The Chicago White Sox have played at Guaranteed Rate Field on Chicago's south side for more than 33 years. But could a new stadium be in the works?
According to a report from the Sun-Times, the team is considering relocating to a parcel of land in the South Loop known as "The 78."
Wednesday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf issued a joint statement to NBC Chicago on the report, saying that both entities have been engaged in discussions about the team’s future home. The statement did not offer specifics on the proposed South Loop project.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson and White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf met to discuss the historic partnership between the team and Chicago and the team’s ideas for remaining competitive in Chicago in perpetuity,” the statement read. “The partnership between the city and the team goes back more than a century and the Johnson administration is committed to continuing this dialogue moving forward.”
MORE: Chicago Bears stadium updates: Arlington Park vs. Soldier Field
During an unrelated press conference Thursday, Gov. Pritzker responded to a question about the potential new stadium, and whether or not the state would provide financial assistance for a move.
"Nobody's made an ask yet," Pritzker replied, reiterating his views against using public funds to pay for private facilities.
"Having said that, I mean, there are things that government does to support business all across the state, investing in infrastructure, making sure that we're, you know, supporting the success of business in Illinois," Pritzker added.
The White Sox’ lease at Guaranteed Rate Field expires after the 2029 season.
Here’s an overview of where the White Sox stand now, and how we arrived at these stadium negotiations:
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How long have the White Sox played at Guaranteed Rate Field?
The White Sox have played at Guaranteed Rate Field since 1991, when they moved across the street from Comiskey Park.
That move came after years of political wrangling, with Illinois Gov. Jim Thompson helping to hammer through a deal to publicly-finance the ballpark through the Illinois Sports Facilities Sports Authority.
That stadium deal came after the White Sox explored the idea of moving to St. Petersburg, Florida, with the government there constructing what would become Tropicana Field.
After the White Sox opted not to move to Florida, Major League Baseball eventually awarded the Tampa Bay Rays to the St. Petersburg area.
Each year, the White Sox pay rent to the state of Illinois for usage of Guaranteed Rate Field. The state of Illinois is responsible for “capital repairs” within the ballpark, according to terms of that lease.
State taxpayers owe $50 million on the bonds used to construct the stadium, and those funds still need to be retired.
The lease is set to expire following the conclusion of the 2028 season, and as a result, the White Sox are reportedly exploring their options when it comes to their future home.
Where else could they move?
In early August, Crain’s Chicago Business reported that the White Sox would consider moving out of Guaranteed Rate Field, as their lease expires at the conclusion of the 2028 season.
While the White Sox have said that no conversations have taken place, Crain’s also reported that the club would consider multiple options, including even moving to Nashville.
“We have not had any conversations about our lease situation,” team spokesman Scott Reifert told Crain’s. “With six years remaining, it is naturally nearing a time where discussions should begin to take place. The conversations would be with the city, ISFA and the state, and most likely would be about vision, opportunities and the future.”
Is the team considering other locations?
This week, White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf met with Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell while the winter meetings were going on.
The team confirmed the meeting took place, but declined to identify what was discussed.
No MLB-ready stadium currently exists in Nashville, but there has been movement to try to earn an expansion franchise within the city should the league expand to 32 teams.
In terms of the political environment, O'Connell was elected mayor earlier this year, with his opposition to a $2.1 billion stadium for the Tennessee Titans serving as a cornerstone of his campaign.
The Titans' stadium project was ultimately approved, and is expected to open in 2027.
Could the team move elsewhere in Chicago?
In August, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the White Sox would consider a retractable-roof ballpark within the city, and that they could consider options outside of the South Side.
Nightengale’s report indicated that the team could potentially take a look at sites near the United Center, where the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks play. Jerry Reinsdorf also owns the Bulls, and could look to move the Sox to the West Side.
Another potential option? Soldier Field, as the White Sox will reportedly keep tabs on what ends up happening with the Chicago Bears as they mull their options for their future home.
The Bears have purchased land in Arlington Heights, with the intention of building a stadium there. However, the Bears have remained in communication with the city of Chicago about potentially remaining at Soldier Field in some capacity, and as a result, the White Sox could even look to move to Arlington Heights if the Bears decide to remain within city limits.
What's the timeline?
The White Sox are still locked into their lease until at least 2029, and they have yet to officially open talks with the state of Illinois about their status at Guaranteed Rate Field.
During an unrelated press conference Thursday Gov. Pritzker was asked whether the state would provide financial aid for a possible White Sox move to the South Loop. Pritzker responded by saying an ask hasn't been made, and reiterated his position against public subsidies for pro sports teams.
The Bears are also locked into discussions about their future, which could lead to delays in the White Sox approach if they are seriously considering a move to Arlington Heights or to the Soldier Field site on the lakefront.
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