Rate Field
Rate Field is an outdoor baseball stadium located at 333 W. 35th Street in the Armour Square neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, serving as the home venue for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball's American League since its opening on April 18, 1991.[1][2] The ballpark, with a current seating capacity of 40,615 following renovations, replaced the aging original Comiskey Park and was constructed at a cost of $167 million (equivalent to $385 million in 2024 dollars) as part of efforts to retain the franchise in Chicago amid threats of relocation.[3][2] Originally named New Comiskey Park in honor of the team's longtime owner, it underwent name changes reflecting corporate sponsorships: U.S. Cellular Field from 2003 to 2016, Guaranteed Rate Field from 2016 to 2024, and Rate Field starting December 17, 2024, after the naming rights sponsor rebranded.[3][4] The stadium features a traditional baseball configuration with dimensions favoring power hitters—330 feet to left and right fields, 400 feet to center—and has hosted significant events including the White Sox's 2005 World Series championship clinched at home with iconic moments like Scott Podsednik's walk-off homer and Paul Konerko's grand slam.[3][5] Designed by architect HOK Sport (now Populous), it includes modern amenities added through phased renovations, such as improved concourses and premium seating, though it has faced criticism for its utilitarian design and location adjacent to the Dan Ryan Expressway, contributing to perceptions of isolation from urban vibrancy compared to contemporaries like Oriole Park at Camden Yards.[6][7] Despite renovations exceeding $100 million since 2001 to enhance fan experience and boost attendance, the venue has struggled with declining crowds in recent years, averaging under 20,000 per game in 2024 amid the team's poor performance.[6][8] Rate Field's history reflects broader trends in MLB stadium development, shifting from multi-purpose concrete facilities to retro-style parks, though its post-1990 construction placed it in a transitional era often critiqued for lacking distinctive architectural charm.[6] Notable incidents include fan altercations and a 2023 shooting outside the park during a game, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the surrounding area, but the stadium remains a key venue for White Sox games, concerts, and community events.[9][10]History
Construction and Early Development
The construction of the stadium now known as Rate Field, originally designated New Comiskey Park, began on May 7, 1989, on a site directly across 35th Street from the original Comiskey Park in Chicago's Armour Square neighborhood.[8][11] This location was selected to maintain the Chicago White Sox's presence in the Bridgeport community while replacing the aging 1910 facility. The project followed legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly in 1988, which created the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) to finance and manage the development through revenue bonds.[3][6] The stadium was designed by the architectural firm HOK Sport, with structural engineering by Thornton Tomasetti, emphasizing a modern multi-purpose venue with a capacity of approximately 44,700 seats.[12] Construction proceeded alongside the operational old Comiskey Park during the 1989 and 1990 seasons, allowing steel and concrete frameworks to rise in parallel with ongoing games. The total construction cost reached $137 million, funded predominantly by public sources including a 1% increase in Chicago's hotel-motel tax dedicated to ISFA bonds, with White Sox ownership contributing a minority share after negotiations involving threats to relocate the team.[13][14] Early development focused on integrating practical features for baseball and potential football use, though the latter was abandoned. The ISFA acquired necessary land, including compensating nearby residents, and ensured neighborhood improvements like loans for local housing projects.[6] Completion in early 1991 marked the first major professional sports venue built in Chicago since 1929, setting a precedent for publicly financed stadiums amid debates over taxpayer burdens.[15] Initial operations revealed design elements later critiqued for distant upper-deck views, prompting future renovations, but the core structure enabled the White Sox's return to a purpose-built home.[16]Opening and Initial Operations
