Step Inside: Guaranteed Rate Field – Home of the Chicago White Sox

Stadium History | Parking & Admission | Seating & Capacity | Food & Concessions

Guaranteed Rate Field is located on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. Opened in 1991 and often referred to as the “new” Comiskey Park, Guaranteed Rate Field serves as the home of the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball.

Guaranteed Rate Field was built to replace the old Comiskey Park, which served as the home of the White Sox from 1910 until 1990. The new stadium was built directly across the street, and the location of old Comiskey’s home plate is memorialized with a plaque outside of gate five.

Originally called Comiskey Park, the stadium was renamed to U.S. Cellular Field in 2003 as part of a 20-year naming rights deal. In 2016, the name was changed again to Guaranteed Rate Field after the Chicago-based mortgage company signed a 13-year naming rights deal.

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Guaranteed Rate Field History

Opened in 1991, Guaranteed Rate Field was originally named Comiskey Park and was built to replace the old Comiskey Park, which was built in 1910 and was the oldest MLB stadium at the time. White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf considered other options, including moving the franchise to St. Petersburg, Florida, but an agreement for public funding to help build the new stadium ultimately kept the White Sox in Chicago.

The first game was held on April 18, 1991, where the White Sox lost 16-0 to the Detroit Tigers. The White Sox’s first win in the new stadium occurred on April 21, 1991, when they beat the Baltimore Orioles 8-7.

Guaranteed Rate Field retains many features from the old Comiskey Park, including the arched windows on the front facade of the stadium, and the “exploding scoreboard,” which is used in celebration after the White Sox hit home runs.

The stadium has gone through extensive renovations since its opening. A seven-phase renovation took place from 2001 to 2007 after fan complaints and to improve the game day experience. These modifications included changes to capacity, seating configuration, a renovation of the batter’s eye in center field and statues of former White Sox legends.

In 2005, Guaranteed Rate Field (then known as U.S. Cellular Field) hosted the World Series, with the White Sox winning against the Houston Astros. The 2003 MLB All-Star Game was also held at the stadium in 2003.

The ballpark has also hosted other notable non-baseball events, including a 2016 NCAA football game between the Northern Illinois Huskies and Toledo Rockets, which resulted in a 31-24 win for Toledo.

Guaranteed Rate Field has hosted only three concerts, with The Rolling Stones being the first group to play in 2002. Bruce Springsteen played a concert at the stadium in 2003, and Chance the Rapper hosted the Magnificent Coloring Day Festival in 2016. Chicago has some great concert venues, but this is not one of them.

Furthermore, Guaranteed Rate Field has appeared in films such as Rookie of the Year, Major League II and Little Big League.

Parking, Transit, and Admission at Guaranteed Rate Field

When planning to attend a game at Guaranteed Rate Field, fans will find multiple options for transit, parking and admission. If traveling by car, pre-paid parking lots charge $25, while day-of-game credit/debit lots charge $27. Guaranteed Rate Field recommends pre-purchasing parking, and lots open two hours prior to the start of the game.

Public transit options for Guaranteed Rate Field include the CTA’s Red Line and Green Line, a Metra/Rock Island stop and several bus routes. The CTA stops are Sox/35th on the Red Line and 35th/Bronzeville/IIT if taking the Green Line. The Metra Rock Island stop is 35th St. “Lou” Jones Station.

Guaranteed Rate Field rules are in place to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests at the stadium. Prohibited items are in accordance with MLB policy. Gates open 90 minutes before first pitch.

Guaranteed Rate Field policy requires that all fans enter the stadium by walking through metal detectors.

Guaranteed Rate Field recommends fans do not bring any bags. According to those rules, the only bags permitted inside Guaranteed Rate Field are bags that do not exceed 16″ x 16″ x 8.″
Possible exceptions include:

• Diaper bags
• Single-compartment drawstring bags
• Other bags used for medical reasons

All items are subject to search.

Guaranteed Rate Field Capacity & Seating Options

Guaranteed Rate Field offers three seating levels for fans to enjoy the game — the lower level (100s), the club level (300s) and the upper level (500s). Guaranteed Rate Field has a capacity of 40,615. The attendance record for baseball is 46,246 during the 1993 ALCS, and 47,754 for concerts, per Chance the Rapper’s 2016 performance.

Guaranteed Rate Field also offers premium seating and private suites. Premium seating options include 103 luxury suites located on two levels, as well as 1,822 club seats. Club seats receive in-seat service, television viewing areas and bar-style concessions. Club options include the CIBC Fan Box, Diamond Suites and the All-Star Suite.

For more information about hospitality options, contact the White Sox at 312-674-1000.

What are the best seats at Guaranteed Rate Field?

The best seats at Guaranteed Rate Field vary depending on the event and personal preferences. Check out Guaranteed Rate Field seating charts and find your favorite seat today.

Food & Beverage Options at Guaranteed Rate Field

When you attend a game at Guaranteed Rate Field, you’ll find plenty of food options located throughout the stadium. Available concession stands include Antique Taco, Froman’s Cheddar Pierogies, Polish Platter, Buona, and Nashville Hot Chicken.

Guaranteed Rate Field also offers mobile ordering, so you can conveniently order your food without having to stand in line. Download the MLB Ballpark App to see menus and place your order during your visit.

For guests with dietary restrictions, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options can also be found throughout the venue.