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U.S. Cellular Field Information
Cellular Field, formerly known as Comiskey Park, opened in April 1991. Construction began in 1989 under the architectural guidance of HOK Sport and HKS, Inc. and the building of Gust K. Newberg. The entire project cost $167 million which, for Cellular Field, was primarily raised from public financing from the 2% tax on hotels in Chicago. In 1993, the name was changed from Comiskey Park to Cellular Field through a unique agreement between the Chicago White Sox and U.S. Cellular in which the Sox would receive $68 million over the next 23 years.
The original Comiskey Park opened in 1910 following the new construction of a "Baseball Palace of the World" by Charles Comiskey. By 1988, the Chicago White Sox were ready to leave Comiskey unless a new stadium was built to house the team. Poised to make the move to Florida, the White Sox ultimately got their wish with the ballpark's new construction just one year later. Cellular Field became the first new strictly baseball stadium to be built, in the American League, for 22 years. With a seating capacity of 44,321 spectators, Cellular Field welcomed nearly 3 million fans during it's inaugural season.
Cellular Field has undergone numerous renovations over the years. Among them, the addition of escalators, elevators and a fireworks launching pad. The retired uniform numbers of Nellie Fox, Harold Baines, Luke Appling, Minnie Minoso, Luis Aparicio, Ted Lyons, Billy Pierce and Carlton Fisk are displayed at Cellular Field. In addition, a White Sox Hall of Fame is located on the stadium grounds, which hosts a terrific display of White Sox history. Among the many memorable moments include the site of four World Series and more than 6,000 major league games. Cellular Field, then known as Comiskey Park, hosted the inaugural MLB All-Star Game and also the 50th Anniversary All-Star Game in 1983.
Since 2001, Cellular Field has undone a brand new five phase renovation project. Among the improvements were the addition of a 314-seat area directly behind home plate, a new restaurant, upgrades to the scoreboard and video boards, the addition of a Fan Deck and much more.
For the children, Pontiac Fundamentals, which is a 15,000 sq. ft. baseball and softball instruction area, remains open in a new location. Previously located inside Gate 3, Pontiac Fundamentals can now be found just above the left field concourse. The learning experience begins as the gates open and remains available throughout the entire baseball game.
There is truly something for everyone at Cellular Field. If it's been awhile since your last visit, you may be surprised at the cosmetic changes the ballpark has undergone over the past few years. One thing that hasn't changed is the tradition and excitement that is baseball at Cellular Field.
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