The new Comiskey Park, later renamed Guaranteed Rate Field, officially opened on April 18, 1991, hosting its inaugural Major League Baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers.[3] Illinois Governor Jim Thompson threw the ceremonial first pitch before White Sox pitcher Jack McDowell delivered the first official pitch at 1:47 p.m.[15] [17] The Tigers dominated with a 16-0 victory, scoring six runs in the first inning against McDowell and the White Sox bullpen.[18] A sellout crowd of 42,191 attended the daytime contest, marking a significant turnout despite the lopsided result.[18] Initial operations featured the debut of innovative elements, including an exploding scoreboard that activated after White Sox home runs, though none occurred in the opener.[15] The first night game followed on April 22, 1991, against the Seattle Mariners, where Frank Thomas hit the park's first White Sox home run in a 6-2 victory.[3] Early fan reactions included criticism of the upper deck's steep height and distant views, contributing to mixed initial reception despite the modern facilities.[19] During its inaugural 1991 season, the stadium drew a then-club-record 2,934,154 attendees across 81 home games, averaging 36,224 per game and reflecting strong public interest in the new venue.[3] [20] The White Sox finished the year with an 87-75 record, securing second place in the American League West and posting a winning home record that underscored the ballpark's operational success amid the team's competitive performance.[20] Operational logistics, including traffic management and concessions, handled the increased capacity of approximately 44,492 without major reported disruptions in the first year.[3]Naming Rights Changes
The Chicago White Sox's ballpark opened on April 18, 1991, under the name Comiskey Park, honoring the team's longtime owner Charles Comiskey, without a corporate naming rights sponsor.[21] In early 2003, the team sold naming rights to U.S. Cellular, a Chicago-based telecommunications firm, in a 20-year agreement valued at $68 million, prompting the rename to U.S. Cellular Field effective March 4, 2003.[22] [23] The U.S. Cellular sponsorship concluded after the 2016 season, with the White Sox announcing on August 24, 2016, a new 13-year naming rights deal with Guaranteed Rate, a residential mortgage company headquartered in Chicago.[24] The stadium officially became Guaranteed Rate Field on November 1, 2016, following the end of the prior contract.[15] This change drew mixed fan reactions, with some criticizing the lengthy corporate name, though it aligned with the team's efforts to secure financial stability through sponsorships.[22] On December 17, 2024, the White Sox and Rate (the rebranded entity formerly known as Guaranteed Rate) announced a shortened name for the venue, effective for the 2025 season, reflecting the sponsor's corporate simplification while extending the existing partnership through at least 2030.[21] [25] The redesignation to Rate Field aimed to streamline branding amid the mortgage firm's evolution, with no reported change in the underlying financial terms of the deal.[26] This marked the third corporate naming iteration, underscoring the stadium's reliance on such agreements for revenue since the original public naming.[27]Design and Architecture
Site and Dimensions
Guaranteed Rate Field occupies 333 West 35th Street in Chicago's Armour Square neighborhood on the city's South Side. Positioned just west of the Dan Ryan Expressway (Interstate 90/94), the stadium abuts the Bridgeport neighborhood and was developed on the grounds of the original Comiskey Park, which served as the Chicago White Sox's home from 1910 until its demolition in 1990. The ballpark's core footprint spans approximately 12 acres, embedded within a broader 70-acre expanse that includes extensive parking facilities.[1][28][29] The playing field's outfield boundaries are configured as follows:| Position | Distance (feet) |
|---|---|
| Left field line | 330 |
| Left-center alley | 375 |
| Center field | 400 |
| Right-center alley | 375 |
| Right field line | 335 |
Structural Elements
