*One correction, there were several Ballparks about as old as Comiskey at the time of its demo however it was just slightly the oldest at demolition by a few years.
Thank you for making a video on the White Sox even if not very positive lol. As a die hard fan it feels like we get forgotten about all the time, especially with the Cubs tourist appeal across town. Never forget we won it all in 2005!
I’m biased because I’m a White Sox fan, but think every change has helped it a lot. And personally I don’t think it’s anywhere near as bad of a place as fans of other teams claim (I know your not gonna agree with me on that). Now if it were up to me Old Comiskey Park never would’ve been replaced, and these days I’m starting to think more and more that we should build a new ballpark that more directly resembles Comiskey, but that’s just my opinion For the record, the rule that prohibits people with upper deck tickets from going to the lower decks wasn’t implemented until the early 2000s after a drunk guy and his son ran onto the field and attacked an umpire. They had upper deck tickets so that’s when they implemented that rule and have just never repealed it. I remember when you could go down to the lower decks and when the incident happened. I’m told that after a certain inning they stop enforcing that rule and you can go down to the lower decks but I’ve never tested this theory.
I’m a cubs fan, but I would honestly love to see the Sox basically rebuild Old Comiskey (but with modern amenities) on the same site once this park is replaced. I think it would be a hit and I’ve often pictured it looking similar to PNC Park
Fellow biased White Sox fan here, I agree that the improvements have made it a better experience. The one thing that would suck, is if we got another new stadium and built it to be more like old Comiskey it would have the same (or worse) corporate sponsored name! It's bad enough that the Sox are second fiddle to the Cubs, and their fans let us know it as often as possible in many many cases. But, we get the worse corporate sponsors for our ball parks naming.
@@Greybush46322 okay first of all, people complain about the name way to much. I came to terms with it years ago that the corporate name bs is here to stay. Second, you said, “another new stadium”. It’s now 32 years old. Not old, but not new. The Braves and Rangers recently moved into new parks after only 20 and 25 years in their previous ones respectively. I’m not saying that was right for them to do, but I think we’d have a far more justified reason to build a new park then either of them
Lifelong SouthSider & Sox fan & will say you are 100% correct in all you said. New park isn't bad at all & anyone who complains it is probably never sat behind a pole in the old place. Still do miss the 'ashtray' but at least Sox never moved to St Pete. And think about that park in Tampa as well- now that place sucks
As modified, this is a great stadium. There are no bad or obstructed seats (other stadiums have high seats, too), concourses are wide, lots of legroom, guys don't urinate on each other at bathroom troughs, food is great and access is easy. It is popular to p!ss on this place, but in truth it is a great place to see a game.
Yeah I’m a fan of this ballpark. Been going here my entire life and I just don’t understand what everyone’s issue is with it. I love being able to walk around the outfield without feeling claustrophobic like at Wrigley (beautiful historic field, but not a fan of the close quarters). The kids area is fantastic for families with batting cages, pitch clock, a mini field for little ones to run around, and more. Plus there are several great craft beer areas as well as a decent variety of ballpark food. They even have an awesome bench & brews deal where you get tickets, a hot dog, and 2 beers.
Went to a Sox game here once. It was another ballpark to take off my bucket list. I liked the atmosphere and the traditions they tried to bring over from the old Comiskey, but that upper deck was a nightmare. Very steep. Reminded me of the old upper bowl at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. If you misstepped, you were on your face and your beer would be all over the steps with everyone sitting nearby laughing and applauding.
I will say that of the 20 MLB parks I’ve visited over my lifetime the white Sox park has the best food I’ve ever had at a spitting event. I also didn’t think the stadium was awful. It was just meh.
My list: Wrigley field, comisky park, fenway Park, County stadium, Great American ballpark, hhh metrodome, target field, miller Park, Tropicana Personal favorite Wrigley
Unpopular opinion, I liked the original 91 version better, but than again I’m not really a fan of the green seat throwback stadium. OPACY was a revolutionary stadium but once every team started to hop on the wave it kind of killed it for me, Marlins Park was a breath of fresh air.
I went to a White Sox game not long after it opened. It shook out that my seat was in the upper deck behind home plate. I got such horrible vertigo that I had to leave after just a couple innings. I had this terrible feeling that if I even leaned forward in my seat, that I'd go tumbling down. Childish, I know, but it was too unsettling for me to stay. I never saw a game in "old/original" Comiskey Park, but I'm guessing that it would have been a much more enjoyable experience.
I’ve sat in those seats and they are so steep I feel like if I’d lean over slightly I’d fly out of my seat. Thankfully tickets were only $5 but this was in 2017 when the team was bad
I saw a game in 90 at old Comiskey. I don't remember anything besides sitting behind Sammy Sosa in the outfield. I agree with your assessment of the seats being too steep. I've never been there, but the views from the upper deck make me want to fall forward.
Depends. Old Comiskey had a bunch of seats behind poles which was an issue. But it had a bunch of quirks and classic style & most Sox fans would have wanted the old place renovated like they did to original Yankee stadium. Now the new Comiskey is a great place to watch a game after all the changes & Comiskey has the best food at MLB stadiums, so many great choices. When they first built it, it was a political boondoggle w/Reinsdorf getting a sweetheart deal & the park really looked like an imitation of Dodger stadium when it opened in 91(Dodgers-Brooklyn Dodgers- were Reinsdorf's fav team as a youth) especially in the outfield & w/the blue seats. 1 big difference is Old Comiskey was a pitchers park while the new joint, especially in the summer when it heats up, is a launching pad. Spent a lot of time at the old place & it's sad it's gone. There was a ton of history there-1st All Star game, Babe Ruth, Gerihg, the Black Sox scandal, etc.
