Gate Improvements at U.S. Cellular Field
April 2009
Walsh Construction completed an extensive renovation to the Gate 5 entryway on the north side of U.S. Cellular Field in time for Opening Day, Monday, April 6. The new building houses a series of elevators and escalators for quicker access for fans entering from the north parking lots and serves as an entryway for a planned area boasting new bars, restaurants and shops. Walsh Construction completed construction of the structure in three months.
The $15 million project is part of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority’s (ISFA) capital repair responsibilities for the ballpark. The ISFA is a government unit created by the Illinois General Assembly in 1987 for the purpose of constructing and renovating sports stadiums for professional sports teams in Illinois. ISFA is the developer, owner and operator of U.S. Cellular Field.
On Opening Day, White Sox fans witnessed not only the new 2009 team, but an extensive new façade at Gate 5, located north of 35th Street.
After demolition of the eastern-most portion of the Gate 5 pedestrian ramp occurred in fall, 2008, Walsh Construction accomplished the following in a three-month period during one of Chicago’s harshest winters:
- Constructed a new steel and concrete building with a pre-cast concrete and a curtainwall enclosure to house a new series of escalators and elevators for quicker and more convenient access to the stadium. (The foot bridge at Gate 5, approximately 75 yards west of the east bridge at 35th Street, will continue to offer ballpark access on three levels.)
- Installed six new escalators at Gate 5 for quicker access into the stadium.
- Began installation of newly-constructed elevators for fans with disabilities entering from the north parking lots. The elevators are expected to be completed by mid-season.
“We were assigned the project in December and have been working hard ever since to make sure all is ready for Opening Day,” says Mike Polk, Superintendent, Walsh Construction. “This project is a special one for the Walsh crew, because so many of us are White Sox fans. We are just as anxious as the fans and the White Sox organization to see Opening Day and have everyone enjoy the new look of the stadium. U.S. Cellular Field is one of the most fan-friendly stadiums in the country and this new addition adds to that feeling."
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