WEST LOOP — Speaking to a gathering of business leaders, White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia emphasized that the ultimate decision on whether the team moves from Bridgeport will rest with chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. Ishbia said he has no authority to choose a new ballpark site.
Amtrak rail yard and development plans
Ishbia explained that Amtrak has been planning to relocate its maintenance operations for several years and approached him in August 2025 about a potential $900 million Midwest Maintenance Facility near the current stadium. He offered to help build the facility faster and at lower cost, but stressed that the rail yard decision is entirely Amtrak’s.
He added that Amtrak could abandon the project at any time and that other contractors could step in if he does not participate.
Potential White Sox relocation
The White Sox have not made any decisions about moving to the South Loop or any other site when their lease at Rate Field ends after the 2029 season. A team statement confirmed that Ishbia has agreed to conduct a multi‑month study of the proposed South Loop site and present findings to the organization. If the study shows the location is viable, it could join other options such as The 78.
Ishbia, who could acquire full ownership of the Sox as early as 2029 if Reinsdorf decides to sell, reiterated, “I don’t decide where the White Sox go, to be clear… It’s Jerry’s show. … It’s his decision exactly where the White Sox go.”
Broader South Loop vision
Beyond the ballpark question, Ishbia outlined a larger vision to connect Downtown, the South Loop and Chinatown through new development, public spaces and improved transit. He suggested extending the Chicago Riverwalk south to Ping Tom Park, creating an elevated trail inspired by New York’s High Line, and adding a transit stop serving The Railyards.
He noted that the South Loop has seen growth since 2018‑2020, was slowed by the pandemic, and now presents an opportunity for investment comparable to the West Loop’s transformation.
Future use of the former stadium site
If the Sox eventually leave Rate Field, Ishbia said the roughly 80‑acre state‑owned site should be decided through public conversation. Potential uses he mentioned include residential housing, youth sports facilities, another professional sports stadium or a college training campus, though he emphasized that neither he nor the team owns the land.
“It’s not a foregone conclusion that the White Sox are moving,” Ishbia said. “That’s Jerry’s decision, period, end of conversation.”
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
