football.
Naw. This is Chicago. When Sox move to Nashville, they'll let the stadium just rot for a decade plus. Like the cabal of global corporations and the government are intentionally doing to the entire South Side. Looking more and more like Gary, IN and no one gives a ---
When I went to Guaranteed Rate the first time, I was surprised how clean and otherwise safe-appearing the surrounding neighborhood was. I remember hearing how ghetto it was, but as someone from Detroit it didn’t meet that definition lol
Over the last decade or two they have poured alot of money into making the immediate area a little nicer. My dad talks about back in the 80s and 90s it used to be super ghetto There is another comment on this video by mrdrfez that says it better
The projects were on the other side of the highway, old urban planning technique, beautiful bridgeport where the sox play, divided by a giant superhighway with the ghetto on the other side.
Another factor, as stupid as it might sound, is that a massive part of the White Sox brand is being the "South Side" team. They literally wear jerseys that say "southside" a few times a year. Moving to Soldier Field would technically keep them on the south side (barely) but moving to AH would absolutely not.
Great marketing gimmick. The black and white wearing “south side tough guy” is a major part of their identity thing is as much of a brand as the black and silver outlaw Raiders. I think it’s hilarious but it’s important to have an identity other than 5 playoff series wins in 123 years.
Comerica park is right across the street from Ford Field and little Caesars arena is roughly 5 blocks away which houses both the red wings and pistons so putting it all in one area is not far fetched. Its been done and it works well.
Philadelphia has everything even more concentrated than Detroit. You can think of Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles) as the corner of a backwards "L" shape, with Wells Fargo Center (Flyers, Sixers) across the street to the west and Citizens Bank Park (Phillies) across the street to the north. Everything is within about two blocks of everything else.
The Reinsdorfs have been buying a lot of property around the United Center for years now, which is why that rumor makes sense. The 78 in the South Loop or the Soldier Field site would be the best. A ballpark with the Chicago skyline would be sick, and it would be by the lake too. The population in the loop has exploded in the past decade as well.
The 78 would be an amazing location. I think that concept was thrown around a while back. I have the stadium face the skyline and it’s right on the river make it accessible to folks in and around downtown, and could create a beautiful walkway
It would be hard to get much of the skyline at a baseball park by Soldier Field. From home plate to centerfield baseball parks go either northeast, east, or southeast, due to the sun. Those 3 orientations would give you a view of Lake Michigan, but not much, if any, the downtown skyline.
They would really need to gentrify the area just west of the United Center for it to be a good fit in my opinion. The moment you go one block west past the United center, it’s very dangerous and any local knows it’s a no go zone
Its just the White Sox taking advantage of the situation. They had a stray bullet hit a fan in St.Louis in 2017 that was right downtown, it happened in Kansas City Royals game in 2001 believed to have been shot from a passing car. A fan was also shot in Tampa Bay in 2012 from bullet shot from outside the stadium that came through the roof and hit the fan. Moving to a new location doesn't make the fans any safer from this random problem.
The entire sox fan base is on the south side of Chicago. No chance they’re moving away. I’m guessing you’ve never been to Chicago because the area Sox park is in isn’t considered unsafe.
The entire fan base is on the south side? The entire fan base is everywhere in Chicago just like the cubs. Even the suburbs, you can put Sox anywhere in the chi.
@@Sneakycastro69 The Cubs have a much larger presence around Chicagoland compared to the Sox. Obviously there are fans of both all over the city but the Sox fan base is much more concentrated.
The Chicago Fire moved to Soldier Field solely for it's location. Imagine the White Sox + Fire fighting over it. They could design a really cool futuristic stadium was movable sightlines. But multipurpose stadiums never really work these days.
Instead of Naperville how about Bolingbrook? Right next to I-55. Naperville can be a pain to get to. I was just there today. I suppose Bolingbrook doesn't have the size or clout.
Another thing to consider with the location is this question: where is the stadium relative to the El? All three have this issue, but United Center has the least difficulty with it. A station on the Pink Line, at about Madison, would make a ballpark next to United Center more workable, even if the parking lots are replaced with a ballpark.
All 3 aren’t really an issue. The united center has the pink line not too far away like you mentioned, bus stops are literally out the door. Arlington heights would have the metra station right there as well. & the Soldier Field location has the museum campus station and 18th st station right outside, as well as the Red/orange/green Roosevelt Rd stations a couple blocks away. Public transport on all 3 are not an issue at all lol
That is biggest thing, but still better than a suburban option either way. 35th and Shields has the redline, Lakefront & Soldier Field (Museum Campus)/Northerly Island/McCormick Place has the redline and some buses, but is a walk over from downtown and next to hotels for out of towners, and United Center has the pink line and some nearby buses with parking becoming an issue, but still in a great spot. I think they'll sort through the parking situation and Reisdorf did buy some land next to The UC. These are great options for the Sox and the Bears.
Fire also play at Soldier Field. They have stated they’re not leaving unless they find land to build a soccer specific stadium in the city. The best option would be to redevelop the neighborhood around guaranteed rate.
They can’t be serious about these locations. It won’t happen at Soldier Field because Friends of the Lakefront would file a lawsuit and prevent any development. They did it with the George Lucas Museum. Granted they would be replacing one structure with another, but knowing this organization, they would file for no development. Kind of sad because this will actually be the best location. Baseball stadium right on the lake facing the skyline would be gorgeous. The United Center location would make sense, seeing as how Jerry Reinsdorf also owns the Bulls however, there’s not enough parking and build a stadium would actually take away from parking spaces. Plus I-290 is horrible and would lead to more issues. I absolutely agree with the Arlington Heights situation. The Chicago Cubs would block that move. Plus the Fanbase doesn’t exist there. I moved to the south suburbs would make more sense. I think Addison Illinois was once looked at because a greater Fanbase was there. In the end, their current location would be the best place. The White Sox have always been a historically “southside team“ where are they like it or not the best thing for them to do is build a new stadium on the site of Old Comiskey Park except this time, make it face the city skyline and just make it look nicer. If they could take the plans from the original concept for Armour Field, then that would be perfect. As far as parking, I think the best thing they can do is build parking structures on the parking lots along the railroad tracks west the west of the stadium. Or dare I say, take it further and build housing development on top of those parking structures and create a more neighborhood feel
I totally agree 100 percent. Stay where they are at and either renovate the stadium or build a new one there, as well as innovate the area around stadium to be more lively.
The sox don't need to move very far. They can stay in or near the city and on the south side, a great area along 294 from i-55 to 127st/ Cicero would be a great place to put them. Lots of die hard sox fans and easier to get to the games, it could be done. But the sox location would be hard to figure, after all look at every decision they make, it never makes sense. This stadium situation won't either.
