Cell Trounces Wrigley in Sports Illustrated Poll

Despite the mantra we constantly hear in the Chicago media about the superiority of Tribune-owned Wrigley Field, baseball fans apparently prefer U.S. Cellular Field. Thanks to Cubune watcher Brian Dykes for directing our attention to this Sports Illustrated Poll of 8,500 baseball fans, who ranked U.S. Cellular Field #8 and Wrigley #24, out of 30 baseball destinations, based on a variety of criteria. Sad that we have to go outside the Chicago media to find fair assessments of Chicago. Sports Illustrated:

We have to give the ChiSox a lot of credit for turning a park that originally had all the charm of a mini-mall into a pretty good baseball destination. Certainly having a World Series trophy helps, but so does the addition of a kids' activities area as well as embracing the legacy of old Comiskey Park with a quirky outfield shower and new green seats. Offering a smorgasbord of tasty food also buys a lot of goodwill. Teams such as the White Sox and the Angels prove that a new park isn't always necessary to draw fans if you have a little creativity and show a commitment to your fans.