Guaranteed Rate Field employs a structural system dominated by precast concrete for its seating bowl and exterior facade, painted beige with abstract patterns to evoke a modernist aesthetic. The design incorporates arched openings on the front facade, covered in highly reflective glass, as a nod to the original Comiskey Park while serving as structural and visual elements.[16] The core load-bearing framework consists of reinforced concrete raker beams and columns supporting the multi-tiered seating, including three levels of luxury boxes and club seating above the lower bowl. This configuration allows for a steep initial rake in the lower deck but positions the upper deck farther from the field, a feature later addressed through structural alterations. Switchback pedestrian ramps, constructed as integral concrete elements, provide vertical circulation but often conceal the facade's architectural details.[16] Originally, the stadium featured minimal roofing with curved elements covering limited portions of the upper deck, relying on open-air exposure for the majority of the structure. Renovations introduced a flat steel canopy over the grandstand and outfield framework, enhancing weather protection without altering the primary concrete supports; this steel addition, installed above the upper balcony after removing eight rows of seating, improved sightlines and stability. The baseline seating was refitted with structural reinforcements to accommodate added club seats, increasing overall capacity while maintaining the concrete bowl's integrity.[16][12]Design Achievements and Criticisms
Guaranteed Rate Field, originally New Comiskey Park, was designed by the architectural firm HOK Sport (now Populous) with intentions to blend modern functionality and traditional baseball aesthetics, incorporating neo-classical elements such as arched openings and windows inspired by the original Comiskey Park.[16] [31] The stadium featured innovative features for its era, including three tiers of luxury suites, switchback pedestrian ramps for efficient circulation, and a steep upper deck designed to position the majority of its 44,492 seats within the foul poles for perceived intimacy.[16] [31] Its southeast orientation was engineered to minimize wind-aided home runs, a practical consideration for gameplay in Chicago's variable weather.[16] The design emphasized spaciousness and comfort, with expansive concourses, picnic areas, and concessions reflecting a focus on fan amenities over nostalgic quirkiness, setting early standards for MLB facilities built after multi-purpose stadiums.[32] Elements like the pinwheel scoreboard motifs paid homage to the old park's exploding scoreboard, aiming to evoke lasting memories for attendees.[31] Despite these goals, the architecture faced immediate and enduring criticism for its sterile, utilitarian appearance, often described as soulless and revenue-driven, lacking the character of its predecessor or the retro charm that emerged with Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 1992.[16] [33] The upper deck's extreme steepness, with top rows reaching 130 feet above the field, induced vertigo for spectators, leading to the removal of eight rows during 2003 renovations.[16] [34] Wide foul territory and distant sightlines further diminished the viewing experience, while the site's isolation amid parking lots and the Dan Ryan Expressway, coupled with its enclosure shutting out the Chicago skyline, contributed to a lack of neighborhood integration and sense of place.[16] [33] These flaws, rooted in a modern, symmetrical layout modeled after earlier parks like Royals Stadium, rendered it obsolete shortly after opening, prompting ongoing discussions of replacement.[33]Features and Amenities
Seating and Viewing Experience
Guaranteed Rate Field accommodates 40,615 spectators across three primary seating tiers: the lower level (sections 100–164), club level (sections 300–344), and upper level (sections 500–548).[19][8] Lower-level seats provide close proximity to the field, with sections along the infield offering optimal sightlines for gameplay details, while outfield bleachers in sections 100–119 and 162–164 deliver elevated, panoramic views but may face sun exposure on the left-field side during afternoon games.[35] The club level features padded seats with lounge access and climate control, enhancing comfort for infield views in sections 325–340, though food service delays can occur during peak times. Upper-level seats, elevated at a steep 35-degree incline, afford unobstructed overviews of the field but suffer from greater distance—up to 500 feet from home plate in rear rows—and a vertigo-like angle that distances fans from the action.[33][35] Renovations, including the removal of the top eight rows in the upper deck around 2010, mitigated some height-related issues, reducing the maximum elevation and slightly improving angles, though the geometry remains adequate rather than exemplary compared to cantilevered designs in newer ballparks.