Fan Stay
Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place
South Loop hotel near McCormick Place offering easy transit access to Rate Field for White Sox games.
MLB Ballpark
Rate Field
Chicago White Sox · Chicago
Rate Field is the open-air home of the Chicago White Sox on the city's South Side, opened in 1991 as the last Major League ballpark built before the retro-classic wave of the 1990s. It is known for its "exploding scoreboard" that shoots fireworks after White Sox home runs and wins.
Address: 333 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616
History
The ballpark opened on April 18, 1991, replacing the original Comiskey Park, which had stood since 1910 directly across the street. Built for roughly $137 million, it arrived just before the retro-classic ballpark movement and initially drew criticism for a steep upper deck. Beginning around 2001, the team launched extensive renovations: it removed the top rows of the upper deck, added a shade canopy and reworked the outfield concourse. The venue has carried four names: it opened as the new Comiskey Park, became U.S. Cellular Field in 2003, then Guaranteed Rate Field in 2017. The current name, Rate Field, took effect for the 2025 season and remains official for 2026.
The Ballpark Experience
Rate Field's signature feature is its "exploding scoreboard" behind center field, a modern descendant of the one Bill Veeck installed at old Comiskey in 1960; it lights up and launches fireworks when the White Sox homer or win. The outfield concourse is the social heart of the park, lined with statues of White Sox legends, a sports bar and craft-beer spots. Post-renovation upper-deck seating is now far more comparable to other parks. Family features include the Wintrust Kids Zone, and for 2026 the team added more Latin American and Asian food concepts across the 100 level.
Food & Drink
Rate Field mixes Chicago classics with newer global fare. For 2026 the White Sox expanded Latin American and Asian options, growing the Lucky's stand known for Korean corn dogs and adding a jibarito stand. The right-field Craft Kave is the spot for the park's widest craft-beer selection.
Visiting Tips
The CTA Red Line is the easiest way in; ride to the Sox/35th station and cross Wentworth Avenue to reach the gates. Drivers can take the Dan Ryan Expressway to the 35th Street exit. The renovated upper deck now offers good value, and upper-level fans can head down to the outfield concourse during the middle innings.
Famous Moments
- 2003 — The ballpark hosted the MLB All-Star Game.
- 2005 — The White Sox won Games 1 and 2 of the World Series here, including Scott Podsednik's walk-off home run in Game 2.
- 2007 — Jim Thome hit his 500th career home run, a walk-off, at the ballpark.
- 2009 — Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game, preserved by DeWayne Wise's leaping catch.
Where Fans Stay, Eat & Drink near Rate Field
Hotels, bars and restaurants near Rate Field — every pick web-researched and source-cited.
Where to Stay
Fan Stay
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place
Hotel near McCormick Place a short drive or Red Line ride from Rate Field, popular with visiting fans.
Fan Stay
The Polo Inn Bridgeport U.S.A.
Bed and breakfast in the heart of Bridgeport, within walking distance of Rate Field, with free parking.
Bars & Pubs
Cork & Kerry at the Park
Irish sports pub right by Rate Field with 20 rotating taps and an outdoor beer garden, a Bridgeport staple.
Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar
Bridgeport institution combining an old liquor store with a lively community bar and deep drink list.
Shinnick's Pub
No-frills old-school Irish tavern in Bridgeport, a few blocks from Rate Field with strong beer specials.
Restaurants
Fan Eats
Han 202
Bridgeport BYOB restaurant serving Chinese cuisine with a French twist on a multi-course prix fixe menu.
Fan Eats
Phil's Pizza
Longtime Bridgeport pizzeria known for its tavern-style thin-crust pizza.
Fan Eats
Zaytune Mediterranean Grill
Casual Bridgeport spot serving shawarma and falafel wraps on homemade flatbread.
Chicago White Sox Rivalries
Frequently Asked Questions: Rate Field
Rate Field opened in 1991. Rate Field is the open-air home of the Chicago White Sox on the city's South Side, opened in 1991 as the last Major League ballpark built before the retro-classic wave of the 1990s. It is known for its "exploding scoreboard" that shoots fireworks after White Sox home runs and wins.
Chicago White Sox play their home games at Rate Field in Chicago.
Rate Field mixes Chicago classics with newer global fare. For 2026 the White Sox expanded Latin American and Asian options, growing the Lucky's stand known for Korean corn dogs and adding a jibarito stand. The right-field Craft Kave is the spot for the park's widest craft-beer selection.
The CTA Red Line is the easiest way in; ride to the Sox/35th station and cross Wentworth Avenue to reach the gates. Drivers can take the Dan Ryan Expressway to the 35th Street exit. The renovated upper deck now offers good value, and upper-level fans can head down to the outfield concourse during the middle innings.
Sources
Planning a trip? See the full Chicago travel guide for where to stay, eat and drink around Rate Field.
