Going to Comiskey (a.k.a. The Cell)

[User 6659]

The wife and I are venturing south to take in a White Sox game on April 26. I'd rather not pay $20-something to park at the stadium. Any suggestions on a good place to park and walk or park and ride the train? We'd be coming into Chicago from Rockford.

If it matters, the game is on a Sunday afternoon.

Thanks for any help

 

[mustangj17]

You could take the subway train thingy.

 

[JakeandElwood]

That would be the el. And I definitely recommend it. One station is right on the Cumberland exit of I90. It's just after the 294 exit. That's on the north side though, so it would be a long el trip, but I think the parking's free and it's right on your route. Some other el stations have parking so you can look for another one closer to the park. Taking the el is also nice because you can get some dinner in the city on the way out.

 

[bigblueman]

What Jake and Elwood said. Although parking is $4 for 12 hours. It's an easy in and out traffic wise.

Buy the one day fun pass for $5.75, and you can go anywhere in the city after the game, too. Using buses sometimes can cut down a long train ride.

 

[Armchair_QB]

You're definitely going to want to update your tetnus shots before you go.

 

[Captain_Kirk]

You're definitely going to want to update your tetnus shots before you go.

Don't you need a passport as well?

 

[I Should Coco]

Good parking can be found west of the stadium for $5-10.

Easiest in/out, IMO, is to take the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) into Chicago. Take one of the last exits before the Dan Ryan/Kennedy merge and go a few blocks south to 35th Street, then cruise toward the stadium. You'll pass by lots of good eats along the way.

Have a good time at the game, and Go Sox!

 

[Armchair_QB]

You're definitely going to want to update your tetnus shots before you go.

Don't you need a passport as well?

No.

But don't drink the water.

 

[imjustagirl]

Take some firearms.

 

[Captain_Kirk]

I have heard that the White Sox do provide complimentary oxygen tanks now for those seated in the upper deck.

 

[zeke12]

Make sure to get a fanny pack for your meth and other valuables.

 

[Armchair_QB]

Also, there is a two tattoo minimum required for admission. And at least one must be above the neck.

 

[pallister]

Also, there is a two tattoo minimum required for admission. And at least one must be above the neck.

Not true, they can be anywhere.

 

[Trouser_Buddah]

I have heard that the White Sox do provide complimentary oxygen tanks now for those seated in the upper deck.

That comment brings back memories...

A friend and I took in a game in the upper deck not long after The Cell opened. A sherpa would have been appreciated. At least the view was neat for the fireworks after the game.

 

[doubledown68]

Do not go dressed as Tom Gamboa.

 

[JakeandElwood]

The upper deck is actually fixed. And as someone who has no tattoos I can confirm that rule is indeed bogus.

And Coco, please do tell where you can find parking for $5.

 

[Sam Mills 51]

The cracks about New Comiskey can stop. I went two years ago, possess no tattoos and have no meth. I scare enough people WITHOUT all that stuff.

Nice park, not a fraction as scary as advertised.

There was even a nice Chicago sports souvenir shop 2-3 blocks from the park. If the store had an authentic Walter Payton jersey, I might have purchased it. Alas, my current one will do.

 

[vonnegutnaked2]

The cracks about New Comiskey can stop. I went two years ago, possess no tattoos and have no meth. I scare enough people WITHOUT all that stuff.

Nice park, not a fraction as scary as advertised.

There was even a nice Chicago sports souvenir shop 2-3 blocks from the park. If the store had an authentic Walter Payton jersey, I might have purchased it. Alas, my current one will do.

Same with 90 percent of the ballparks/stadiums I've been to... it's not the kind of place you want to be walking around at 3 a.m. alone, but it's not the least bit intimidating the hours before and hour after a game.

The United Center on the other hand???? Well, one of the scarier nights of my life was when I was freelancing a game for an out-of-town paper and hadn't been put on the media parking lot list that night. So, I parked in general parking and walked out after deadline to find my car the lone one left in the entire lot...with an assorted mix of panhandlers roaming around it.

 

[JakeandElwood]

There Are No Children Here is a great book about the plight of children growing up in the projects/the urban poor. It's set in the United Center's neighborhood.

Definitely not a good place to be at 3 a.m. alone.

 

[I Should Coco]

Jake/Elwood: It was a few years ago, but I think the $5 parking was in a private lot near a Mr. Submarine west of the stadium on 35th Street. It was nice weather and a day game, so we enjoyed the walk (and the sub sandwiches!).

Yes, I realize that parking close to the stadium, in the official team lots, costs a lot more. But if you get there early and are willing to walk, you can save a few bucks parking farther out.

And as others have mentioned, the neighborhood around "Comiskey Park" has gentrified quite a bit from the 1970s and 80s, when I first attended games there. Our guests from Wisconsin should be fine walking around, especially for a day game.

Feel free to buy a "Cubs Suck" T-shirt from the many people selling them on street corners!