I went to a Indians white sox games about a decade ago. It was 103 in Chicago that day and nobody could sit in the seats because the blacks seats where to hot to sit on. Everyone was packed into the concourse
I’m a giant Sox fan and have been to the stadium at least 100 times including both recent playoff games. It pains me that we destroyed Comiskey for this and it hurts more knowing the people who built Camden Yards wanted to build ours but Jerry (the owner) wouldn’t let it happen. The renovations over the past 10 years have helped keep the stadium looking modern enough but oh boy does this place stink overall. Such much potential I see wasted
As someone who has never been to this stadium what exactly is the problem with it that fans think need changing? I mean it looks great on tv now that they have done the renovations, I remember when it first opened in the early 90’s I thought it was one of the absolute worst stadiums in baseball along with all the 70’s stadium of the day. Im just curious as to what the issues are with it now?Im from Texas and I loved the ballpark in Arlington it was really hot and humid but the ballpark was fantastic not thrilled with the new stadium, they traded ballpark charm for comfort. Oh well what can you do??
Fellow Sox fan here. I know a lot of us loved the older Comiskey, but that place was on its last legs. Other than the name, I literally see nothing wrong with the current ballpark. Maybe you just hate change, but our ballpark is fine. It's not OPACY or PNC (both top tier) but it's MILES better than whatever Oakland and St. Petersburg have.
ironic, since the stadium belongs to the state and not Reinsdorf. I went in 2017 and I found that stadium to be boring. granted, it was when the Sox were rebuilding, but I've had better experiences at Wrigley. and I'm a Cardinals fan
Like most White Sox fans, I call this park "Comiskey" rather than "Your Name Here Field". I don't mind the park, and I love that it's easily accessible by transit. The fact that it's not as popular as Wrigley keeps prices down and means there's a diverse group of fans at the games. I've always thought, though, that they should have turned things 90 degrees so that the park faces the skyline rather than an abandoned neighborhood that was formerly public housing. Other parks (like the retro-parks in Baltimore, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh) face their cities' skylines, and it's a shame the White Sox didn't choose to face one of the most iconic skylines in the world.
@@vincentdegendorfer6091 see what Expos had to deal with at Jarry Park, their 1st home park. Game had to be stopped for awhile for safety reasons til sun completely set
It doesn't bother me that there isn't a view of the skyline since I go to watch the game, not admire the admire the skyline. There's better spots to see it and they're free.
I think the fact that the old stadiums were actually built by the teams vs public tax money has something to do with the lack of respect for these new concrete monstrosities. They are just lacking something.
One proposal incorporated views of the skyline into the backdrop of the outfield. Another blunder that this never happened. The lower deck is not bad, but the upper is really far away and the pitch is super steep.
Don't know if the ticket ushers have gotten more strict, but when I would go to Sox games I would always be seated about 30 rows up and sneak up every half inning or so since the ticket ushers didn't seem to care. About 3 times I ended up in the front row and twice behind the dugout on the side of the on deck circle.
I agree, and the best part would have been to keep the original Field Orientation facing North East. Facing South East to look at housing projects sucks.
Here’s a bonkers idea: if the Bears move out of the latest version of Soldier Field to Arlington Heights. Maybe Soldier Field could be renovated again into a baseball stadium (maybe with a dome) for the White Sox to move into
very bonkers, but would be more manageable if they were to just tear down soldier and start from scratch. it is no longer a historic structure even though the soldier field renovations were supposed to preserve that status
My thoughts exactly. Start with designing an optimal baseball field where batters at home plate can see the downtown Chicago skyline. Then consider taking out the spaceship upper deck in the west and maybe scaling back the luxury suites in the east, all to have a new Sox Park with 40-55K capacity. Make it so!
@@nothanksguy alternatively, the Chicago Park District can start from scratch and build a new Sox ballpark with asymmetric outfield dimensions and hopefully retain the historic colonnades and batters having a great view of the downtown Chicago skyline.
Not renovate Soldier Field, but tear it down and build a new ballpark on the spot. I don’t think that’s gonna happen though. A better idea. There’s a sight just south of the loop along the river at Roosevelt Rd, with access to the L.
Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner of the White Sox, went to law school at Northwestern with the Governor of Illinois at the time. The same governor that brokered a shady deal at the very last minute of the legislative session to give Reinsdorf the money to build the stadium. And not only that, it was a stereotypical "we pay you profit" deal. And not only that, but when the stadium opened and was universally mocked, the state stepped in and made renovation after renovation exactly how the White Sox wanted them. And not only that, but its been 30 years and the stadium is still not paid off!
They never gave reinsdorf money to build this stadium. The state owns the park. Also, Reinsdorf learned from this mistake when building the United Center. Had he did it over, he would've done it with private money like the UC.
@@HoratioMitchell Sure the stadium is owned by the state owned sports authority commission or whatever they setup to finance it, but the state ceded all parking, concession, and skybox revenue to Reinsdorf. He came out like a bandit on that deal.
@@HoratioMitchell the United Center construction was more spearheaded by Bill Wirtz. Wirtz had been the sole owner of the Chicago Stadium. Bulls ultimately agreed to go dutch on the United Center and take a 50% ownership share, but the design of the stadium had already been largely created by then, from what I once read. I read that there had been some thought given by Wirtz to giving the Bulls the Stadium and having the Hawks be the sole tenant of the United Center.
