CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
One more thing about attendance at Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular.
As the headline in the New York Times sports section said yesterday, "Compared with Cubs, the White Sox can't win for winning."
This summer, a popular topic wherever Chicago baseball is discussed is why more people don't go to Sox games.
The team is in first place, their average ticket price is lower than it is on the North Side, the weather has been pretty good, recent changes and additions in and around the ballpark have improved the stadium. So, what's the problem?
You can't explain it by just saying it's always been a Cubs town--because it hasn't. When I was a kid, the Sox always outdrew the Cubs.
That hasn't happened lately---not since 1992.
I think the problem may have less to do with White Sox negatives and more to do with the positive changes in Wrigleyville.
It's hard to remember now, but until the 80's, the area around Clark and Addison was devoid of the yuppie bars and restaurants that fill the neighborhood now. It was mostly run-down apartment buildings, old factories and businesses.
As Wrigleyville became modernized, aging Wrigley field began to take on the old world charm of an antique. In a baseball world filled with new, sterile stadiums, it became a tourist attraction. I'm not the only crazy Cub fan who would pay to sit in that ballpark even when there's no game.
I've been telling Jerry Reinsdorf for years that he should use some of that vast expanse of parking lot land around his ballpark to set up a permanent taste of the South Side, where fans could eat and drink and meet and mingle- before and after games. In effect, create a cozy instant neighborhood of things to do.
Actually U.S. Cellular built in '91, offers many more fan amenities than Wrigley. And those Friday night fireworks shows make for a great family night out.
But, you have to get fans to come inside the park first--and step one is providing more to do in the neighborhood. Then, it doesn't matter if you're having a lousy season. Trust me Mr. Reinsdorf, I'm an expert on losing seasons.
