Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) met with developers on Friday to discuss the possibility of a new White Sox stadium located in the South Loop.
As first reported by Daryl van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times, sources say the team is exploring the idea of building a ballpark on the land at Clark and Roosevelt known as “The 78.” The talks are considered “serious” according to those with knowledge of the situation, leaving many intrigued by the idea that would place the team in a prime location.
Dowell, whose ward includes the site of “The 78” project, released a statement in support of the potential new stadium following a meeting with developers.
After meeting with the Development team at Related Midwest today, I believe the proposed Chicago White Sox stadium can be a positive anchor for the new 78 community. Assuming the financial details can be worked out, this development shows promise as a great growth opportunity for the City of Chicago. The addition of significant market and affordable housing, retail, and a world-class baseball stadium and concert venue can be the sort of catalytic investment this city needs.
However, as this is extremely early in its process, there are a number of concerns that must be addressed. The traffic impact on Roosevelt Road and 18th Street, security, and quality of life issues such as concert noise and pedestrian neighborhood access are just a few of the issues that will all have to be resolved.
I look forward to involving my constituents, City council colleagues and the Mayor’s office as we work through these challenges and bring the 78 Development to life.
According to CBS News, Related Midwest has not responded to requests for comment on a possible White Sox stadium being included in “The 78” project.
Meanwhile, Ald. Nicole Lee (11th) said she remains focused on keeping the team in her Bridgeport ward, despite the ongoing talks of relocation.
“The White Sox have proudly called Chicago and Bridgeport home for over a century. As a lifelong fan and now alderperson of the 11th Ward, I am wholeheartedly committed to keeping the Sox on the South Side. I will be meeting with Related Midwest and the White Sox to discuss the proposal, and look forward to being actively engaged in the process of ensuring the future of the White Sox remains here in Chicago.”
Jerry Reinsdorf and the White Sox first floated around the notion of moving on from Guaranteed Rate last August. However, the team has not released much in the way of specifics, leading to all sorts of rumors ever since. Locations such as Arlington Heights, Soldier Field, the United Center, and even Nashville have all been named as areas of exploration. Nothing concrete is known at this time – especially since this could all be nothing but a leverage play for a new stadium in Bridgeport.
According to van Schouwen’s report, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which owns and financed Guaranteed Rate Field, has not yet been involved in the stadium discussions. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Jerry Reinsdorf, however, released a brief joint statement related to the latest development in the South Loop.
“We met to discuss the historic partnership between the team and Chicago and the team’s ideas for remaining competitive in Chicago in perpetuity.”
Neither the mayor nor the White Sox mentioned any specific plans related to the new ballpark at this time.
The White Sox remain under contract at Guaranteed Rate Field through the 2029 season, so they won’t be going anywhere for the foreseeable future. Expect rumors to continue over the coming months and years leading up to the expiration of their lease.
As we receive additional information, we will continue to provide further updates.
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Featured Photo: NBC Chicago
If Pat Dowell loves this idea…. then he can put his own money toward the project along with Ebenezer Reinsdorf.
Not one penny of public funds should be used for this venture.