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U.S. Cellular Field

Official Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder

There's a bit of an edge at U.S. Cellular Field, the home of the Chicago White Sox, that is difficult to explain without the use of some cliche like "blue-collar." Nothing that I am able to think of adequately describes the feeling inside a White Sox game, so I'll just leave it there, with an edge.

This "edge" translates to the fans as an energetic baseball-focused experience. The food is some of the best in the Major Leagues, the concourses are wide, and the fans are true. There's everything you are looking for. And in many ways it is the antithesis of the northern neighbor at Wrigley Field.

It's an eminently walkable stadium, as long as you have 100 level tickets. This is my major criticism of the Cell. The experience from the 500 Level is so vastly different (read: worse), and segregated from the outstanding experience found in the lower section. It's more than just the view that is better on the lower concourse; it is also the food selection, ability to circumnavigate the entire stadium, and even the quality of the restrooms. This is definitely a stadium to spring for the pricier seats if you are able.

Food & Beverage    5

As you walk the concourse your nostrils will be filled with the lovely scents of classic ballpark foods, as well as the familiar Chicago cornucopia of ethnic cuisines. Wow Bao is available as the first Chinese entry at the park, even though the proximity to Chinatown is only a mile or so away.

You can also choose from Mexican, Cuban, and German notes. Best of all is the classic Chicago Hot Dog. If you're going to have it anywhere, then this is the place. Head to the stand past right field and grab an all beef dog with mustard, pickles, tomato, onion, and sport peppers ($6). It is the perfect accompaniment to a White Sox game.

I would also recommend the Cuban Sandwich, especially if Alexei Ramirez is part of your fantasy team. The sandwich is a delicious combination of ham, barbacoa, pickles, and swiss cheese.

Domestic draft beers are $7.75. You can also stop by the "Midwest Brews" stand which offers a somewhat underwhelming selection of beers from Illinois and neighboring states at $7.50 for a 12-ounce bottle. Leinenkugel options can be found for $7.25 a pour.

Pepsi products are found as the soda of choice in three sizes costing $3, $4, or $4.75 for a souvenir sized cup. You may need a hot chocolate or coffee on a cold spring (or October for you optimists) night, and you can find each starting at $2.75.

Atmosphere    4

I've made the point already that this is a walkable stadium. Above all things, give yourself the opportunity to give it one full circuit around during your visit. Walk past the statues of Fisk, Baines, Fox, Thomas, Aparicio, Comiskey, Pierce, and Minoso along the outfield concourse. Mingle, and listen to the conversations of those fellow strollers.

The seats are comfortable with plenty of leg room and cupholders. I vastly prefer to sit in the lower deck, just about anywhere in the lower deck, over the somewhat steep upper deck. I mentioned it in the intro, but your total experience improves tenfold, so do what you can to sit in the 100 level.

There are three large scoreboards in the outfield, each with a different style. In left field, you'll find an old traditional scoreboard with a simple line score, strikes, balls, and outs. Center field is the main scoreboard, upgraded in 2003. Above the 28x53 scoreboard in center field you'll see fireworks explode to begin the game, after a home run, or at the conclusion of a successful victory. In right, you'll find the out of town scoreboard, which also flashes the occasional factoid in between innings.

With Championships in 1906, 1917, and 2005, this is certainly a historic club, and a place that will be enjoyable for any baseball fan.

Neighborhood    3

The word on US Cellular Field is that there isn't anything in the neighborhood. This again comes from the erroneous comparison to Wrigley Field, arguably the best stadium neighborhood in the United States. There are several good options, you may just need to walk a little.

One of the closest, and my recommendation, is Cork & Kerry at the Park. Located about a 1/4 mile to the north of the stadium, Cork & Kerry has a reasonably priced menu of sandwiches, burgers and pub favorites all priced under $10. Their menu is interesting, as it is reminiscent of a line-up card, including options inspired by the day's White Sox opponent. Most recently, against the Twins, the menu offered items such as Walleye-on-a-stick among others inspired by the Land of 10,000 Lakes. I had the reuben Panini, which was very good, although I wish the pickle on the side was of a better quality.

Schaller's Pump, located less than a mile from the park, is a throwback that has been open since 1881. Don't expect anything fancy, but if you want a filling meal, and a cheap beer on tap, then this may be the place for you. Make sure you hit the ATM beforehand as they only accept cash. This is the hangout for old school Sox fans. Behind the bar there are pictures of old time baseball legends, making you feel nostalgic in preparation for a game. Definitely a good spot to check out for pre-game.

Another great spot is Cobblestones Bar and Grill. They offer free parking during White Sox games with a $20 minimum purchase. It's less than a mile walk to the park. If you plan on drinking before the game or just getting one of their Muffaletta sandwiches, this is the recommended place to stop. The sandwich is big enough for two people for only $8. They offer only three beers on tap, but do a good job of offering a local option, and lighter option, and a cheap option (Pabst).

