Report: Reinsdorf considering moving White Sox from Guaranteed Rate Field

Talk recently has been all about the Chicago Bears and their (likely) move to Arlington Heights. However, could the White Sox soon be seeing a move away from Guaranteed Rate Field?

On Monday afternoon, Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago released an article detailing Jerry Reinsdorf’s latest quiet series of moves that have included exploring options for the White Sox beyond Guaranteed Rate Field – both inside and outside of Chicago.

Based on the report, everything appears to be on the table – though no decision is considered imminent. The club could find themselves deciding between staying on the South Side, moving to a new location in the city or suburbs, or even relocating – with a move to Nashville referenced in the report. To truly put the idea that “everything is on the table” into practice, Reinsdorf is also reportedly considering selling the White Sox while retaining ownership of the Chicago Bulls.

The White Sox, through team spokesman Scott Reifert, said the following:

“We have not had any conversations about our lease situation, but with six years remaining, it is naturally nearing a time where discussions should begin to take place. The conversations would be with the city, IFSA and the state and most likely would be about vision, opportunities and the future.”

The statement by the club doesn’t give much more insight into a very unsure situation at current. However, per the report, another source closer to Reinsdorf was willing to be a bit more candid:

“Looking ahead to the next 20 or 30 years, the functionality and viability of the team at its current locations has to be considered. This is the time to ealuate other options in and around Chicago.”

The next question is obvious: how serious is any of this? Well, according to the Crain’s report, at least one Chicago developer is preparing a bid, while new mayor Brandon Johnson is planning to discuss the team’s future with the necessary representatives. So, serious enough to grab the attention of some higher-ups within the community.

This could be a play at several things for the White Sox. First, it could be a play to get more players in on the potential sale of the ballclub, incentivized by the prospect of a new stadium and outdoor entertainment area. It could also be a play at a new stadium, similar to what we’ve seen with the Milwaukee Brewers most recently. There could be some truth to all of this, however: given the team’s current location, large outdoor spaces such as the ones found in Wrigleyville on the North Side or in Atlanta are not attainable at the White Sox’ current location. If they truly wanted to expand beyond just the ballpark and its surrounding neighborhood bars, they would need a new location.

35th and Shields has been a familiar home for White Sox fans over the years, previously watching games at Comiskey Park from 1910-1990 before Guaranteed Rate Field was built in 1991. As a reminder, Jerry Reinsdorf does not own Guaranteed Rate Field – it is owned by ISFA (Illinois Sports Facilities Authority).

As more information continues to become available, we will provide updates.

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Featured Image: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports