World on Wheels Home Page
The Sox on the South Side
© 2002
by Darryl Musick
While Wrigley is in a gentrified North Side neighborhood, Comiskey Park is but steps away from the projects on the South Side. This new park was built to replace the aging ballpark that was crumbling away in what is now the parking lot across the street.
Unfortunately, the White Sox were not in town the week we were there, so we didn't get to see a game played. Thanks to the wonderful staff at the stadium, we did get inside to get a good view.
For the wheelchair user, the accessible seats are great. Many fans rail against the steep upper deck, but a wheelchair user will never have to sit up there. The accessible platform sits far enough out so that the upper deck does not overhang and block your views as they do in the field box levels of both Dodger Stadium and Edison Field in California. It also has a chain to keep interlopers at bay.
The staff here is wonderful. They were very helpful and friendly (although we did not see them under the stress of game day). There is an accessible El station across the street on the Red Line although it is not marked as such on the transit maps that the CTA gives you. This is the same El line that runs to Wrigley Field on the North Side so you could easily watch a day game at Wrigley, hop on the El, go to Comiskey and see a White Sox night game.
Many stadium reviewers give this new park low ratings. The upper deck is thought to be too steep; the first row of the upper deck is farther away than the last row of the old stadium; it's too big; etc. Most seem to dislike the upper deck, which is not a problem for wheelers. It was built just before the current trend of retro style stadiums such as Camden Yards and many don't like the style. One thing that I do agree with critics on is that it is in a neighborhood you don't want to be alone in at night.
Handicapped stalls are in the restrooms. There is also a rain room with misters where fans can cool off on hot days.
Prices are on the high side for tickets running $12 - $26.
STADIUM FACTS:
Tenants: Chicago White Sox
Year Opened: 1991
Capacity: 42,191
Surface: Grass
Accessible via Public Transit: Yes, El Red Line
Box Office Phone: (312) 674-1000
HANDY LINKS:
Chicago Cubs: chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/
Chicago Transit Authority: www.transitchicago.com/
Back to the World on Wheels Home Page