Even the United Center is somewhat out of the way, so if accessibility is a concern (and it makes sense with all those home games) then the Soldier Field location makes a lot more sense. Besides, who in 2023 wants to drive to the middle of nowhere to go to a game, aside from the NFL?
@de_fault_de-fault what the hell are you talking about? The United Center is not out the way. It’s in the near west side of chicago and only like 1.5-2 miles away from downtown
If ANY public money AGAIN goes to building any stadium - I will be pissed. And where the F___ are the Lottery Proceeds going - does anybody in the so-called media know.???
If Soldier Stadium fails, the new Bears Stadium should be next door to United Airlines Center where the Blackhawks, Sky and Bulls play there or the Chicago Bears and Chicago Fire FC can take Guaranteed Rate Stadium
Why not the south loop , there’s a perfect spot in front of target on South Clark street. It would make sense they play on s Clark and cubs on N Clark st.
I think the best option is really to build a stadium on site of the old Comiskey Park cross the street from the current Guaranteed Rate Field.. I don't think that Soldier Field is an actual choice. Maybe Northerly Island but like Soldier Field it's a difficult trek for those who take public transportation. The area around the United Center has great public transportation options and is near expressways. Arrington Heights works if they can work with the Bears with the Arlington Heights site. It's easier to access by car and its right by a Metra train station. But like you. I think AH is last. Behind the UC area a, the Soldier Field area, and the best choice which is across 35th Street.
My only issues with baseball on the soldier field property is A. Not the best access to public transportation (one of the reasons why the bears are trying to move from there) B. It’s right on the lake. High winds could impact the games played there.
If you never been to Sox Park, you cannot comment on how bad the place is. As a Cubs fan, I'd rather go to guarantee rate field instead of Wrigley. Clean, good food, easy access, plenty of parking, and great for handicap/wheelchair patrons. Stop the comments on how terrible it is when it isn't.
@@lukec6d9this content creator talks out of his ass a lot. He doesn’t mention that Soldier field is a historical landmark and can only be touched so much to modify it. But, in my opinion, if they did do anything at that site (if the bears leave, it would involve prolly taking down the west side upper deck, and having Home Plate to Right field run South to North and you’d have that skyline as your outfield view. That’s the only legit option to maintain most of the original structure and to keep the colonnades, etc.
They have to stay in Chicago proper. It's okay to be the "South Side" team and play downtown or on the Westside. Arsenal FC was initially based in Woolwich and plays in North London and the Melbourne Australian Football League teams and Port Adelaide and Fremantle both play in Adelaide and Perth outside their traditional homes but within the limits of a major city.
The area by the ballpark is not unsafe at all, if I remember correctly there is a police station down the street. As far as the burbs most fans that xome and see the games come in from the burbs.
I live in the neighborhood i love taking the bus for a couple of stops to get off at 35th & shields. Its a great experience all my out of town friends who have visited love it too. this happens everywhere in Chicago. You literally had some bears fans calling soldier field a bad area making it a reason to move to the suburbs. Man I'm like the fans from the movie "major league" I'm there supporting win or lose but if the whitesox move to the suburbs I guess I'll catch them when the visit Wrigley because I'm definitely not going to the suburbs for a baseball game then I have to drive all the way back? Fuck that.. I can't imagine driving to any sporting event except wrestling but I prefer that to be in Chicago too instead of Rosemount.. fuck that i don't like driving all the way to Rosemount why can't the wrestling events be at the united center. I'm sure other people agree too
Thinking of parking for a ballpark in the city is completely counterintuitive. Build transit and walkable areas around the stadium. Higher capacity, better attendance, and a better atmosphere after the season is over. Parking ruins cities and is not as valuable to a stadium as most people think
As a Chicago resident living on the North West side but a huge fan of the White Sox, I think you have a few misconceptions of the South Side and Chicago. First of all, the South Side is huge! Bigger than the North, West and downtown combined. The South Side is more than double the size of all of San Francisco! Yes, there are some areas of the South and West side which are horrible which make up over 50% of the shootings in Chicago. 35th and Shields is very walkable and safe, but still a lot of room for improvement. Chicago as a whole is not even close to most dangerous cities and it's a shame the lack of understanding people have when it comes to Chicago. I'm assuming they just don't understand how big it is. The Sox should stay on the South side but build on the river or lake where home runs can go into the water. Also, have a view of downtown in the outfield.
Waitaminute? If the White Sox move from their current location to Soldier Field because of the crime, isn't it because the Bears want to move out of Soldier Field to Arlington Heights because of the crimes around that area? Doesn't make sense.
Build an exact replica of Comiskey Park circa its 1938 look with the deep center field and deep power alleys and then start drafting talent that can run so that the Go Go Sox return. If the Chisox were 20 games over .500, their current location would be just fine. On the other hand, there are lots of places in Chicagoland that are better than the South Side for revenue-generation. I know a family that goes to the Joliet Slammers games rather than White Sox games.
United Cemter is more a pain in the butt to get to and park/egress than Guaranteed Rate Field. Can't be a Soutside team on the West side. I would rather have them move to Naperville or Tinley Park over United Canter
As a former Naperville resident, I wouldn't want to see it ruined with a major league stadium and the problems that come with it. Besides, 90% of Naperville baseball followers are Cubs fans.
The true story about the shooting came out. Lady who got shot shot herself accidently. She hid the gun under her belly and got into the stadium with it. Not stray bullets. As far as where the White Sox play now, the neighborhood is pretty safe. Nothing but nice houses and mansions around the area, it does border a crappy neighborhood, but I don't think that has become an issue.
The issue with the White Sox being on the same properry with Waverly Island would be an absolute nightmare. Imagine a concert and a ballgame at the same time? Wow. One two lane road in and out. Better buy a boat!
I live east of Guaranteed field, in the community is Brownsville (Middle Class Black Community) and it's certainly not as dangerous it was in the late 80s when the stadium was being built, and the 90s, when the Robert Taylor projects was up and the gangs was running the yard. The problem with the area i quite simple, it ain't s*** to do. Close by the stadium is a Mexican enclave, And the latin kings run those streets... From somebody that's not Chicago who automatically thinks that Chicago is all black don't know a d*** thing about the geographical and criminal makeup of the city. Most of Chicago crimes take place on the West side, (Austin -blk, Back at the yards- Mex, Pilsen-S.America), North side (Rogers Park-International), South side-(blk/latino), East side (Mexican).
They are planning of opening Red Line train stops in areas where it's very bad areas so now people around there can now travel to downtown Chicago, Cubs & Sox games. Think about that.
