Project Renderings Version 1 Version 2

The project, which was undertaken by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) as part of its capital repair responsibilities for the ballpark, will cost approximately $15 million and includes the following:

• Demolition of the eastern-most portion of the Gate 5 pedestrian ramp, located north of 35th Street;
• Removal of the top two levels of the eastern-most foot bridge across 35th Street, reducing the bridge to one level with continuing access to the ballpark on the main concourse level.  The second foot bridge at Gate 5, approximately 75 yards west of the east bridge at 35th Street, will continue to offer access to the ballpark on three levels.
• Installation of escalators within a new, weather-protected enclosure at Gate 5;
• Installation of elevators at Gate 5 (expected after the start of the season), which will provide additional access to the ballpark for fans with disabilities entering from the north parking lots.

“ISFA’s offseason improvement project at Gate 5 makes entering and exiting the ballpark for White Sox fans that much easier,” said Terry Savarise, White Sox senior vice president of stadium operations.  “The new escalators, which will be protected from the weather, will make the process even quicker for fans arriving from the north side of the ballpark.  With the changes made during past renovations, we no longer require as many walkways over 35th Street connecting the ramps to the ballpark.  Fans will really see a difference this April.”

“The capital repair and maintenance project currently underway at Gate 5 of U.S. Cellular Field is part of our continued commitment to provide White Sox fans and the city of Chicago a world-class facility,” said ISFA chief executive officer Perri Irmer. “Prior renovations, along with this project, have helped the ballpark evolve into one of the premier venues in baseball.”

The demolition of the ramp at Gate 5 started last week, and ISFA is currently in the process of evaluating general contracting bids for the construction portion of the project.

The project is scheduled to be completed by Opening Day, April 6, 2009.