[33][35] Safety netting extends along the first- and third-base lines in front of 49 lower-level sections (108–156), with varying heights to balance protection against foul balls and fragments while preserving sightlines; fans in uncovered areas assume inherent risks from batted balls.[36] Premium options like Wintrust Scout Seats behind home plate include leather padding, in-seat service, and buffet access for enhanced viewing, positioned at optimal distances of 50–60 feet from the plate.[35] Overall, lower- and club-level sightlines rate highly for field proximity (10/15 score), but upper-deck steepness and separation contribute to criticisms of detachment, with seat widths standardized at 18–19 inches across levels, equipped with cup holders for basic comfort.[33]Food, Entertainment, and Fan Services
Guaranteed Rate Field features a diverse array of concessions emphasizing Chicago specialties and traditional ballpark fare, including Comiskey Dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, Polish sausages, tavern-style pizza slices, street tacos, burgers, and Cuban sandwiches available at stands throughout the venue.[37][38] Recent additions for the 2025 season include the Celebration Cake Shake, Flamin' Hot Cheetos-dusted mozzarella sticks with sambal mayo, and the Home Run Sandwich featuring Vienna corned beef, roast beef, coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Louie dressing.[39][40][41] Accommodations for dietary needs include gluten-free items at Classics and Grill stands, vegetarian options at Carvery and Mac Shack, and vegan plant-based choices.[37] The MLB Ballpark app provides access to full menus and locations for pre-ordering.[37] Entertainment at the ballpark includes postgame fireworks displays after select games, with pyrotechnics ignited from the scoreboard and occasional full-length shows synchronized to music.[42] Theme nights, such as those announced for 2025, often feature promotional giveaways, special events, and fireworks to enhance fan engagement.[43] Additional in-game and pre/postgame diversions occur at venues like ChiSox Bar & Grill near Gate 5, offering indoor/outdoor seating, drinks, and lively atmosphere open to ticketed and non-ticketed fans alike.[44][45] Fan services emphasize digital integration and convenience, with free Xfinity WiFi available stadium-wide via the network "xfinitywifi_" for connectivity during games.[46] The MLB Ballpark app serves as a central hub for mobile ticketing, parking passes, and gameday enhancements, while the venue operates cashless, accepting only credit, debit, and gift cards for purchases.[47][48] Family-oriented amenities include stroller check services, kids' ID wristbands, and permission for sealed 1-liter water bottles or snacks in 1-gallon clear zip-lock bags.[49] First aid stations and information booths support attendee needs, with gates opening 90 minutes before first pitch to facilitate entry.[42]Renovations and Upgrades
Initial Modifications (1996–2000)
In 1996, the Chicago White Sox relocated the bullpens from foul territory to beyond the outfield fences, increasing seating capacity in those areas while adding a bullpen bar in right field that allowed fans to view pitchers warming up.[6][50] This modification addressed early criticisms of limited fan interaction with game action and paid homage to features of the original Comiskey Park.[6] The following year, in 1997, approximately 7,000 seats were removed from the upper deck to improve sightlines and overall comfort for spectators, reducing the stadium's total capacity slightly but enhancing the viewing experience in a structure initially designed with expansive but distant seating.[6] In 1998, the batter's eye in center field was repainted from blue to black to provide better contrast for hitters against the sky, a straightforward adjustment aimed at aiding on-field performance without structural changes.[50] By 1999, fan amenities were expanded with the installation of a Bill Veeck-inspired showerhead in left field and a "Rain Room" misting area in right field, offering relief from Chicago's summer heat and drawing on historical ballpark quirks to boost attendance and enjoyment.[50] These changes culminated in 2000 with an $8 million renovation project, including the removal of about 6,000 additional upper deck seats to further refine sightlines and intimacy, setting the stage for more extensive upgrades in subsequent years.[6][51] The project, announced in August, focused on transforming the upper concourse and seating bowl for better accessibility and aesthetics, responding to ongoing feedback about the park's multi-level design feeling remote.[51]Phased Expansions (2001–2007)