You don't "necessarily" need parking. It all depends on where the ball park is. And what surrounds it. Wrigley Field has the CTA Red line right next door and is served by several bus routes (Addison, Irving Park, or Clark). For the most part, people feel safe around the neighborhood and those bus lines. The surrounding neighborhood is very busy and plenty of things to do before and after the game. And also when there is no game. G-Rate Field (hate that name) also has the Red and Green line. But the surrounding neighborhood leaves much to be desired and most fans want to get out as quickly as possible. Get in the car, get on the Dan Ryan and go home.
Yes, but you need a location with easy access to the L to make that possible. Which the White Sox do have currently, they have been access to it then the Cubs do. The White Sox have both the Red Lind and the Green Line as well as the Metra Rock Island District, I’ve taken all three to get there before.
@@Mr.E723exactly. They are already at a much better transit friendly location better than United Center. Sox can't have their cake and eat it too, they can't expect to have a location with ample parking but also that entertainment/neighborhood district. Stop trying to be like the Cubs. Just field a competitive baseball team with guys who tired hard unlike Moncada and Eloy...then fans will come.
they wouldn’t sell much of any tickets in Arlington Heights or any suburbs especially further up north as all of them are cubs fans, most sox’s fans are from the south side of the city and won’t be making that 45 minute drive to go watch a mediocre at best team
I'm going to be honest. I think they should move out of Chicago. I don't think Chicago can support 2 teams anymore. Move them to a city who wants a team and grow the game.
@@johnmarshall4399 that's why I said "anymore." They used to be able to support 2 teams, but I don't think they can now. Ever wonder why no other sport has 2 teams in Chicago? I know the NFL used to but not anymore
Dude, if you think crime is bad in Bridgeport (current location), there is 0 chance of moving to United Center lol... just west of UC is one of the worst parts of the city in terms of crime.
Trains and expressway exits, Highway Rt.14 way better traffic makes great sense. Many hotels, a mall nearby, provides a great spot for Sox in Arlington. Soldier Field is so close to Sox current home. Guns can be fired there as well. This guy needs a sports economic course. The Angels in Anaheim a suburb works it is near Disneyland. The Meadowlands in NJ plays host to the NY Giants. This guy needs a math course bad.
For those who do not know, Bridgeport (Sox) and South Loop (Bears)sort of border a "bad neighborhood" which is and Bronzeville. Heck, the Police Headquarters is literally down the street from where the White Sox play. It's relatively safe there all things considering, and i live in Bridgeport. The White Sox moving to Soldier Field only makes sense because draw more fans, and by then Jerry will be dead, so a chance for an owner to really take the city by storm considering the City favorite team is moving to Arlington and a Downtown baseball stadium would be incredible. The White Sox staying and rebuilding where they already play makes sense as well. The thing is they have to stay South. It's who they are. It's like moving the Yankees out of the Bronx and into Staten Island. Wouldn't make sense. Moving to the UC is still Southside by one block. and the neighboring areas are good enough (Uranian Village, East Village, West Town, Noble Square, Medical District). Sadly the black neighborhoods ruin shit in the city. Chicago is so segregated and will always be that way unfortunately. Too much public housing, the city's culture has a way of eating itself. But let's be honest, that's why Jerry has his stadiums around black neighborhoods, because it's cheaper to build there.
@ATCguy1973 doesn't matter what team is in the city. Most Sox fans comes from the burbs anyways. Build a state of the art ballpark and a ballpark village people will most definitely come
The St. Louis Browns, Philadelphia Athletics, and Boston Braves moved. Move the Chicago White Sox. Does that city really need two teams? The Chicago Cardinals (NFL) left.
Sox fans have to drive from the burbs to their current home . All Sox/ Cubs games against each other would be sell outs and a shorter drive for everybody. I'm sure Cub fans would like to see the Sox beat their division rivals in Arlington while Cubs are out of town. The Cubs division schedule helps the Sox home games against NL teams. Think marketing against the schedule. Who wants to see the Sox VS. Oakland and risk getting shot at. I'd rather see the Sox vs. Brewers or Reds in Arlington.
Who cares if the cubs give consent or not. They’re not the ones moving. If the Sox want to move to either 3 locations, they can. They’re not stopping just because the cubs have something to say lmao
Said it before and I'll say it again, I'll give the baseball gods a 1,000 Wrigley Fields and Fenway Parks to have the ol' Comiskey Park back. And I ain't even a White Sox fan.
I am surprised the cubs aren't interested in building a new baseball park. They have been playing at wrigley for over a 100 years and that stadium lacks modern amenities.
Guaranteed Rate is not "downtown". Soldier Field is downtown. Both are in the city, but only Soldier field is downtown. And as for parking, Chicago has excellent public transport for getting to and from games, so the issue with United Center is not parking (case in point: Wrigley Field). However, if you are going to make crime an issue, the United Center would definitely be worse than the current location of Guaranteed Rate. Sorry to be nitpicky, love your channel, and your takes are spot-on!.
The United Center is not a realistic option. That neighborhood is just as bad as where the current stadium is. You'd also have to tear down a lot of buildings to get the space you need for a baseball stadium.
I am a cubs fan and can attest that the bridgeport area around the park is a great area, upper middle class, it is not "wealthy" but it is perfect. The morons that brought guns into the park are not a reflection on sox fans, Chicago or decent human beings. The lady that did this hid the gun in her fat, yeah go look that shit up. The Sox would be a good fit, if they moved, at the old U.S. steel site on the south side of the lake. Also a good place would be somewhere along i-55 closer to 294. A new location for the sox would certainly be hard to nail down, anyway.
very interesting. They could just get rid of the UFO that landed on the old soldier field, right down to the ground leaving the columns up. I think that it makes sense. There isn't parking for the NFL, but for the ChiSox it might work. Soldier field is a very odd situation in that it's right in the heart of Downtown but is completely isolated from public transport, aside from Metra Electric, and South Shore Line(Indiana) but even that its problematic since the platform is small and it's only on 2 of the four tracks. Soldier Field also had US-41 and the start of Lake Shore Drive with only one underpass which isn't in the direction of /Soldier field. Crappy parking. I've been by Soldier Field on Metra on Game Days before and it's an ugly sight. You've got thousands of people trying to cross 41 at crosswalks, which backs up traffic, which adds to the problem since a good share of the cars are trying to get what parking there is. You've got people who end up not getting parking spaces, and more. The Bears have been trying to get out of downtown for decades. Back around the time the White Sox almost moved to St. Pete the Bears had plans for Hoffman Estates, Aurora and even N.E Indiana near Gary at one of then abandoned steel plants where there would've been hotels, casinos, the stadium and more. It's right by numerous tracks, including Amtrak, South Shore line, which is passenger service from Millennium station to South Bend. It would've been right on Lake Michigan with ample parking, direct access to the Toll Road via The Chicago Skyway. That was defeated by the local legislature in the early 90s. I always thought that that was more of a threat to get the UFO to land at Soldier Field. It's been decades but I was living in Chicago about that time and I kind of remember people saying this was a joke and no-one took it seriously. The Cubies are in pretty good place and there's little threat of them leaving anytime soon, especially when consider the money the new owners put in Wrigley. On top of that it's right next to the Addison Station on the "L" Red Line. I've been to game there and my maternal grandfather went to countless games. Most Cub fans take the L to the game or walk. It's a neighborhood park, like basically all the parks were when it opened over a 100 years ago. For many years they closed Addison street from Clark where Wrigley is, till the block past Addison Station on game days. They also close Sheffield, where people have bleacher's on their roofs and Waveland. I suspect they still do.