I went to a game in New Comiskey back in the 90s and thought it wasn’t that bad of a place. Compared to the multi-purpose astroturfed concrete donuts, it was nice to see a new baseball only stadium. I think it was before the upper-lower ban was in place, and we sat in the front row of the upper deck, so we didn’t have to climb all the way up. It was a perfectly fine place. Nothing bad, but nothing like the neoclassics.
Lots of good info in this video, but I have a suggestion Put some pauses in between your points in the voice over. Give your viewers time to digest the information you’re giving Looking forward to the next one!
In your otherwise fine piece, you left a small part of the history in the 1980's. Before exploring a move to Florida, the White Sox first tried to move to west suburban Addison, about 30 miles to the northwest, and had even purchased land in the village. However, in an advisory referendum in 1986, voters in Addison narrowly rejected the idea of a publicly-funded stadium there. That left the Sox with three options: 1) continue at the aging Comiskey (which they did not want), 2) move out of state (which had been considered both in the 1960's and 1970's under previous ownership), or 3) build a new ballpark near the existing one (which is what happened - with much drama in Springfield in 1988). It will be interesting to see what happens in the next decade to "the Rate," as the Sox' deal with the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (the public entity the state legislature created in 1988 to build and later operate the current ballpark) runs out in 2030.
The surrounding neighborhood only makes it worse. I've driven through Chicago several times, and I've seen Guaranteed Rate Field from the freeway. I wouldn't want risk going anywhere near that ballpark, even in daytime.
1. Shortening the upper deck & adding roof. 2. Adding upper deck wind screens were HUGE improvements. Comiskey and Tiger were gems and just as viable as the gum drop & fens. The real reason the rate (or the Cell) will never have the allure of Camden yard boils down to the law of real estate, LOCATION. Go, go Southside. Go, go White Sox! BTW Old Comiskey was 2yrs older than Tiger and Fenway & 4yrs older than Wrigley.
They should have at least oriented the stadium to show what is one of the best views of the city’s skylines in the outfield. So stupid that they did not.
They made a lot of mistakes when they built the New Comiskey Park but with the modifications it's not an ugly stadium anymore. The biggest problem is that nobody wants to sit upstairs. I used to work there and personally saw women crying because it's so steep just to get to your seats. That's why many would rather watch on TV than go to Mt Guaranteed Rate.
It’s a combo of reinsdorf being reinsdorf, and the timing of the construction. In the early 90s they went for a modern look, but overtime that style is considered tacky. They didn’t foresee the rise of huge LED screens and modern technology. It still has a modern look, but I think the recent modifications make it look really good. The green seats, the metallic surrounding, etc. Unfortunately its corporate name and the weird back history about how it was constructed leave a bad taste. It’s so hard to make a new stadium so you’d rather just get it right the first time. If they had gone w a retro classic remake of comiskey with modern amenities, it would have been perfect. Another thing that also irks me is that it doesn’t face toward downtown like the old one did, out of some bs idea that the home plate needed to be on the same street as the old comiskey’s home plate. Now there’s no views. Still a great ballpark, if only a bit generic.
Actually, the reason home plate faces southeast (rather than northeast as at the previous Comiskey Park) was to help fly balls carry further, thus producing more home runs. This was the exact opposite of Comiskey, which was designed as a pitchers' ballpark. This directional shift did indeed lead to an increase in home runs - just as the Sox management had hoped.
No matter what anyone thinks of New Comiskey, at least it's not Tropicana Field, and I'll at least hang my hat on that little bit of hope 😂 I wouldn't say it's exactly time for a new stadium just yet, but let's get the plans ready and get it right this time
I'm a Sox fan my dream would be to build a ballpark on the city's lakefront. It's unlikely to ever happen but I think it could definitely enhance the ballpark experience for fans before during and after the game and help put more asses in the seats.
Lake winds are already wild at Wrigley, which is blocks from the lake. Build it right on the lake with no buildings acting as a buffer, and those winds would create wild results for a baseball game
Years ago my wife and I went to both a game at Wrigley and at GR Field (or whatever it was called back in 2008. Cellular Field?) on the same day. She loved Wrigley, said it was intimate, enjoyed Goose Gossage singing "Take me out to the Ballgame" and loved the neighborhood feel. When we got to GR Field, immediately she was unimpressed, said it felt too big, too impersonal and that it reminded her of the Roman Coliseum. She said the exact same about old Yankee Stadium, which we visited a month later.
I like the design (except the upper deck tunnels at the bottom of the deck). It's a symmetrical design rather than the cookie cutter "retro" designs, with every team trying to build the next Fenway Park... which is a lousy old stadium. Even Wrigley Field has a symmetrical outfield.
Uh, no it doesn't. The deepest part of center field at Wrigley is left center, not dead center. Wrigley when viewed from above is lopsided, they moved the grandstands back in the 1920's which caused this visual defect.
I went to 18 ballparks last summer and guaranteed rate was by far my least favorite. It just has zero character. Also I bought tickets to the upper deck thinking that id be at least able to walk around the whole park for an hour or so before the game started but you are not able to. That is absolute bs and made me so furious. when I go to a ballpark for the first time I want to explore and see what the filed looks like from different angles. Its just funny how the same city has the best ballpark and the worst one imo.
Every MLB stadium except for Fenway & Wrigley are exactly the same. Foul pole to foul pole, from the view of center field they all look the same & are the same. You have your lower level, 2 story box seats & suites, & an upper deck pushed too high up & too far back. I have been to some of these new stadiums & also Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City That opened 18 years before new Comisky, & I can tell you the upper decks at these ballparks are just as high up & far away from the action as new Comisky. Saying that Jacobs Field & Camden figured it out is wrong. Just because your have 57 different dimensions in the outfield wall & you build it all messed up on purpose, doesn't give your stadium authentic character or baseball history. New Comisky gets a lot of disrespect because of what it replaced, truly The Baseball Palace of the World, & also because of its symmetrical dimensions & outfield seating. Don't get me wrong though. I'm not crazy about New Comisky compared to the old one, but it's just like all the others without the praise & all the criticism. I miss the jewel box ball parks. You were right on top of the action. Baseball was intimate. Not anymore.
I agree, you can't just tear down a 1920s ball park and build a modern one and expect the atmosphere to be as good. There is something about the old venues that just isn't replaceable.
Looking at the original Comisky Park, before the new ball park was built in the early 90's, I have to say was way better than the new ball park. Too bad they couldn't have a made some minor tweaks and upgrades to the stadium, yet, keep things as close to original as possible. Too bad nobody has the foresight to do this. I would have loved to have visited Comisky as well as Wrigley field.
1st issue with new Comiskey-the awful blue seats(which have thankfully been changed). Also you can't go into the bowels of the park, which was a major disappointment. That helps give the place character. Taking some rows off upper deck has helped and frankly with all the changes since 91, it is a great place to watch a game. Bleachers are nice at Wrigley but Cubs fans suck and the north side is softer than Charmin. Keep that lame shit
How about some cheese with your 🍷 whine, this happens with every ballpark that has ever been built no one is ever happy Guaranteed Rate Field opened in 1991 Wrigley Field opened in 1914 I prefer the newer place
this is the most average stadium in the league. there's not necessarily anything bad about it but compared to other stadiums built around that era it sucks knowing the potential of what could've been done.
@@Mr.E723 if nobody shows up to the games, it wont matter where they belong. the sox were close to leaving chicago once already, and the cubs have gained a massive amount of popularity since then.
I figure one thing, the Sox tried to move to Milwaukee during the time in between when the Braves left and the Brewers' arrival; they tried to move to Seattle in the 70s, with the A's planning to replace them in Chicago. Now, though, I can't see them moving despite the fact that it'll be far easier for them to do so than it was when they were actually trying to move.
@@nothanksguy contrary to what is claimed in the video. The Sox are not towards the bottom of the league as far as attendance goes. No they don’t draw as well as the Cubs (because the park isn’t a tourist attraction like Wrigley), but as far as MLB attendance goes they’re right in the middle, not amazing but not bad either
I've been to all of the MLB stadiums (except the new Globe Life) and this is my least favorite by far. No character. "Hastily" built is accurate. To replace one of the oldest ballparks in MLB with this dump was a true insult to the sport. Honestly, I would have rather had the Sox move to Tampa.
WORST PARK EVER WHEN IT OPENED ,EVEN THE OLD PARK WAS BETTER,THE PARK FACES THE WRONG DIRECTION,IT SHOULD FACE NORTHEAST ,LIKE OLD COMISKY AND WRIGLY ,TEAR IT DOWN AND BUILD A NEW PARK EITHER ACROSS THE STREET OR IN A BETTER NEIGHBORHOOD ,i forget to tell you the hood sucks ,the white sox org would do well in a new location people would follow,i think theywould draw as well as the cubs do ,if they move , GOD LUCK CWS
![สั่งทอง.. จาก temu ของจริงป่ะ? ( part : 1/2 ) [โกงไหมครับ ep.94 ] | DOM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2tYS1qTMB78/mqdefault.jpg)
*One correction, there were several Ballparks about as old as Comiskey at the time of its demo however it was just slightly the oldest at demolition by a few years.
Thank you for making a video on the White Sox even if not very positive lol. As a die hard fan it feels like we get forgotten about all the time, especially with the Cubs tourist appeal across town. Never forget we won it all in 2005!
you're due for another one. that way, everyone remembers
I forgot about the whitesox
@@kapo2012fb you've never been forgotten because no one has heard or cared about your lameness.
@@igorslocks you sound stupid
@@kapo2012fb thank you. You are stupid. Happy Thanksgiving 🦮🦃
I’m biased because I’m a White Sox fan, but think every change has helped it a lot. And personally I don’t think it’s anywhere near as bad of a place as fans of other teams claim (I know your not gonna agree with me on that). Now if it were up to me Old Comiskey Park never would’ve been replaced, and these days I’m starting to think more and more that we should build a new ballpark that more directly resembles Comiskey, but that’s just my opinion
For the record, the rule that prohibits people with upper deck tickets from going to the lower decks wasn’t implemented until the early 2000s after a drunk guy and his son ran onto the field and attacked an umpire. They had upper deck tickets so that’s when they implemented that rule and have just never repealed it. I remember when you could go down to the lower decks and when the incident happened. I’m told that after a certain inning they stop enforcing that rule and you can go down to the lower decks but I’ve never tested this theory.
I’m a cubs fan, but I would honestly love to see the Sox basically rebuild Old Comiskey (but with modern amenities) on the same site once this park is replaced. I think it would be a hit and I’ve often pictured it looking similar to PNC Park
Fellow biased White Sox fan here, I agree that the improvements have made it a better experience. The one thing that would suck, is if we got another new stadium and built it to be more like old Comiskey it would have the same (or worse) corporate sponsored name! It's bad enough that the Sox are second fiddle to the Cubs, and their fans let us know it as often as possible in many many cases. But, we get the worse corporate sponsors for our ball parks naming.
@@Greybush46322 okay first of all, people complain about the name way to much. I came to terms with it years ago that the corporate name bs is here to stay. Second, you said, “another new stadium”. It’s now 32 years old. Not old, but not new. The Braves and Rangers recently moved into new parks after only 20 and 25 years in their previous ones respectively. I’m not saying that was right for them to do, but I think we’d have a far more justified reason to build a new park then either of them
Fuckin Chicago...