Following fan complaints about steep upper-deck sightlines, distant views, and limited amenities, the Chicago White Sox launched a seven-phase renovation program at U.S. Cellular Field in 2001, designed by HKS Architects and funded partly through a naming rights deal with U.S. Cellular.[52] [50] The initiative, totaling approximately $118 million, focused on reconfiguring seating for better intimacy, upgrading concourses and technology, and adding family-oriented features, with changes implemented annually through 2007 to minimize disruptions during the season.[52] [11] In 2001 (Phase I), bullpens were relocated to the outfield walls to enable spectator viewing of pitchers warming up, with the former bullpen areas filled by new bleacher seating; this added 2,000 seats between the dugouts and foul poles, increasing capacity from 44,321 to 45,936.[50] [11] A two-tiered terrace was constructed outside the Bullpen Bar, and the Stadium Club was introduced with premium amenities.[50] The 2002 upgrades (Phase II) included a multi-tiered batter's eye in center field to reduce distractions for hitters, alongside enclosure of the club-level concourse with heating and air conditioning; the main concourse received a brick façade and stainless steel countertops for improved aesthetics and functionality.[50] A party deck was added above the batter's eye, and the backstop was redesigned without a roof to allow foul balls to drop into seating areas, enhancing interaction.[50] [11] Phase III in 2003 featured scoreboard and video board enhancements, plus a 300-foot-long, 5-foot-high LED ribbon board along the upper deck fascia; a Fan Deck was built in center field with food and beverage service, while outfield steel, seating concrete, and the canopy roof were painted gray for a unified appearance.[50] [11] A bronze statue of Charles Comiskey was unveiled, and capacity rose to 47,098.[50] Major structural changes occurred in 2004 (Phase IV), including removal of eight upper-deck rows (6,600 seats) to flatten sightlines, replacement of the sloped canopy with a flat roof elevated 20 feet, and partial enclosure of the upper deck concourse via a translucent wall for weather protection.[50] [11] The Fan Deck gained tiered seating and standing room, a lower terrace balcony was added for parties, and outfield walls displayed photos of players with retired numbers; a bronze statue of Minnie Miñoso was installed, reducing capacity to 40,615.[50] For 2005 (Phase V), a 314-seat Scout seating section was added behind home plate with enclosed ground-level access, alongside the FUNdamentals Deck—a kids' area above the left-field concourse featuring batting cages, throwing stations, and baserunning paths.[50] [53] Blue seats on the club level and near home plate were replaced with green, and left-center bleachers received green paint.[50] A bronze statue of Carlton Fisk was dedicated.[50] Phase VI in 2006 extended green seating replacements to upper and lower decks between dugouts, completed the Scout Seats restaurant, and added banners honoring the 2005 World Series, past championships, and team logos; bronze statues of Nellie Fox and Luis Aparicio were erected.[50] The final 2007 phase (VII) replaced remaining blue seats with green (preserving two originals), painted the scoreboard green, and introduced the Jim Beam Club (later Home Plate Club) with premium seating and dining; a new press box, custom T-shirt shop, and Thome Ticker (a ticker for Jim Thome statistics, later removed) were added, along with a bronze statue of Billy Pierce and initiation of the White Sox Champions brick plaza at Gate 4.[50] These completions marked the end of the program, yielding improved acoustics, visibility, and revenue potential without a full rebuild.[52][11]Modern and Ongoing Improvements (2008–Present)
