First time visitor to "The Cell"

[cyclone]

Hello everybody. I'm a New Yorker about to make my first trip to Chicago in about twenty years. I will be attending one of the games during the Cleveland series and have a few questions for you:

Why is the ballpark called "The Cell"?
Is it true the seats in the upper deck are too far from the field to enjoy? Any recommendations for seat location? Is parking at the stadium really $16? That's outrageous by even NY standards. Can I park my car close to the ballpark and take the subway, I mean el? Oops, sorry about the NY reference. Any other important tips I should know about?
Thanks to all for your responses.

[PaleHoseGeorge]

Originally Posted by cyclone

Hello everybody. I'm a New Yorker about to make my first trip to Chicago in about twenty years. I will be attending one of the games during the Cleveland series and have a few questions for you:

Why is the ballpark called "The Cell"?
Is it true the seats in the upper deck are too far from the field to enjoy? Any recommendations for seat location? Is parking at the stadium really $16? That's outrageous by even NY standards. Can I park my car close to the ballpark and take the subway, I mean el? Oops, sorry about the NY reference. Any other important tips I should know about?
Thanks to all for your responses.

It's in a dangerous part of town and you'll probably get beat up -- or worse. I suggest you stay away. We prey on the weak and infirmed... aka Cubs fans.

[Flight #24]

Originally Posted by cyclone

Hello everybody. I'm a New Yorker about to make my first trip to Chicago in about twenty years. I will be attending one of the games during the Cleveland series and have a few questions for you:

Why is the ballpark called "The Cell"?
Is it true the seats in the upper deck are too far from the field to enjoy? Any recommendations for seat location? Is parking at the stadium really $16? That's outrageous by even NY standards. Can I park my car close to the ballpark and take the subway, I mean el? Oops, sorry about the NY reference. Any other important tips I should know about?
Thanks to all for your responses.

OK, in order....

- The naming sponsor is US Cellular, the field's official name is US Cellular Field, hence the nickname "the Cell"
- UD seats are just as good as UD seats in any other stadium, Lower deck seats are awesome, generally better views than many. And the food & amenities everywhere are better than most.
- Anywhere in the LD is awesome. If you can, hit the bullpen bar in RF or the Fan deck in CF
- Yes, parking is $16
- You can park close and either walk (although you hvae to get out of the immediate neighborhood since that's restricted street parking during games), or park a bit north by Chinatown and take the train.
- VERY IMPORTANT TIP: Get yourself a churro and enjoy a big Sox win!

[HomeFish]

You could probably take public transportation for $1.75 from your hotel. Where are you staying?

[cyclone]

I'm visiting friends in Downer's Grove.

[GoSox2K3]

"The Cell" is a nickname based on the park's official name: US Cellular Field.

Don't believe the negative smear by the media against the upper deck. It's not that bad up there - especially this year now that they have removed the top third of the upper deck and placed a roof over the upper deck. Seats in the upper deck behind homeplate are pretty good. I would be happy with anything between 1st and 3rd base. Upper deck seats beyond first or third are not so good.

That being said, I'd try for lower deck seats if they are available. They are excellent. If you get lower deck seats, make sure to check out the Fan Deck in centerfield or the bullpen sports bar in RF.

Yes, parking is $16. The park is easily accessible by el (Red Line).

[HomeFish]

Originally Posted by cyclone

I'm visiting friends in Downer's Grove.

Ouch. The el doesn't run there.

Driving and paying the awful parking fee is probably going to be your best bet, unless you have a good knowledge of south loop area.

[doublem23]

Originally Posted by PaleHoseGeorge

It's in a dangerous part of town and you'll probably get beat up -- or worse. I suggest you stay away. We prey on the weak and infirmed... aka Cubs fans.

Classic.

[StillMissOzzie]

Originally Posted by cyclone

I'm visiting friends in Downer's Grove.

My suggestion: Take the Eisenhower (I-290) east to the Des Plaines exit in Forest Park. There, you can park your car for only $1.50. Take the Blue line, which has it's eastern endpoint at Des Plaines, to the Jackson station. At Jackson, you can make a free transfer via pedestrian tunnel to the Red line. Take the Red line south (towards Dan Ryan/95th) for 4 stops to the 35th St / Sox Park stop, at which point you are one block away from US Cellular Field.

I'm sure your Downers Grove friends can help you get to the Eisenhower / I-290.

SMO

[pinwheels3530]

We have one of the best ballparks in baseball I think you'll enjoy it!!

[TornLabrum]

Originally Posted by PaleHoseGeorge

It's in a dangerous part of town and you'll probably get beat up -- or worse. I suggest you stay away. We prey on the weak and infirmed... aka Cubs fans.

George, PLEASE use teal...even when you really mean it!

[CanOfCorn]

I'm from Downers. They used to have a deal that if you got to the park before 5:30, parking was only $8. I haven't been to the park this year, yet, so I'm not certain if they still have it.

[C-Dawg]

Originally Posted by StillMissOzzie

My suggestion: Take the Eisenhower (I-290) east to the Des Plaines exit in Forest Park. There, you can park your car for only $1.50. Take the Blue line, which has it's eastern endpoint at Des Plaines, to the Jackson station. At Jackson, you can make a free transfer via pedestrian tunnel to the Red line. Take the Red line south (towards Dan Ryan/95th) for 4 stops to the 35th St / Sox Park stop, at which point you are one block away from US Cellular Field.

Excellent, I couldn't have described it any better. I've been going this route for years; I live in Glen Ellyn. I can't imagine taking a car down there now that I've discovered this option.

As an obscure CTA note, they've renamed the "Desplaines Avenue" stop as "Forest Park", so on the way home you just have to be sure you get on a "Forest Park" train at the Jackson station (don't get on a 54/Cermak train or you'll go way out of the way). I think this renaming came along when they renamed all the routes as colors (red, blue, purple, etc - they used to have cool names). The Jackson station still has some signs that indicate which side to board to go to "Desplaines".