Lifelong SouthSider & Sox fan & will say you are 100% correct in all you said. New park isn't bad at all & anyone who complains it is probably never sat behind a pole in the old place. Still do miss the 'ashtray' but at least Sox never moved to St Pete. And think about that park in Tampa as well- now that place sucks
The worst named field, certainly.
New Comiskey Park would sound better
American Family Field. Miller Park was a much cooler name
@@someperson3883 that’s the original name
@@JimBrownski So?
Climate Pledge Arena, hold my beer…
As modified, this is a great stadium. There are no bad or obstructed seats (other stadiums have high seats, too), concourses are wide, lots of legroom, guys don't urinate on each other at bathroom troughs, food is great and access is easy. It is popular to p!ss on this place, but in truth it is a great place to see a game.
Yeah I’m a fan of this ballpark. Been going here my entire life and I just don’t understand what everyone’s issue is with it. I love being able to walk around the outfield without feeling claustrophobic like at Wrigley (beautiful historic field, but not a fan of the close quarters). The kids area is fantastic for families with batting cages, pitch clock, a mini field for little ones to run around, and more. Plus there are several great craft beer areas as well as a decent variety of ballpark food. They even have an awesome bench & brews deal where you get tickets, a hot dog, and 2 beers.
Also dollar dog night rocks
Went to a Sox game here once. It was another ballpark to take off my bucket list. I liked the atmosphere and the traditions they tried to bring over from the old Comiskey, but that upper deck was a nightmare. Very steep. Reminded me of the old upper bowl at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. If you misstepped, you were on your face and your beer would be all over the steps with everyone sitting nearby laughing and applauding.
Old Comiskey was the oldest in the majors; older than Tigers Stadium, Fenway, Wrigley.
No it wasn't.
@@KazeShikamaru Yes it was. Comiskey was built in 1910 while Fenway and Tiger were built in 1912, and Wrigley in 1914
Chicago native who moved away years ago. Go back often. Still say Guarantee Rate field has the best hot dogs in Chicago.
No Lincoln park zoo. Swear on my mom
I will say that of the 20 MLB parks I’ve visited over my lifetime the white Sox park has the best food I’ve ever had at a spitting event. I also didn’t think the stadium was awful. It was just meh.
They do.
My list:
Wrigley field, comisky park, fenway Park, County stadium, Great American ballpark, hhh metrodome, target field, miller Park, Tropicana
Personal favorite Wrigley
Food is top notch fur sure
All the changes keep making the stadium nicer. I love it.
Unpopular opinion, I liked the original 91 version better, but than again I’m not really a fan of the green seat throwback stadium. OPACY was a revolutionary stadium but once every team started to hop on the wave it kind of killed it for me, Marlins Park was a breath of fresh air.
Replacing the blue seats was the one thing I never understood.
I went to a White Sox game not long after it opened. It shook out that my seat was in the upper deck behind home plate. I got such horrible vertigo that I had to leave after just a couple innings. I had this terrible feeling that if I even leaned forward in my seat, that I'd go tumbling down. Childish, I know, but it was too unsettling for me to stay. I never saw a game in "old/original" Comiskey Park, but I'm guessing that it would have been a much more enjoyable experience.
I’ve sat in those seats and they are so steep I feel like if I’d lean over slightly I’d fly out of my seat. Thankfully tickets were only $5 but this was in 2017 when the team was bad
I saw a game in 90 at old Comiskey. I don't remember anything besides sitting behind Sammy Sosa in the outfield.
I agree with your assessment of the seats being too steep. I've never been there, but the views from the upper deck make me want to fall forward.
No, I totally get it. I had that at both this and Wrigley.
Depends. Old Comiskey had a bunch of seats behind poles which was an issue. But it had a bunch of quirks and classic style & most Sox fans would have wanted the old place renovated like they did to original Yankee stadium. Now the new Comiskey is a great place to watch a game after all the changes & Comiskey has the best food at MLB stadiums, so many great choices. When they first built it, it was a political boondoggle w/Reinsdorf getting a sweetheart deal & the park really looked like an imitation of Dodger stadium when it opened in 91(Dodgers-Brooklyn Dodgers- were Reinsdorf's fav team as a youth) especially in the outfield & w/the blue seats. 1 big difference is Old Comiskey was a pitchers park while the new joint, especially in the summer when it heats up, is a launching pad. Spent a lot of time at the old place & it's sad it's gone. There was a ton of history there-1st All Star game, Babe Ruth, Gerihg, the Black Sox scandal, etc.
I went to a Indians white sox games about a decade ago. It was 103 in Chicago that day and nobody could sit in the seats because the blacks seats where to hot to sit on. Everyone was packed into the concourse
I’m a giant Sox fan and have been to the stadium at least 100 times including both recent playoff games. It pains me that we destroyed Comiskey for this and it hurts more knowing the people who built Camden Yards wanted to build ours but Jerry (the owner) wouldn’t let it happen. The renovations over the past 10 years have helped keep the stadium looking modern enough but oh boy does this place stink overall. Such much potential I see wasted
As someone who has never been to this stadium what exactly is the problem with it that fans think need changing? I mean it looks great on tv now that they have done the renovations, I remember when it first opened in the early 90’s I thought it was one of the absolute worst stadiums in baseball along with all the 70’s stadium of the day. Im just curious as to what the issues are with it now?Im from Texas and I loved the ballpark in Arlington it was really hot and humid but the ballpark was fantastic not thrilled with the new stadium, they traded ballpark charm for comfort. Oh well what can you do??