In 2008, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority introduced permeable pavers in the outermost parking lot (Lot L) to mitigate stormwater runoff into Chicago's sewer system, enhancing environmental sustainability.[6] That year also saw the launch of the Legacy Brick Program, allowing fans to purchase inscribed bricks placed outside the main entrance, alongside the installation of a 25-ton bronze statue commemorating the 2005 World Series champions and flat-screen televisions throughout the outfield concourse and above beer stands.[50] A bronze statue of Hall of Famer Harold Baines was added to the right field concourse.[50] By 2009, Gate 5 underwent renovation to a single-level design with a second footbridge, weather-protected escalators, and elevators for improved accessibility.[50] A new 23-by-68-foot scoreboard was installed in right field to display lineups and league updates, while plaques marked Jim Thome's 464-foot home run on the center field deck and DeWayne Wise's game-saving catch on the left-center wall.[50] Subsequent years focused on outfield enhancements: In 2010, an outdoor beer garden named "TBD's" opened at Gate 5; this was replaced in 2011 by the multi-level ChiSox Bar and Grill.[50] The Chicago Sports Depot merchandise store debuted at Gate 5 in 2012, and a statue of Paul Konerko was erected in left field concourse in 2014 following his number retirement.[50] Major technological upgrades occurred in 2016 with the installation of three high-definition video boards—a main center-field board exceeding 7,000 square feet and auxiliary boards in left and right fields—costing $7.3 million, replacing outdated displays from 2003.[8] [54] Audio systems saw phased improvements, including new infield and outfield speakers on the 100 level in 2017–2018, with full replacement targeted for 2020.[55] A modern LED field lighting system was implemented around 2021, featuring programmable sequences but with warnings for potential photosensitivity effects.[42] In December 2024, the stadium rebranded from Guaranteed Rate Field to Rate Field under an updated naming rights agreement with the mortgage company, effective for the 2025 season, though this pertains more to sponsorship than structural changes.[21] These incremental modifications have aimed to refresh fan amenities and technology amid discussions of potential relocation post-2028 lease expiration, without major overhauls to core architecture.[56]Notable Events and Records
Key Baseball Games and Milestones
The inaugural game at New Comiskey Park (now Rate Field) occurred on April 18, 1991, against the Detroit Tigers, drawing a sellout crowd of 42,191; the White Sox lost 16-4 after the Tigers scored six runs in the first inning off starter Jack McDowell.[18] Four days later, on April 22, 1991, during the first night game at the ballpark, Frank Thomas hit the first home run in stadium history, contributing to an 8-7 White Sox victory over the Baltimore Orioles.[57] Rate Field hosted its first postseason games during the 1993 American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Toronto Blue Jays, with the White Sox dropping Games 1 and 2 at home before the series concluded in six games with a Blue Jays victory.[58] In 2005, the ballpark became the site of pivotal White Sox playoff triumphs en route to their first World Series title in 88 years, including Paul Konerko's seventh-inning grand slam in Game 2 of the World Series against the Houston Astros on October 23, which erased a 4-2 deficit in a 6-5 win.[5] Earlier that postseason, A.J. Pierzynski's controversial reach on a dropped third strike in Game 2 of the ALCS versus the Angels on October 12 sparked a rally that secured a 6-1 victory.[5] Individual pitching feats have marked several milestones, with Mark Buehrle throwing a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers on April 18, 2007, facing the minimum 27 batters after picking off the only baserunner.[5] Buehrle achieved perfection two years later on July 23, 2009, against the Tampa Bay Rays, preserved by DeWayne Wise's spectacular ninth-inning catch for a 5-0 White Sox win—the 18th perfect game in MLB history.[5] Philip Humber followed with the 21st perfect game on April 21, 2012, shutting out the Seattle Mariners 4-0.[59] Other notable games include Jim Thome's leadoff home run on September 30, 2008, in Game 163 against the Minnesota Twins, clinching the AL Central with a 1-0 victory behind John Danks' eight scoreless innings.[5] Lucas Giolito's no-hitter on August 25, 2020, against the Pittsburgh Pirates featured 13 strikeouts in a 3-0 win, while four consecutive home runs by Yoán Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, José Abreu, and Eloy Jiménez on August 16, 2020, versus the St. Louis Cardinals powered a 7-2 triumph.[5] The ballpark also witnessed the White Sox's first playoff game since 2008 on October 10, 2021, in the ALDS against the Astros.[3]Ballpark Firsts and Statistical Records