OMG!!! I am not the only one who thinks the Bears were visited by the mothership!!! First time I saw it I saw the Field...neo classical style, the bottom of Soldier, neo classical sty...Holy Mother of God!!! Aliens are real and they crashed into a football stadium!!
It's not nearly as bad as it once was, but crime is being used as an excuse for a bad place for the stadium to be at in general. It's just not an easy place for many people to get to with nothing around it to make the trip worthwhile. Put it on the other side of the expressway near the lake and there could have been a developed lakefront corridor from the loop all the way down to Hyde Park. The took the cheap land boxed in by the expressway, public housing and a railyard while also facing the wrong direction. It's just an awful example of urban planning. I'm not sure why they are trying to piggyback the Bears to Arlington Heights when a stadium in Naperville would not only still be on the South Side, but a better location by virtually every metric.
It is probably wise to reserve your assessment that the shooting was secondary to "a crime infested area" until you get the facts. The shooting was actually accidental and the result of a fan carrying a gun into the stadium. Why someone feels the need to pack heat at a ball game is another issue to be discussed but the facts undermine one of your arguments.
I'm assuming by all the land Jerry owns around the United Center, that he will add a MLB stadium somewhere near it and just incorporate it into the "United Center". there's no way the United center can be retrofitted.
There's nothing wrong with the location! It's not as fun as Wrigleyville, but it's definitely not some crime-infested hellhole that is scaring away fans. The area to the immediate east of the ballpark was much worse in the 90s (back when the Robert Taylor Homes were still standing) than it is now. And the area to the immediate north and west of the ballpark has gentrified considerably since the 1990s.
White Sox attendance problems can be chalked down to three reasons:
1. The team sucks!
2. The ballpark is uninspiring.
3. Sox Fans hate Jerry Reinsdorf and don't want to line his pockets anymore.
Exactly.. Yankees stadium is worse its in the south bronx
Anyone who thinks the Sox play in a 'bad neighborhood' have never been in a bad neighborhood.
@@kapo2012fbIf you ever went to Yankee Stadium at night, you have more NYPD in that neighborhood than at the New Years Eve ball drop.
Also, I think it's the only MLB ball park which is one train stop away from a Chinatown! Great for after-game eats.
@jjerg wasn't there a shooting at a Sox game just recently??
Guarantee Rate Field is gonna be the new Turner Field
100%. The area around Turner Field kept getting worse despite promises by mayors and governors alike to promote commercial development around the stadium. Plus the Stadium itself was not in the best condition when started due to it's main purpose being for the Olympics(this is quite common in major events) and so it many corners were cut during its construction. Glad Turner Field is still being used(for football) as it's still a very special place not only for the Braves but for the state/city
@@RockSmithStudio yeah that was an idea situation for Georgia State University since from what I've read their football team were Atlanta vagabond playing where they could, including the Georgia Dome, and other places. By buying Turner Field for $30 Million, a good prices for a stadium. They've remodeled it for Football.
It was like this when old Commiskey Park was there 50 years ago
@@thephantomeagle2 Also, Georgia State University is developing the area with dorms, etc.
Naw. This is Chicago. When Sox move to Nashville, they'll let the stadium just rot for a decade plus. Like the cabal of global corporations and the government are intentionally doing to the entire South Side. Looking more and more like Gary, IN and no one gives a ---
When I went to Guaranteed Rate the first time, I was surprised how clean and otherwise safe-appearing the surrounding neighborhood was. I remember hearing how ghetto it was, but as someone from Detroit it didn’t meet that definition lol
It was totally different 20 years ago when it was all high rise housing projects on the east side. Now the high rises are gone
Over the last decade or two they have poured alot of money into making the immediate area a little nicer. My dad talks about back in the 80s and 90s it used to be super ghetto
There is another comment on this video by mrdrfez that says it better
The projects were on the other side of the highway, old urban planning technique, beautiful bridgeport where the sox play, divided by a giant superhighway with the ghetto on the other side.
Another factor, as stupid as it might sound, is that a massive part of the White Sox brand is being the "South Side" team. They literally wear jerseys that say "southside" a few times a year. Moving to Soldier Field would technically keep them on the south side (barely) but moving to AH would absolutely not.
Great marketing gimmick. The black and white wearing “south side tough guy” is a major part of their identity thing is as much of a brand as the black and silver outlaw Raiders. I think it’s hilarious but it’s important to have an identity other than 5 playoff series wins in 123 years.
Soldier Field wouldn't be a good baseball stadium.
Makes sense they are more an apparel brand than baseball team
@@americandeathtrip6881lol
@@davidlafleche1142 Wouldn’t fix the steep upper deck problem they’re already dealing with at guaranteed rate.
Comerica park is right across the street from Ford Field and little Caesars arena is roughly 5 blocks away which houses both the red wings and pistons so putting it all in one area is not far fetched. Its been done and it works well.
Philadelphia has everything even more concentrated than Detroit. You can think of Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles) as the corner of a backwards "L" shape, with Wells Fargo Center (Flyers, Sixers) across the street to the west and Citizens Bank Park (Phillies) across the street to the north. Everything is within about two blocks of everything else.
The Reinsdorfs have been buying a lot of property around the United Center for years now, which is why that rumor makes sense. The 78 in the South Loop or the Soldier Field site would be the best. A ballpark with the Chicago skyline would be sick, and it would be by the lake too. The population in the loop has exploded in the past decade as well.
The 78 would be an amazing location. I think that concept was thrown around a while back. I have the stadium face the skyline and it’s right on the river make it accessible to folks in and around downtown, and could create a beautiful walkway
It would be hard to get much of the skyline at a baseball park by Soldier Field. From home plate to centerfield baseball parks go either northeast, east, or southeast, due to the sun. Those 3 orientations would give you a view of Lake Michigan, but not much, if any, the downtown skyline.
78 area was an option pushed hard in 1988
They would really need to gentrify the area just west of the United Center for it to be a good fit in my opinion. The moment you go one block west past the United center, it’s very dangerous and any local knows it’s a no go zone
Why don’t you just say black people?
Lmfao
When is the last time you were there? Gentrification is bad for cities and hope that it never happens anywhere in the city.