Fellow Sox fan here. I know a lot of us loved the older Comiskey, but that place was on its last legs. Other than the name, I literally see nothing wrong with the current ballpark. Maybe you just hate change, but our ballpark is fine. It's not OPACY or PNC (both top tier) but it's MILES better than whatever Oakland and St. Petersburg have.
ironic, since the stadium belongs to the state and not Reinsdorf. I went in 2017 and I found that stadium to be boring. granted, it was when the Sox were rebuilding, but I've had better experiences at Wrigley. and I'm a Cardinals fan
@@g311music still have no idea why they got rid of the Ballpark at Arlington. Thought it was a great stadium.
Like most White Sox fans, I call this park "Comiskey" rather than "Your Name Here Field". I don't mind the park, and I love that it's easily accessible by transit. The fact that it's not as popular as Wrigley keeps prices down and means there's a diverse group of fans at the games. I've always thought, though, that they should have turned things 90 degrees so that the park faces the skyline rather than an abandoned neighborhood that was formerly public housing. Other parks (like the retro-parks in Baltimore, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh) face their cities' skylines, and it's a shame the White Sox didn't choose to face one of the most iconic skylines in the world.
Has todo with the sunset and it not being in the players eyes during night games.
@@vincentdegendorfer6091 see what Expos had to deal with at Jarry Park, their 1st home park. Game had to be stopped for awhile for safety reasons til sun completely set
It doesn't bother me that there isn't a view of the skyline since I go to watch the game, not admire the admire the skyline. There's better spots to see it and they're free.
The one thing that the new orverhang created was an obstructed view from the last few rows due to the support beam needed to hold it up.
Very interesting piece, my friend. When discussing stadiums, this one gets alot of negatives. From your piece, I now know why. Great, succinct job.
I've always loved the pinwheels or whatever those are. Something nice to look at in a somewhat boring view. I'd like to visit it sometime
Exploding scoreboard
@@tylerkochman1007 oh, right. Great name for it
The renovations have been awesome and it's a great place to watch a game as it stands now. It looks new and it's over 30yrs old.
Remember when stadiums used to be named after someone/something that wasn't a corporate sponsor?
I think the fact that the old stadiums were actually built by the teams vs public tax money has something to do with the lack of respect for these new concrete monstrosities. They are just lacking something.
One proposal incorporated views of the skyline into the backdrop of the outfield. Another blunder that this never happened. The lower deck is not bad, but the upper is really far away and the pitch is super steep.
Wish I got to see games at old comiskey park. Too bad I wasn’t born soon enough. At least guaranteed rate field has the best food in the league
Don't know if the ticket ushers have gotten more strict, but when I would go to Sox games I would always be seated about 30 rows up and sneak up every half inning or so since the ticket ushers didn't seem to care. About 3 times I ended up in the front row and twice behind the dugout on the side of the on deck circle.
I still call it Comiskey Park.
They should have stayed at the original Comiskey Park
I agree, and the best part would have been to keep the original Field Orientation facing North East.
Facing South East to look at housing projects sucks.
Here’s a bonkers idea: if the Bears move out of the latest version of Soldier Field to Arlington Heights. Maybe Soldier Field could be renovated again into a baseball stadium (maybe with a dome) for the White Sox to move into
very bonkers, but would be more manageable if they were to just tear down soldier and start from scratch. it is no longer a historic structure even though the soldier field renovations were supposed to preserve that status
My thoughts exactly. Start with designing an optimal baseball field where batters at home plate can see the downtown Chicago skyline. Then consider taking out the spaceship upper deck in the west and maybe scaling back the luxury suites in the east, all to have a new Sox Park with 40-55K capacity. Make it so!
@@nothanksguy alternatively, the Chicago Park District can start from scratch and build a new Sox ballpark with asymmetric outfield dimensions and hopefully retain the historic colonnades and batters having a great view of the downtown Chicago skyline.
Not renovate Soldier Field, but tear it down and build a new ballpark on the spot. I don’t think that’s gonna happen though.
A better idea. There’s a sight just south of the loop along the river at Roosevelt Rd, with access to the L.
@@Mr.E723 plans have been made to developed the former Central Station train yards already
Another great video! Keep up the good work!
Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner of the White Sox, went to law school at Northwestern with the Governor of Illinois at the time. The same governor that brokered a shady deal at the very last minute of the legislative session to give Reinsdorf the money to build the stadium. And not only that, it was a stereotypical "we pay you profit" deal. And not only that, but when the stadium opened and was universally mocked, the state stepped in and made renovation after renovation exactly how the White Sox wanted them. And not only that, but its been 30 years and the stadium is still not paid off!
The spring of 1988 the whole situation made me nervous Im glad they got it done I was sure they were heading to Florida
They never gave reinsdorf money to build this stadium. The state owns the park. Also, Reinsdorf learned from this mistake when building the United Center. Had he did it over, he would've done it with private money like the UC.
@@HoratioMitchell Sure the stadium is owned by the state owned sports authority commission or whatever they setup to finance it, but the state ceded all parking, concession, and skybox revenue to Reinsdorf. He came out like a bandit on that deal.
@@HoratioMitchell the United Center construction was more spearheaded by Bill Wirtz. Wirtz had been the sole owner of the Chicago Stadium. Bulls ultimately agreed to go dutch on the United Center and take a 50% ownership share, but the design of the stadium had already been largely created by then, from what I once read. I read that there had been some thought given by Wirtz to giving the Bulls the Stadium and having the Hawks be the sole tenant of the United Center.
I love your channel. Glad to see it growing 👍
Now if only they would unmodify the name
The White Sox averaged 14th in attendance in 2021.
