For the last 13 years, the Chicago White Sox played their games at U.S. Cellular Field, but beginning next year and for the next 12 after that, the White Sox stadium will have a new name – Guaranteed Rate Field.
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Practically named U.S. Cellular Field will now be called Guaranteed Rate Field.
Questions about whether U.S. Cellular would remain the naming rights partner of the White Sox through the length of its deal circulated as far back as 2012 when the Chicago-based carrier announced that it was selling its Chicago, central IL and St. Louis markets among others to Sprint. The White Sox have struggled since winning the World Series in 2005, qualifying for the playoffs just once (2008) in the 10 seasons since.
The owner and operator of the ballpark, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA), approved the name change at a board meeting Wednesday afternoon.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The White Sox hold a one-year option that could extend the deal through 2030. In 2003, the stadium was renamed U.S. Cellular Field-a name which many fans rejected, while some opted to call it “the Cell”.
As news broke Wednesday, the internet-per usual-had some fun with the name change, as many began using the hashtag #bettersoxstadiumnames to poke fun at the new name. Guaranteed Rate becomes the official mortgage and title company of the White Sox, the statement said.
With the help of U.S. Cellular, the ballpark has undergone extensive renovations in recent years.
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“We talked about it”, Guaranteed Rate President and CEO Victor Ciardelli said. “The Guaranteed Rate? What is that?”