Another classic choice in the neighborhood would be 35th Street Red Hots, a classic Chicago hot dog stand, just a couple of blocks west of the stadium.

Fans    4

I like the fans at a White Sox game. They love their team, and are tuned in to the game by and large. Fans may come to have a good time, but they don't sacrifice their attention to the play on the field. I also notice that White Sox fans are better than average when it comes to the courtesy of staying in their seat during game action, something I really appreciate.

Access    3

There's good news and bad news here. First the good news. The red line train drops fans off just a quick five minute walk from the gates. It is a very cost effective way to arrive to a White Sox game from just about anywhere in the city.

The other piece of good news is that there's a pretty decent tailgating scene in the parking lots that surround U.S. Cellular Field. Lots open two hours before a game, which should give you adequate time to light a grill and have a couple of beers from the cooler while you play your favorite traveling parking lot game.

The bad news starts with the parking lots however as well. These are some of the most expensive lots in the majors. Individual game prices start at $23. That's just too high of a price tag.

Return on Investment    3

The cheap seats in the upper deck start at $17, but my recommendation is to get a spot in the lower section. Those tickets begin at $42. Monday is half-price night, so check the schedule for that opportunity to see a game at a reasonable price. Assuming you go any other day of the week, factor in parking, and something to eat or drink, then you're looking at a price tag of probably $80 per person. That feels like it is just a bit too pricey. Resorting to public transportation certainly makes a big difference, and may raise the overall return on investment.

Extras    3

I love the concourse at U.S. Cellular. I could almost buy a ticket, and just walk all night. The statues that line the outside are worth at least one lap, and one extra point here.

The set up of the bullpens make them very accessible to fans. If you have a bleacher seat, you'll get a great view of the teams as relievers warm up (White Sox in left field and the opponent in right field). If you're there 30 minutes before the game starts, head down there to root for (or boo) one of the starting pitchers.

Getting to see one of the charter American League franchises is certainly worth an extra bonus point.

Attended a day game at US Cellular Field Yesterday, the weather wasnt the best 50 degrees and a cons

Attended a day game at US Cellular Field Yesterday, the weather wasnt the best 50 degrees and a constant rain, but besides that an enjoyable experience. The stadium is quite easy to reach from the "L", making for easy get to and getaway once the game is over. Have to give the fans a 5 out of 5 since even through the heavy rain the majority of fans never left thier seats.The food is great, if you go have to try the dog with fried onions one of the best things I've ever consumed in my life. The out of park entertainment Paul is pretty right on with, bring your walking shoes. But overall I have to say despite the weather have to give this ballpark experience a 4 out of 5.

by pderrick | Apr 26, 2010 06:27 AM

It\'s easy to forget that this team won it all just a few short years ago in 2005. Unfortunately wit

It's easy to forget that this team won it all just a few short years ago in 2005. Unfortunately with so much attention paid to the team on the North side of town, that's just the way it is in Chicago. The Cell was built right before teams started getting creative with their new parks; as such it's a big building with little character. The neighborhood surrounding offers little. I do enjoy the option for tailgates that many city parks lack; since there is an abundance of parking lots here, you'll find lots of fans grilling and playing bags before games. And White Sox fans are die-hard, so the energy in the park is good.

by jonah | Apr 27, 2010 09:34 AM

Although Chinese food isn\'t available in the park, it can be brought in. The policy at the park is

Although Chinese food isn't available in the park, it can be brought in. The policy at the park is to allow food to be brought in, provided that it's not in a hard container. We've been turned away when trying to bring in food in Tupperware. But we've been allowed in with food that we brought from Chinatown, provided that it was in the cardboard box containers. It works with any food. We bring sandwiches and fruit in plastic bags - no problem.

by zeker434 | Oct 07, 2010 07:04 PM

Level Selection

Hi Paul - Question about the level selection. If I got a ticket to say the 500 level, would I still be able to walk around the 100 level and see all the wonderful things you talked about? Or, does the stadium restrict entry to levels based on your ticket (like Dodger Stadim)? Thanks.

by megminard | May 06, 2011 11:02 PM

RE: Level Selection

Nope. If you get a 500 level ticket, then you're restricted to the 500 level - not a good thing.

by paul | May 06, 2011 11:49 PM

blue seats

The two blue seats in the outfield represent where the home runs landed from Paul Konerko and Scott Podsednik hit home runs during the 2005 World Series run.

by fookayooka | May 24, 2011 04:49 PM

RE: blue seats

That's cool...I didn't know about those. I'll have to check that out the next time I'm at the park. Where are they?

by paul | May 24, 2011 07:21 PM

RE: blue seats

I believe one is in left center and the other is in right field. Not exactly sure which sections, though. I do know that the left center one is in a section fairly close to the batter's eye.

by BelugasandBHawks | Apr 14, 2012 09:47 AM

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