I went to a game in New Comiskey back in the 90s and thought it wasn’t that bad of a place. Compared to the multi-purpose astroturfed concrete donuts, it was nice to see a new baseball only stadium. I think it was before the upper-lower ban was in place, and we sat in the front row of the upper deck, so we didn’t have to climb all the way up. It was a perfectly fine place. Nothing bad, but nothing like the neoclassics.
Lots of good info in this video, but I have a suggestion
Put some pauses in between your points in the voice over. Give your viewers time to digest the information you’re giving
Looking forward to the next one!
Let's goooo. Waiting since 2009 for this one
In your otherwise fine piece, you left a small part of the history in the 1980's. Before exploring a move to Florida, the White Sox first tried to move to west suburban Addison, about 30 miles to the northwest, and had even purchased land in the village. However, in an advisory referendum in 1986, voters in Addison narrowly rejected the idea of a publicly-funded stadium there. That left the Sox with three options: 1) continue at the aging Comiskey (which they did not want), 2) move out of state (which had been considered both in the 1960's and 1970's under previous ownership), or 3) build a new ballpark near the existing one (which is what happened - with much drama in Springfield in 1988). It will be interesting to see what happens in the next decade to "the Rate," as the Sox' deal with the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (the public entity the state legislature created in 1988 to build and later operate the current ballpark) runs out in 2030.
The surrounding neighborhood only makes it worse. I've driven through Chicago several times, and I've seen Guaranteed Rate Field from the freeway. I wouldn't want risk going anywhere near that ballpark, even in daytime.
1. Shortening the upper deck & adding roof. 2. Adding upper deck wind screens were HUGE improvements. Comiskey and Tiger were gems and just as viable as the gum drop & fens. The real reason the rate (or the Cell) will never have the allure of Camden yard boils down to the law of real estate, LOCATION. Go, go Southside. Go, go White Sox! BTW Old Comiskey was 2yrs older than Tiger and Fenway & 4yrs older than Wrigley.
They should have at least oriented the stadium to show what is one of the best views of the city’s skylines in the outfield. So stupid that they did not.
They made a lot of mistakes when they built the New Comiskey Park but with the modifications it's not an ugly stadium anymore. The biggest problem is that nobody wants to sit upstairs. I used to work there and personally saw women crying because it's so steep just to get to your seats. That's why many would rather watch on TV than go to Mt Guaranteed Rate.
Idk why it gets a bad rap
I love going to games there
It’s top 8 in my book and I’ve been to most ballparks including San Diego
I love Gaurenteed Rate Field!
Why can't I get any love from Crunchy?
It’s a combo of reinsdorf being reinsdorf, and the timing of the construction. In the early 90s they went for a modern look, but overtime that style is considered tacky. They didn’t foresee the rise of huge LED screens and modern technology. It still has a modern look, but I think the recent modifications make it look really good. The green seats, the metallic surrounding, etc. Unfortunately its corporate name and the weird back history about how it was constructed leave a bad taste. It’s so hard to make a new stadium so you’d rather just get it right the first time. If they had gone w a retro classic remake of comiskey with modern amenities, it would have been perfect. Another thing that also irks me is that it doesn’t face toward downtown like the old one did, out of some bs idea that the home plate needed to be on the same street as the old comiskey’s home plate. Now there’s no views. Still a great ballpark, if only a bit generic.
Actually, the reason home plate faces southeast (rather than northeast as at the previous Comiskey Park) was to help fly balls carry further, thus producing more home runs. This was the exact opposite of Comiskey, which was designed as a pitchers' ballpark. This directional shift did indeed lead to an increase in home runs - just as the Sox management had hoped.
That's Jerry for you. If the stadium faced downtown. It would be classic. Just the skyline view would do that.
They mentioned the popularity of the Cubs, the hell with that, that shouldn't have forced to White Sox out of town go Sox bleep the Cubs
They had a MUCH better plan in Armour Park. But chicago shot it down
No matter what anyone thinks of New Comiskey, at least it's not Tropicana Field, and I'll at least hang my hat on that little bit of hope 😂 I wouldn't say it's exactly time for a new stadium just yet, but let's get the plans ready and get it right this time
I'm a Sox fan my dream would be to build a ballpark on the city's lakefront. It's unlikely to ever happen but I think it could definitely enhance the ballpark experience for fans before during and after the game and help put more asses in the seats.
Lake winds are already wild at Wrigley, which is blocks from the lake. Build it right on the lake with no buildings acting as a buffer, and those winds would create wild results for a baseball game
The only people who don't complain about this ballpark are Sox fans themselves
Years ago my wife and I went to both a game at Wrigley and at GR Field (or whatever it was called back in 2008. Cellular Field?) on the same day. She loved Wrigley, said it was intimate, enjoyed Goose Gossage singing "Take me out to the Ballgame" and loved the neighborhood feel. When we got to GR Field, immediately she was unimpressed, said it felt too big, too impersonal and that it reminded her of the Roman Coliseum. She said the exact same about old Yankee Stadium, which we visited a month later.
Tampa's Stadium is the worst ever built. The sox were destined for a crap stadium in either place.
Yep, you right about that.!!!
I like the design (except the upper deck tunnels at the bottom of the deck). It's a symmetrical design rather than the cookie cutter "retro" designs, with every team trying to build the next Fenway Park... which is a lousy old stadium. Even Wrigley Field has a symmetrical outfield.
Uh, no it doesn't. The deepest part of center field at Wrigley is left center, not dead center. Wrigley when viewed from above is lopsided, they moved the grandstands back in the 1920's which caused this visual defect.
