We asked readers whether the White Sox should build a new ballpark by the river, as minority owner Justin Ishbia has proposed. Here’s what you told us, lightly edited for clarity:
“A new White Sox stadium by the river would be tremendous. The artist renderings are impressive. … New owner Justin Ishbia [would] state loud and clear that the days of the Jerry Reinsdorf ownership are in the past, and a new future for the franchise is beginning.”
— Mark Liptak
“Keep the Cell! Build the neighborhood around it.
— April Alcala-Santiago
“The real estate potential along Canal between Roosevelt and 18th will be great for the city. Not to mention what an incredible experience it will be to take the water taxi to see a game. Capitalizing on the new Chicago Fire stadium, that whole area will become a tourist destination.”
— Travis Randal
“Fine by me as long as the White Sox’s owners pay for the stadium, infrastructure and financing.”
— Craig Barner
“Retractable roof, please.”
— Jaime Rosario
“This is stupid. The Sox have an excellent ballpark now.”
— Steven West
“The Sox will be after tourists and fans from downtown. 37% of the attendance at Wrigley is tourists. The Sox want that.”
— Bob Gannon
“Between the new Sox Park and Fire stadium, it would help stabilize the South Loop for the next several generations. It’s many more dates than will ever get booked at Soldier Field. I just wish there were a better plan for Bridgeport than becoming an Amtrak rail yard.”
— Mark Moffett
“Build the new ballpark across the street where its originally stood. New ballpark, neighborhood saved. Build your Amtrak station by the river.”
— Tim Gade
“Why is over $600 million in federal funding being provided to move Amtrak to make this possible? This is a taxpayer funded stadium disguised as Amtrak funding. The Bridgeport stadium is fine. Invest money in the current neighborhood to attract more bars, restaurants and tourists.”
— Karina Kuc
“Focus on whether the people of Bridgeport want the 24/7 Amtrak maintenance facility to be built in the middle of a residential neighborhood where there will be noise pollution, air pollution, lower their property [values] and more negative impacts.”
— Cassandra Lynn
“No tailgating?”
— Ryan Hoot