Potential Makeover Planned For U.S. Cellular Field

By Anna Deem in News on Oct 31, 2009 10:00PM

U.S. Cellular Field may be getting a makeover sometime soon. The state agency that owns the field said on Friday that it's in the early stages of planning a new development across the street from the ballpark on 35th Street, including new restaurants, stores, and other attractions. The development would replace the parking lots that were built on the site where Comiskey Park used to be, potentially expanding upon the ballpark's Gate 5 entrance, with an atrium leading to a walkway over 35th Street. "Economic conditions are dictating what will happen and when," said Mike Alvarez, spokesman for the The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Although the ISFA owns the property, they would need permission from the Chicago White Sox to move forward with any new plans. The Chicago Cubs, under new management, are also considering putting up more restaurants and stores around Wrigley Field. Perri Irmer, chief executive of the ISFA, told WBBM-AM (780) that the ISFA aims to provide a "vibrant area" around U.S. Cellular Field that fans can visit all year. However, the chairman of the ISFA, former Gov. Jim Thompson, seemed annoyed that the subject was even brought up during a phone interview from China with the Sun-Times, stating that neither the agency nor the White Sox has agreed on anything.

"We are always looking for ways to improve the fan experience," said Lou Hernandez, spokesman for the White Sox, to the Sun-Times. But he emphasized "there are no imminent plans or a timetable" for a Gate 5 development.