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U.S. Cellular Field Takes on Major Renovations
A while ago The Chief Engineer Magazine did a feature on U.S. Cellular Field,
home of the Chicago White Sox. At that time, major renovations had made this
park one of the premier ballparks in the country.
They have outdone themselves. Major structural renovations to U.S. Cellular
Field’s upper deck - changes that will dramatically impact the height,
profile and atmosphere of the ballpark for White Sox fans - top the list of
2004 renovations now underway.
Eight rows of the upper deck have been demolished, eliminating 6,600 seats
and lowering the height of the ballpark by nearly 20 feet. A new, horizontal
roof will be built to cover the park’s back 13 rows, leaving only the first
eight rows uncovered. The upper deck concourse will be enclosed and protected
from the weather with a translucent wall that will combine with the new roof
and ironwork to give the outside of the ballpark a very distinctive look.
Fans will immediately notice the changes.
“This year’s renovations will have a very positive impact on the
fax experience at U.S. Cellular Field,” said Terry Savarise, White Sox
president of stadium operations. “Our goal with the new upper deck seating
area and concourse is to give fans the same comfort, feel and enjoyment of the
game you get on our main concourse. During the research we have conducted over
several years, improving the upper deck has been the number one upgrade requested
by fans. Because of the size and costs of this project, we were not able to
undertake this major step until we received the support of U.S. Cellular’s
partnership last February.”
In addition to the upper deck reconstruction, other 2004 renovations fans will
notice include: adding another level to the popular Fan Deck in center field;
building a balcony on the Lower Terrace Suite in left field; and completing
a new sound system throughout the ballpark.
“We are excited by the opportunity to address some of the fan concerns
about U.S. Cellular Field,” said John E. Rooney, president and CEO of U.S.
Cellular. “U.S. Cellular is committed to working with the White Sox and
ISFA to making U.S. Cellular Field a world class ballpark. By renovating the
upper deck and adding to the fan deck in center field, we have continued to
improve U.S. Cellular Field for the fans of Chicago by making it a more intimate
ballpark in which to watch a baseball game.”
Specific highlights of 2004 renovations include:
• Upper Deck Seating Area. Eight rows and 6,600 seats have been removed
from the top of the ballpark’s upper deck, and the previously sloped canopy-style
roof will be replaced by a flat roof, elevated 20 feet above the seating area.
The new roof, featuring ornamental ironwork on the facade, will extend over
the back 13 rows of the upper deck, leaving just the first eight rows uncovered.
• Upper Deck Concourse. The upper deck concourse, which now will be enclosed
from the weather by a translucent wall, also will be upgraded with a great many
enhancements for fans. The walls and walkways of the concourse will take on
a look similar to the main concourse with ironwork beams and artwork highlighting
the franchise’s history.
• Multitiered Fan Deck in Center Field. The Fan Deck on the center field
concourse, which was completed before the 2003 season, now will feature tiered
seating and/or standing. The Fan Deck features food and beverage service and
allows fans to look down onto the playing field from a unique vantage point
above the batter’s eye.
• Lower Terrace Balcony. An outdoor balcony will be added to the Lower
Terrace Suite to provide an additional party area and outdoor seating.
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