@@4149stonepony I’ve only ever been by grand and western but that’s a few blocks north. I’m not hanging out in east Garfield park lol.
Its just the White Sox taking advantage of the situation. They had a stray bullet hit a fan in St.Louis in 2017 that was right
downtown, it happened in Kansas City Royals game in 2001 believed to have been shot from a passing car. A fan was also shot in Tampa Bay in 2012 from bullet shot from outside the stadium that came through the roof and hit the fan.
Moving to a new location doesn't make the fans any safer from this random problem.
The entire sox fan base is on the south side of Chicago. No chance they’re moving away. I’m guessing you’ve never been to Chicago because the area Sox park is in isn’t considered unsafe.
There is also a lot of north side fans that come to Sox park it would make sense to take soldier fields property
@@jessecorona3076 Solider Field site is the only one that somewhat makes sense though I prefer the Bears work it out and stay.
The entire fan base is on the south side? The entire fan base is everywhere in Chicago just like the cubs. Even the suburbs, you can put Sox anywhere in the chi.
@@Sneakycastro69 The Cubs have a much larger presence around Chicagoland compared to the Sox. Obviously there are fans of both all over the city but the Sox fan base is much more concentrated.
@@Deezbucs yea ! Don’t wanna see the Nashville white Sox ? Or called something else . Been here all my life and want them to stay here
The stray bullet had nothing to do with area. I fan actually brought the gun into the Ballpark and it accidentally discharged.
Let's face it, all of the USA is a dangerous neighborhood, not just the south side of Chicago.
I wonder if you could gut the space ship inside Soldier Field and restore the historic look of the old stadium
The Chicago Fire moved to Soldier Field solely for it's location. Imagine the White Sox + Fire fighting over it.
They could design a really cool futuristic stadium was movable sightlines. But multipurpose stadiums never really work these days.
Instead of Naperville how about Bolingbrook? Right next to I-55. Naperville can be a pain to get to. I was just there today. I suppose Bolingbrook doesn't have the size or clout.
In Mpls Target Field and Target Center are next to each other downtown.
Another thing to consider with the location is this question: where is the stadium relative to the El? All three have this issue, but United Center has the least difficulty with it. A station on the Pink Line, at about Madison, would make a ballpark next to United Center more workable, even if the parking lots are replaced with a ballpark.
All 3 aren’t really an issue. The united center has the pink line not too far away like you mentioned, bus stops are literally out the door. Arlington heights would have the metra station right there as well. & the Soldier Field location has the museum campus station and 18th st station right outside, as well as the Red/orange/green Roosevelt Rd stations a couple blocks away. Public transport on all 3 are not an issue at all lol
That is biggest thing, but still better than a suburban option either way. 35th and Shields has the redline, Lakefront & Soldier Field (Museum Campus)/Northerly Island/McCormick Place has the redline and some buses, but is a walk over from downtown and next to hotels for out of towners, and United Center has the pink line and some nearby buses with parking becoming an issue, but still in a great spot. I think they'll sort through the parking situation and Reisdorf did buy some land next to The UC. These are great options for the Sox and the Bears.
Riding the El in what? A suit of armor? Talk about stray bullets.
Fire also play at Soldier Field. They have stated they’re not leaving unless they find land to build a soccer specific stadium in the city. The best option would be to redevelop the neighborhood around guaranteed rate.
They can’t be serious about these locations. It won’t happen at Soldier Field because Friends of the Lakefront would file a lawsuit and prevent any development. They did it with the George Lucas Museum. Granted they would be replacing one structure with another, but knowing this organization, they would file for no development. Kind of sad because this will actually be the best location. Baseball stadium right on the lake facing the skyline would be gorgeous.
The United Center location would make sense, seeing as how Jerry Reinsdorf also owns the Bulls however, there’s not enough parking and build a stadium would actually take away from parking spaces. Plus I-290 is horrible and would lead to more issues.
I absolutely agree with the Arlington Heights situation. The Chicago Cubs would block that move. Plus the Fanbase doesn’t exist there. I moved to the south suburbs would make more sense. I think Addison Illinois was once looked at because a greater Fanbase was there.
In the end, their current location would be the best place. The White Sox have always been a historically “southside team“ where are they like it or not the best thing for them to do is build a new stadium on the site of Old Comiskey Park except this time, make it face the city skyline and just make it look nicer. If they could take the plans from the original concept for Armour Field, then that would be perfect. As far as parking, I think the best thing they can do is build parking structures on the parking lots along the railroad tracks west the west of the stadium. Or dare I say, take it further and build housing development on top of those parking structures and create a more neighborhood feel
Addison is not a south suburb 🤣
@@noneofyourbusiness6809 I was wondering myself! 😅
I totally agree 100 percent. Stay where they are at and either renovate the stadium or build a new one there, as well as innovate the area around stadium to be more lively.
@@noneofyourbusiness6809 Yes it is (well technically a nothWEST suburb) between I355 and I290
The sox don't need to move very far. They can stay in or near the city and on the south side, a great area along 294 from i-55 to 127st/ Cicero would be a great place to put them. Lots of die hard sox fans and easier to get to the games, it could be done. But the sox location would be hard to figure, after all look at every decision they make, it never makes sense. This stadium situation won't either.
Even the United Center is somewhat out of the way, so if accessibility is a concern (and it makes sense with all those home games) then the Soldier Field location makes a lot more sense. Besides, who in 2023 wants to drive to the middle of nowhere to go to a game, aside from the NFL?
The united center is a nice spot it’s not out the way
The area the United Center is in is also way more dangerous than where Sox Park is
@de_fault_de-fault what the hell are you talking about? The United Center is not out the way. It’s in the near west side of chicago and only like 1.5-2 miles away from downtown
If ANY public money AGAIN goes to building any stadium - I will be pissed.
And where the F___ are the Lottery Proceeds going - does anybody in the so-called media know.???
If Soldier Stadium fails, the new Bears Stadium should be next door to United Airlines Center where the Blackhawks, Sky and Bulls play there or the Chicago Bears and Chicago Fire FC can take Guaranteed Rate Stadium
Isn’t the Chicago Sky play at Wintrust Arena? They currently play there, not at United Center.
@@thomascollins1739yes they do…they’ve never played at the United Center
@@thomascollins1739 both Arenas in one City
Why not the south loop , there’s a perfect spot in front of target on South Clark street. It would make sense they play on s Clark and cubs on N Clark st.
Where the 78 Chicago is? Excellent spot to put a new White Sox ballpark there.
Do you mean on the south side of Roosevelt?
@@bondmood Yes but apparently there’s already a plan to make more high towers there. Idk if it’s a done deal though
1:39 A safer location? What, like Nashville or the Vegas Strip? 😜
Great location. It would be nice if they could incorporate some of the original Soldier Field into a new ballpark.
