Of course, the tens of thousands of people who go to U.S. Cellular Field for every Chicago White Sox home game are there to see the team play ( and, they hope, win ).
However, there's certainly more to the experience than seeing the gamenamely, checking out the Chicago Sports Depot ( which sells all sorts of items connected with Chicago professional teams ) as well as the huge olio of food booths in the Cell's full concourse.
The Depot ( 320 W. 35th St.; ChicagoSportsDepot.com ) sells items linked with the White Sox ( naturally ), but also with the Blackhawks, Bears, Bulls and evengasp!the Cubs as well as the University of Illinois and the University of Notre Dame. ( By the way, people can get their items customized as wellan attractive option. )
The Chicago Sports Depot ( open all days except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day ) has more than 12,000 square feet of sales space spread over two floors. There's also state-of-the-art technology: 77 video monitors, video stairs and four video walls.
Delaware North's Joseph Nigro II ( who's also the general manager of U.S. Cellular Field ) said that people tend to gravitate toward ( "People think jerseys are the cool items" ), although he personally prefers the themed polos.
Regarding the Cubs items, Nigro said, "If they're successful, why wouldn't we capitalize on their merch?" Yes, capitalism is alive and well. ( Incidentally, if a person is let go from a team for whatever reason, items are typically sold at clearance prices, Delaware North's Richard Pinskey added. )
As for the food at the Cell, there's something for everyone ( including health-conscious individuals ) at the concourses. ( Levy Restaurants oversees the three middle floors, Nigro noted. )
The astonishing array of general concession items includes deli sandwiches, helmet meals ( served in actual baseball helmets ), elote ( or Mexican corn ), tacos and even bacon on a stick. ( Yes, you read that last one correctly. ) There's even a new pizza bar ( Beggar's Pizza Pub ) as well as a stand that sells some of the best lemonade I've had in a while.
As for more healthful choices, Nigro said, "We have one location right on top of first base in the main concourse where we do primarily gluten-free [items]. We still do salads in the homestands, and we also have juices because parents often look for less sugary things for their kids."
It was intriguing walking alongside Nigro around the full concourse. He noticed details most people would not notice or purposefully ignore, and ( naturally ) almost everyone seemed to know him.
U.S. Cellular Field: Go for the game, stay for the food and memorabilia ( and, fans hope, the win ).
Thanks go to Delaware North for arranging this visit.
Andrew Davis