I went to 18 ballparks last summer and guaranteed rate was by far my least favorite. It just has zero character. Also I bought tickets to the upper deck thinking that id be at least able to walk around the whole park for an hour or so before the game started but you are not able to. That is absolute bs and made me so furious. when I go to a ballpark for the first time I want to explore and see what the filed looks like from different angles. Its just funny how the same city has the best ballpark and the worst one imo.
They stopped that about 7 years ago, when those idiots ran on the field. You use to be able to walk around the whole ballpark freely.
It is one of the ballparks of all time
do the st Louis arena/cheakerdome/the old barn.
I wish I was a multi-billionaire so that I could tear down the dump and re-build it properly.
The name sucks but I like the ballpark. I forgot how bad it used to be. I know my Dad hates the old seats.
I still call it Comiskey!
Every MLB stadium except for Fenway & Wrigley are exactly the same. Foul pole to foul pole, from the view of center field they all look the same & are the same. You have your lower level, 2 story box seats & suites, & an upper deck pushed too high up & too far back. I have been to some of these new stadiums & also Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City That opened 18 years before new Comisky, & I can tell you the upper decks at these ballparks are just as high up & far away from the action as new Comisky. Saying that Jacobs Field & Camden figured it out is wrong. Just because your have 57 different dimensions in the outfield wall & you build it all messed up on purpose, doesn't give your stadium authentic character or baseball history. New Comisky gets a lot of disrespect because of what it replaced, truly The Baseball Palace of the World, & also because of its symmetrical dimensions & outfield seating. Don't get me wrong though. I'm not crazy about New Comisky compared to the old one, but it's just like all the others without the praise & all the criticism. I miss the jewel box ball parks. You were right on top of the action. Baseball was intimate. Not anymore.
I agree, you can't just tear down a 1920s ball park and build a modern one and expect the atmosphere to be as good. There is something about the old venues that just isn't replaceable.
It’s low internet at Guaranteed Rate.
Looking at the original Comisky Park, before the new ball park was built in the early 90's, I have to say was way better than the new ball park. Too bad they couldn't have a made some minor tweaks and upgrades to the stadium, yet, keep things as close to original as possible. Too bad nobody has the foresight to do this. I would have loved to have visited Comisky as well as Wrigley field.
1st issue with new Comiskey-the awful blue seats(which have thankfully been changed). Also you can't go into the bowels of the park, which was a major disappointment. That helps give the place character. Taking some rows off upper deck has helped and frankly with all the changes since 91, it is a great place to watch a game. Bleachers are nice at Wrigley but Cubs fans suck and the north side is softer than Charmin. Keep that lame shit
do a top 20 high school football stadiums in ohio list
How about some cheese with your 🍷 whine, this happens with every ballpark that has ever been built no one is ever happy Guaranteed Rate Field opened in 1991 Wrigley Field opened in 1914 I prefer the newer place
Old comiskey is the best
I disagree actually.
How about “Boring bland no character waste of money field”?
They should move to Indy
this is the most average stadium in the league. there's not necessarily anything bad about it but compared to other stadiums built around that era it sucks knowing the potential of what could've been done.
It is in a rough neighborhood.
Pretty ugly…
This park is sooo unfriendly Wish the sox would go bankrupt and they could put a park there.
i think the sox should move to Indianapolis. nearest AL team is in detroit, and reds fans are looking for a reason to find a new team anyways
The only way I see the White Sox moving is if they’re sold to Michael Jordan and moved to Charlotte.
They’re one of the founding teams of the American League. They’re right where they belong
@@Mr.E723 if nobody shows up to the games, it wont matter where they belong. the sox were close to leaving chicago once already, and the cubs have gained a massive amount of popularity since then.
I figure one thing, the Sox tried to move to Milwaukee during the time in between when the Braves left and the Brewers' arrival; they tried to move to Seattle in the 70s, with the A's planning to replace them in Chicago. Now, though, I can't see them moving despite the fact that it'll be far easier for them to do so than it was when they were actually trying to move.
@@nothanksguy contrary to what is claimed in the video. The Sox are not towards the bottom of the league as far as attendance goes. No they don’t draw as well as the Cubs (because the park isn’t a tourist attraction like Wrigley), but as far as MLB attendance goes they’re right in the middle, not amazing but not bad either
I've been to all of the MLB stadiums (except the new Globe Life) and this is my least favorite by far. No character. "Hastily" built is accurate. To replace one of the oldest ballparks in MLB with this dump was a true insult to the sport. Honestly, I would have rather had the Sox move to Tampa.
If the Sox moved to Tampa they'd be playing in an even worse ballpark though lol
How is it worse the Oakland, Tampa, or Toronto? Enlighten me please
I refuse to sit in the upper deck. I will pay whatever I have to pay to sit in the lower level.
Sox should have just moved to Tampa/st Petersburg
Is this a joke? Tropicana is a far worse stadium than Guaranteed Rate/New Comiskey. Also Tampa has worse attendance problems than the White Sox.
First
worse this or oakland
WORST PARK EVER WHEN IT OPENED ,EVEN THE OLD PARK WAS BETTER,THE PARK FACES THE WRONG DIRECTION,IT SHOULD FACE NORTHEAST ,LIKE OLD COMISKY AND WRIGLY ,TEAR IT DOWN AND BUILD A NEW PARK EITHER ACROSS THE STREET OR IN A BETTER NEIGHBORHOOD ,i forget to tell you the hood sucks ,the white sox org would do well in a new location people would follow,i think theywould draw as well as the cubs do ,if they move , GOD LUCK CWS
Boring. Place to see a game.