No way. Stay away from my fave museum. 😊
I think the best option is really to build a stadium on site of the old Comiskey Park cross the street from the current Guaranteed Rate Field..
I don't think that Soldier Field is an actual choice. Maybe Northerly Island but like Soldier Field it's a difficult trek for those who take public transportation.
The area around the United Center has great public transportation options and is near expressways.
Arrington Heights works if they can work with the Bears with the Arlington Heights site. It's easier to access by car and its right by a Metra train station. But like you. I think AH is last. Behind the UC area a, the Soldier Field area, and the best choice which is across 35th Street.
@greglbennett The ballpark is 32 years old.
There is a chunk of land at Roosevelt Rd and South Clark St for the new Bears and White Sox stadiums.
Speaking as an ignorant Brit,what about trying to make the area safe rather than just running away from the area?Utopia?I suppose so.
My only issues with baseball on the soldier field property is
A. Not the best access to public transportation (one of the reasons why the bears are trying to move from there)
B. It’s right on the lake. High winds could impact the games played there.
If you never been to Sox Park, you cannot comment on how bad the place is. As a Cubs fan, I'd rather go to guarantee rate field instead of Wrigley. Clean, good food, easy access, plenty of parking, and great for handicap/wheelchair patrons. Stop the comments on how terrible it is when it isn't.
I will be honest, I would definitely go to a game at soldier stadium. I honestly think that would be awesome.
Soldier field not stadium.
The Big Giant Slug was designed for football. How are they going to cram a huge baseball field in there?
Ginger says in the video they would demolish it and build a diamond
@@lukec6d9this content creator talks out of his ass a lot. He doesn’t mention that Soldier field is a historical landmark and can only be touched so much to modify it.
But, in my opinion, if they did do anything at that site (if the bears leave, it would involve prolly taking down the west side upper deck, and having Home Plate to Right field run South to North and you’d have that skyline as your outfield view. That’s the only legit option to maintain most of the original structure and to keep the colonnades, etc.
They have to stay in Chicago proper. It's okay to be the "South Side" team and play downtown or on the Westside. Arsenal FC was initially based in Woolwich and plays in North London and the Melbourne Australian Football League teams and Port Adelaide and Fremantle both play in Adelaide and Perth outside their traditional homes but within the limits of a major city.
Traffic would be a nightmare at Solider Field by getting out with traffic. Including rush hour traffic as well
The area by the ballpark is not unsafe at all, if I remember correctly there is a police station down the street. As far as the burbs most fans that xome and see the games come in from the burbs.
There's no street between Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and Progressive Field. It is a Plaza of sorts. Pretty much just a widw sidewalk.
I live in the neighborhood i love taking the bus for a couple of stops to get off at 35th & shields. Its a great experience all my out of town friends who have visited love it too. this happens everywhere in Chicago. You literally had some bears fans calling soldier field a bad area making it a reason to move to the suburbs. Man I'm like the fans from the movie "major league" I'm there supporting win or lose but if the whitesox move to the suburbs I guess I'll catch them when the visit Wrigley because I'm definitely not going to the suburbs for a baseball game then I have to drive all the way back? Fuck that.. I can't imagine driving to any sporting event except wrestling but I prefer that to be in Chicago too instead of Rosemount.. fuck that i don't like driving all the way to Rosemount why can't the wrestling events be at the united center. I'm sure other people agree too
🏈🏀⚾️Chicago stadiums are all fine. Soldier Field...Wrigley..Guaranteed rate..heck even the United Cetner...are all good venues
How do you play in the United Center
@@mikekeeler6362 ginger crying over crime...he from Ohio. Ohio mad violent
@@sirchi8731 same reason I watch these videos with a grain of salt. I usually don't even play them and read these comments instead.
@@djtrankilo231 same here. Even in Oakland it would be funny if the owners vote No on relocation
Thinking of parking for a ballpark in the city is completely counterintuitive. Build transit and walkable areas around the stadium. Higher capacity, better attendance, and a better atmosphere after the season is over. Parking ruins cities and is not as valuable to a stadium as most people think
I know nothing about how buying rights to land works in the city but wasn't there this new neighborhood in chicago being built called the 78?
As a Chicago resident living on the North West side but a huge fan of the White Sox, I think you have a few misconceptions of the South Side and Chicago. First of all, the South Side is huge! Bigger than the North, West and downtown combined. The South Side is more than double the size of all of San Francisco! Yes, there are some areas of the South and West side which are horrible which make up over 50% of the shootings in Chicago. 35th and Shields is very walkable and safe, but still a lot of room for improvement. Chicago as a whole is not even close to most dangerous cities and it's a shame the lack of understanding people have when it comes to Chicago. I'm assuming they just don't understand how big it is. The Sox should stay on the South side but build on the river or lake where home runs can go into the water. Also, have a view of downtown in the outfield.
Waitaminute? If the White Sox move from their current location to Soldier Field because of the crime, isn't it because the Bears want to move out of Soldier Field to Arlington Heights because of the crimes around that area? Doesn't make sense.
The bears aren’t moving because of crime, they’re moving because they want a new stadium, but the city of chicago doesn’t want to fund it
Build an exact replica of Comiskey Park circa its 1938 look with the deep center field and deep power alleys and then start drafting talent that can run so that the Go Go Sox return.
If the Chisox were 20 games over .500, their current location would be just fine. On the other hand, there are lots of places in Chicagoland that are better than the South Side for revenue-generation. I know a family that goes to the Joliet Slammers games rather than White Sox games.
“Deep center field and deep power alleys”. Not a chance. MLB loves cheap home runs.
United Cemter is more a pain in the butt to get to and park/egress than Guaranteed Rate Field. Can't be a Soutside team on the West side. I would rather have them move to Naperville or Tinley Park over United Canter
As a former Naperville resident, I wouldn't want to see it ruined with a major league stadium and the problems that come with it. Besides, 90% of Naperville baseball followers are Cubs fans.
BTW--Guaranteed Rate Field is only a couple of miles from Soldier Field... as the bullet flies.
& Oracle park is only a couple miles away from Downtown.. as the homeless man walks
It would be a great idea. South side Chicago is a hell hole
The true story about the shooting came out. Lady who got shot shot herself accidently. She hid the gun under her belly and got into the stadium with it. Not stray bullets. As far as where the White Sox play now, the neighborhood is pretty safe. Nothing but nice houses and mansions around the area, it does border a crappy neighborhood, but I don't think that has become an issue.
How about at the old US Steel South Works area? That might be a good catalyst for development there.
There was a rumor about the Bears moving toward Jolleit and play in the Chicagoland Speedway.
Since they are from the Southside, they will just move to the South. The Nashville White Sox.
😂 literally perfect. Though I would like the Sox move to Louisville.
What about Rosemont? You can see Chicago from the Horizon’s parking lot.
The issue with the White Sox being on the same properry with Waverly Island would be an absolute nightmare. Imagine a concert and a ballgame at the same time? Wow. One two lane road in and out. Better buy a boat!
Why don't they just build a new park next to the current one where the old park was?
Would you call Arlington, TX a suburb? Because the Cowboys and Rangers both play there.
They could put a roof on Guaranteed Rate Field so they don't have to worry about stray bullets.
I live east of Guaranteed field, in the community is Brownsville (Middle Class Black Community) and it's certainly not as dangerous it was in the late 80s when the stadium was being built, and the 90s, when the Robert Taylor projects was up and the gangs was running the yard. The problem with the area i quite simple, it ain't s*** to do. Close by the stadium is a Mexican enclave, And the latin kings run those streets... From somebody that's not Chicago who automatically thinks that Chicago is all black don't know a d*** thing about the geographical and criminal makeup of the city. Most of Chicago crimes take place on the West side, (Austin -blk, Back at the yards- Mex, Pilsen-S.America), North side (Rogers Park-International), South side-(blk/latino), East side (Mexican).
They are planning of opening Red Line train stops in areas where it's very bad areas so now people around there can now travel to downtown Chicago, Cubs & Sox games. Think about that.
Nope, Nashville
You don't need parking
It's Chicago
There's no parking at Wrigley...
You don't "necessarily" need parking. It all depends on where the ball park is. And what surrounds it.
Wrigley Field has the CTA Red line right next door and is served by several bus routes (Addison, Irving Park, or Clark). For the most part, people feel safe around the neighborhood and those bus lines. The surrounding neighborhood is very busy and plenty of things to do before and after the game. And also when there is no game.
G-Rate Field (hate that name) also has the Red and Green line. But the surrounding neighborhood leaves much to be desired and most fans want to get out as quickly as possible. Get in the car, get on the Dan Ryan and go home.
Yes, but you need a location with easy access to the L to make that possible.
Which the White Sox do have currently, they have been access to it then the Cubs do. The White Sox have both the Red Lind and the Green Line as well as the Metra Rock Island District, I’ve taken all three to get there before.
@@Mr.E723exactly. They are already at a much better transit friendly location better than United Center. Sox can't have their cake and eat it too, they can't expect to have a location with ample parking but also that entertainment/neighborhood district. Stop trying to be like the Cubs. Just field a competitive baseball team with guys who tired hard unlike Moncada and Eloy...then fans will come.
they wouldn’t sell much of any tickets in Arlington Heights or any suburbs especially further up north as all of them are cubs fans, most sox’s fans are from the south side of the city and won’t be making that 45 minute drive to go watch a mediocre at best team
Cops just said they ruled out that the bullet came from outside the stadium. Probably not a "neighborhood crime" issue.
I'm going to be honest. I think they should move out of Chicago. I don't think Chicago can support 2 teams anymore. Move them to a city who wants a team and grow the game.
Chicago has had 2 teams for 125 years stop it
@@johnmarshall4399 that's why I said "anymore." They used to be able to support 2 teams, but I don't think they can now. Ever wonder why no other sport has 2 teams in Chicago? I know the NFL used to but not anymore
Dude, if you think crime is bad in Bridgeport (current location), there is 0 chance of moving to United Center lol... just west of UC is one of the worst parts of the city in terms of crime.
I don’t think you can tear down Soldiers field unless I’m wrong. I know Wrigley is a landmark but I could’ve sworn Soldiers field was similar.
It was, but the remodeling in the early 2000s removed it from that status
what is the field solider than?
Trains and expressway exits, Highway Rt.14 way better traffic makes great sense. Many hotels, a mall nearby, provides a great spot for Sox in Arlington. Soldier Field is so close to Sox current home. Guns can be fired there as well. This guy needs a sports economic course. The Angels in Anaheim a suburb works it is near Disneyland. The Meadowlands in NJ plays host to the NY Giants. This guy needs a math course bad.
For those who do not know, Bridgeport (Sox) and South Loop (Bears)sort of border a "bad neighborhood" which is and Bronzeville. Heck, the Police Headquarters is literally down the street from where the White Sox play. It's relatively safe there all things considering, and i live in Bridgeport.
The White Sox moving to Soldier Field only makes sense because draw more fans, and by then Jerry will be dead, so a chance for an owner to really take the city by storm considering the City favorite team is moving to Arlington and a Downtown baseball stadium would be incredible.
The White Sox staying and rebuilding where they already play makes sense as well. The thing is they have to stay South. It's who they are. It's like moving the Yankees out of the Bronx and into Staten Island. Wouldn't make sense. Moving to the UC is still Southside by one block. and the neighboring areas are good enough (Uranian Village, East Village, West Town, Noble Square, Medical District).
Sadly the black neighborhoods ruin shit in the city. Chicago is so segregated and will always be that way unfortunately. Too much public housing, the city's culture has a way of eating itself. But let's be honest, that's why Jerry has his stadiums around black neighborhoods, because it's cheaper to build there.
Atlanta Braves moved to the burbs
The fact that the Braves don't have to compete with a more popular team in their City made that easier.
Also downtown Atlanta was/is a crime infested crap hole that fans didn't want to go to.
@@janetd5121 ..and on that note, I can't believe there are rumors of the NHL returning to Fatlanta via the expansion route.
@ATCguy1973 doesn't matter what team is in the city. Most Sox fans comes from the burbs anyways. Build a state of the art ballpark and a ballpark village people will most definitely come
@@FischerFanif they comeback it’ll be to the northern burbs not downtown
The St. Louis Browns, Philadelphia Athletics, and Boston Braves moved. Move the Chicago White Sox. Does that city really need two teams? The Chicago Cardinals (NFL) left.
Arlington Heights is also on the north side, deep into Cubs' territory.
Sox fans have to drive from the burbs to their current home . All Sox/ Cubs games against each other would be sell outs and a shorter drive for everybody. I'm sure Cub fans would like to see the Sox beat their division rivals in Arlington while Cubs are out of town. The Cubs division schedule helps the Sox home games against NL teams. Think marketing against the schedule. Who wants to see the Sox VS. Oakland and risk getting shot at. I'd rather see the Sox vs. Brewers or Reds in Arlington.
United Center in a terrible neighborhood also. Soldier Field a good option, although will mess up traffic on LSD too much.
United Center may not be an option without consent from Cubs. It’s awfully close to the 5 air miles required in governing rules.
Who cares if the cubs give consent or not. They’re not the ones moving. If the Sox want to move to either 3 locations, they can. They’re not stopping just because the cubs have something to say lmao
Said it before and I'll say it again, I'll give the baseball gods a 1,000 Wrigley Fields and Fenway Parks to have the ol' Comiskey Park back. And I ain't even a White Sox fan.
