Guaranteed Rate Field, the home of the Chicago White Sox, stands as a modern landmark in the historic Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Since its opening, it has been a significant venue in Major League Baseball (MLB), offering a unique blend of contemporary design and classic ballpark atmosphere.
Stadium Facts about Guaranteed Rate Field
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Opened On: April 18, 1991
- Home Team: Chicago White Sox (American League)
- Stadium Nicknames: Initially known as New Comiskey Park, later U.S. Cellular Field, and now Guaranteed Rate Field
- Dimensions: Left Field – 330 feet, Center Field – 400 feet, Right Field – 335 feet
- Capacity: Approximately 40,615
- Attendance Record: 47,609 on September 14, 2003
- Surface: Grass
- Architect: HOK Sport (now Populous)
- Owner: Illinois Sports Facilities Authority
- Construction Cost: $167 million
- Renovation Costs: Various, including significant renovations in the mid-2000s and early 2010s
The History
Guaranteed Rate Field opened in 1991 as a state-of-the-art replacement for the historic Comiskey Park, the original home of the White Sox. It represented a shift towards more modern and fan-friendly baseball stadiums, moving away from the multi-purpose designs common in the previous decades.
Design and Features
Designed by the renowned firm HOK Sport, the stadium initially featured a “retro-modern” design, with nods to classic ballparks in its layout and facade. The playing field is known for its asymmetrical outfield and scenic skyline views. A signature feature is the exploding scoreboard, which lights up after White Sox home runs and victories.
Renovations
Since its opening, Guaranteed Rate Field has undergone several renovations to enhance the fan experience and maintain modern standards. These include the addition of a two-tiered concourse in the outfield, an expanded and renovated concourse, improved seating, and updated scoreboard technology.
Facilities
The ballpark offers a wide variety of amenities, including numerous dining options that showcase Chicago’s diverse culinary scene, a wide range of seating choices from premium clubs to general seating, and family-friendly areas. The Xfinity Kids Zone and the ChiSox Bar & Grill are popular attractions within the stadium.
Memorable Moments at Guaranteed Rate Field
- 1993 ALCS: Hosting the American League Championship Series.
- Mark Buehrle’s Perfect Game: On July 23, 2009, Buehrle pitched the 18th perfect game in MLB history.
- All-Star Game in 2003: Hosting the MLB All-Star Game, showcasing the stadium’s renovations.
- Frank Thomas’ 500th Career Home Run: A milestone for the White Sox legend.
- 2005 World Series Championship Season: Hosting pivotal games during the White Sox’s triumphant season.
Interesting Baseball History at Guaranteed Rate Field
- Innovations in Stadium Design: One of the first of the “new generation” ballparks, influencing future stadium designs.
- Development of the White Sox: Playing a key role in the evolution of the team and its fan base.
- Prominent Players and Games: Hosted numerous legendary players and memorable games, adding to the rich history of Chicago baseball.
- Reflecting Changing Trends in MLB: The stadium’s evolution mirrors the broader changes in ballpark aesthetics and fan experiences in MLB.
Non-Baseball Events
In addition to baseball, Guaranteed Rate Field has hosted a variety of events, including concerts featuring major artists, festivals, and other large-scale gatherings. Its ability to accommodate diverse events underscores its role as a versatile venue in Chicago’s cultural landscape. The range of non-baseball events hosted at the stadium highlights its importance as a community gathering place beyond sports.
