MUSIC - Money by Pink Floyd

Comiskey Park II - still standing

Location - 333 W 35th St., Chicago Illinois -- Bounded by S. Wentworth Ave., W. 37th St.

Meet the new boss, NOT the same as the old boss. The new Comiskey Park is located right across the street from old Comiskey on 35th street. Like it's predecessor, it is located in the Armour Square neighborhood of Chicago. Before it was built, the site was used for 80 residential buildings, as well as McCuddy's tavern. It was also used as a parking lot for old Comiskey. All were demolished to make room for the "New" Comiskey park. Comiskey was also the first new sporting venue built in Chicago since 1929. It was known as the new Comiskey park from 1991 thru 2002. In 2003 U.S. Cellular bought the naming rights for 20 years and is now called U.S. Cellular field, or "the cell" for short.

Opening day was April 18, 1991. The White Sox faced the Detroit Tigers. Things didn't go well for the Chisox that day. They ended up losing 16-0. Cecil Fielder of the Tigers hit the first home run in the new park. In fact, the first White Sox home run didn't occur until 4 days later against Baltimore. Frank Thomas had the honor of hitting the first pale hose home run in the new digs.

Comiskey II was the last park built before the retro park movement. Critics have long complained about the antiseptic nature of the park. The first row of the upper deck was farther away from the field than the last row of the upper deck in old Comiskey. Some nuances of old Comiskey were added to the new park. The exploding scoreboard, Nancy Faust playing "na na na na hey hey hey" on the organ. The arched windows at the entrance, and a shower in left field.

To appease the fans, several changes were made to Comiskey, ERR the cell. It started in 2001 and ended in 2007. Everything from a restaurant in the centerfield batters eye, to a new roof, and new seats to concession stands improvements. It has helped, but it will always be compared as the red headed stepchild in the retro ballparks.

Comiskey II has seen the all star game in 2003, as well as a world championship in 2005. It was the White Sox first championship since 1917.

All in all the conveniences are better than old Comiskey, but the new park lacks a soul. Old Comiskey had character. It was old, dirty and dingy, BUT it was a ballpark. New Comiskey will live on, but in the hearts of most White Sox fans, will NEVER replace the original Comiskey park.