It was a great park but it was so rundown by the 80s... I don't think it could really be saved.
Seating was close to field in 2nd deck. Need a good seating plan for luxury boxes and dugout suites
I am surprised the cubs aren't interested in building a new baseball park. They have been playing at wrigley for over a 100 years and that stadium lacks modern amenities.
I would literally move to Chicago if this happens, remember great concerts there as well(Jerry Garcia ascent) no brainier time that one
That don’t make no sense HOW are you supposed to turn Soldier Field into MLB?
Guaranteed Rate is not "downtown". Soldier Field is downtown. Both are in the city, but only Soldier field is downtown. And as for parking, Chicago has excellent public transport for getting to and from games, so the issue with United Center is not parking (case in point: Wrigley Field). However, if you are going to make crime an issue, the United Center would definitely be worse than the current location of Guaranteed Rate. Sorry to be nitpicky, love your channel, and your takes are spot-on!.
North of UC is not bad at all, South is Medical district and 290. East is West Loop. West is bad but not dangerous per se
The United Center is not a realistic option. That neighborhood is just as bad as where the current stadium is. You'd also have to tear down a lot of buildings to get the space you need for a baseball stadium.
Just like in Cincinnati Great American Ballpark next to Heritage Bank Center
What is a Solider? I thought it was called Soldier?
Why can’t anybody spell soldier correctly?
If the Sox move anywhere north of Madison ave can they still call them the southsiders?
I am a cubs fan and can attest that the bridgeport area around the park is a great area, upper middle class, it is not "wealthy" but it is perfect. The morons that brought guns into the park are not a reflection on sox fans, Chicago or decent human beings. The lady that did this hid the gun in her fat, yeah go look that shit up. The Sox would be a good fit, if they moved, at the old U.S. steel site on the south side of the lake. Also a good place would be somewhere along i-55 closer to 294. A new location for the sox would certainly be hard to nail down, anyway.
The park isn't in Bridgeport. It's in Armour Square.
very interesting. They could just get rid of the UFO that landed on the old soldier field, right down to the ground leaving the columns up. I think that it makes sense. There isn't parking for the NFL, but for the ChiSox it might work. Soldier field is a very odd situation in that it's right in the heart of Downtown but is completely isolated from public transport, aside from Metra Electric, and South Shore Line(Indiana) but even that its problematic since the platform is small and it's only on 2 of the four tracks. Soldier Field also had US-41 and the start of Lake Shore Drive with only one underpass which isn't in the direction of /Soldier field. Crappy parking. I've been by Soldier Field on Metra on Game Days before and it's an ugly sight. You've got thousands of people trying to cross 41 at crosswalks, which backs up traffic, which adds to the problem since a good share of the cars are trying to get what parking there is. You've got people who end up not getting parking spaces, and more.
The Bears have been trying to get out of downtown for decades. Back around the time the White Sox almost moved to St. Pete the Bears had plans for Hoffman Estates, Aurora and even N.E Indiana near Gary at one of then abandoned steel plants where there would've been hotels, casinos, the stadium and more. It's right by numerous tracks, including Amtrak, South Shore line, which is passenger service from Millennium station to South Bend. It would've been right on Lake Michigan with ample parking, direct access to the Toll Road via The Chicago Skyway. That was defeated by the local legislature in the early 90s. I always thought that that was more of a threat to get the UFO to land at Soldier Field. It's been decades but I was living in Chicago about that time and I kind of remember people saying this was a joke and no-one took it seriously.
The Cubies are in pretty good place and there's little threat of them leaving anytime soon, especially when consider the money the new owners put in Wrigley. On top of that it's right next to the Addison Station on the "L" Red Line. I've been to game there and my maternal grandfather went to countless games. Most Cub fans take the L to the game or walk. It's a neighborhood park, like basically all the parks were when it opened over a 100 years ago. For many years they closed Addison street from Clark where Wrigley is, till the block past Addison Station on game days. They also close Sheffield, where people have bleacher's on their roofs and Waveland. I suspect they still do.
OMG!!! I am not the only one who thinks the Bears were visited by the mothership!!! First time I saw it I saw the Field...neo classical style, the bottom of Soldier, neo classical sty...Holy Mother of God!!! Aliens are real and they crashed into a football stadium!!
How would they play at the UC?
There's no room around there
I have a better idea...crack down on crime. Public safety over new stadium.
If only...
idk about national news but Chicago's news channels have been talking about the shooting incident since it happened every broadcast.
Good
It's not nearly as bad as it once was, but crime is being used as an excuse for a bad place for the stadium to be at in general. It's just not an easy place for many people to get to with nothing around it to make the trip worthwhile. Put it on the other side of the expressway near the lake and there could have been a developed lakefront corridor from the loop all the way down to Hyde Park. The took the cheap land boxed in by the expressway, public housing and a railyard while also facing the wrong direction. It's just an awful example of urban planning. I'm not sure why they are trying to piggyback the Bears to Arlington Heights when a stadium in Naperville would not only still be on the South Side, but a better location by virtually every metric.
Reinsdorf will destroy everything he touches.
The United Center is on the west side which is more dangerous than Bridgeport where the Sox play
Nah man, I’ve been to the south side(small area) near GRF not safe at all. So many poor house conditions.
The White Sox actually play in Armour Square, not Bridgeport.
How the hell would they move to the UC?
I wouldn't blame the White Sox moving outside of Chicago city limits...
No way they go to Naperville…traffic is the worst!
The White Sox moving to Soldier Field doesn’t make a bit of sense to me at all…..that’s literally the definition of going from bad to worse…..
Forget Soldier Field! When the Bears leave, they need to demolish that stadium and convert it all to parkland. NO MORE LAKEFRONT STADIUM!!!!
How about just better security at existing site and cheap parking so ppl don’t need to take public transit
The incident was brushed under the rug because it's in Chicago. Has been for a decade; this isn't new.
It is probably wise to reserve your assessment that the shooting was secondary to "a crime infested area" until you get the facts. The shooting was actually accidental and the result of a fan carrying a gun into the stadium. Why someone feels the need to pack heat at a ball game is another issue to be discussed but the facts undermine one of your arguments.
I think Soldier Field would be a great idea. Keep Soldier Field alive.
smaller stadiums are great. Please end the blackouts...
Just make sure that anywhere they go there’s a chop and ale house
So if they move to the United center Is there a plan for the bulls and Blackhawks?
They would build the ballpark next to the UC. There is a lot of land currently for parking on the property.
I'm assuming by all the land Jerry owns around the United Center, that he will add a MLB stadium somewhere near it and just incorporate it into the "United Center". there's no way the United center can be retrofitted.
So a stadium only has a lifespan of 30 years? 🙄🙄