The inaugural game at Rate Field (then New Comiskey Park) occurred on April 18, 1991, against the Detroit Tigers, resulting in a 16-0 loss for the Chicago White Sox; White Sox pitcher Jack McDowell delivered the first pitch at 1:47 p.m., after which the Tigers scored six runs in the first inning.[17][2] Illinois Governor Jim Thompson threw the ceremonial first pitch prior to the contest.[15] The first White Sox home run at the ballpark was hit by Frank Thomas on April 22, 1991, during the first night game against the Baltimore Orioles, contributing to an 8-7 victory.[60] The ballpark's first season drew a franchise-record 2,934,154 attendees, the highest single-season home attendance figure for the White Sox.[2] The single-game attendance record for a baseball event is 46,246, set during Game 4 of the 1993 American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.[7] In terms of on-field performance, the White Sox posted their best home record at the ballpark in 2008 with 54 wins and 28 losses.[16] The worst came in 2024, with 23 wins and 58 losses.[16] Rate Field ranks as the second-most favorable venue for home runs among MLB ballparks based on Statcast park factors, contributing to notable feats such as the White Sox hitting four consecutive home runs on August 16, 2020, against the St. Louis Cardinals by Yoán Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, José Abreu, and James McCann.[61]Non-Baseball Events
Guaranteed Rate Field has hosted a select array of non-baseball events, though far fewer than comparable venues like Wrigley Field, due to its primary design for baseball and scheduling conflicts with the Chicago White Sox season.[62] These include concerts and isolated college football games, with the stadium's capacity supporting up to approximately 48,000 attendees for such gatherings.[62] The inaugural concert at the ballpark occurred on September 13, 2002, when the Rolling Stones performed as part of their Licks Tour, marking the first major non-sporting event in the venue's history.[15] Subsequent concerts have been infrequent; notable examples include a 2016 performance by Chance the Rapper, which drew a record 47,754 attendees for a non-baseball event at the stadium.[7] In American football, the stadium hosted its first and only college game to date on November 9, 2016, when the Northern Illinois Huskies defeated the Toledo Rockets 38-21 in a Mid-American Conference matchup, organized by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority in partnership with the White Sox.[63] This event demonstrated the field's adaptability for gridiron play, though no further football games have been scheduled, reflecting limited demand relative to dedicated football venues like Soldier Field.[63] Beyond public spectacles, the ballpark accommodates private non-game events such as corporate meetings and receptions in spaces like the Stadium Club, but these do not typically generate the same public prominence as large-scale concerts or athletic contests.[64] Efforts to expand non-baseball usage, including proposals for outdoor NHL games, have been discussed but not realized, underscoring the venue's entrenched role in baseball operations.[65]Home Team Performance
White Sox Records at Rate Field
Since its opening in 1991, Rate Field has been the site of several pitching milestones for the Chicago White Sox, including four no-hitters and one perfect game thrown by team pitchers. The first such feat occurred on April 18, 2007, when Mark Buehrle no-hit the Texas Rangers, allowing one walk but completing the shutout with assistance from third baseman Joe Crede's game-ending double play.[5] Buehrle followed this with a perfect game on July 23, 2009, against the Tampa Bay Rays, retiring all 27 batters faced until a fan interference call was overturned on replay; the White Sox won 5-0, with Dewayne Wise making a spectacular catch to preserve the bid.[5] Lucas Giolito pitched a no-hitter on August 25, 2020, versus the Pittsburgh Pirates, striking out 13 and issuing one walk in a 3-0 victory.[5] Carlos Rodón nearly achieved perfection on April 14, 2021, against the Cleveland Indians, but settled for a no-hitter after hitting a batter with two outs in the ninth; the White Sox won 8-0.[5]| Date | Pitcher | Opponent | Type | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 18, 2007 | Mark Buehrle | Texas Rangers | No-hitter | 6-0 |
| July 23, 2009 | Mark Buehrle | Tampa Bay Rays | Perfect game | 5-0 |
| August 25, 2020 | Lucas Giolito | Pittsburgh Pirates | No-hitter | 3-0 |
| April 14, 2021 | Carlos Rodón | Cleveland Indians | No-hitter | 8-0 |