Justin Ishbia is already talking like someone who expects to shape the Chicago White Sox’s future, and on Thursday he offered his clearest public window yet into the team’s stadium search.
Speaking at a Crain’s Chicago Business forum, the minority owner who is set to take over controlling interest from Jerry Reinsdorf as early as 2029 and no later than 2034 discussed the latest thinking around a new ballpark and the larger Railyards concept tied to it. Ishbia said the plan would involve moving the current Amtrak maintenance facility to a site near Rate Field in Bridgeport, clearing the way for a new stadium near the South Loop in The 78.
In early September, Canal Edge LLC, a Chicago-based development and investment firm owned by Ishbia, released renderings for a possible stadium and mixed-use project along the Chicago River. The vision also included residential, commercial, retail and healthcare space.
Ishbia acknowledged the skepticism surrounding the idea, but he sounded confident the pieces can still come together.
“To me it’s a whole it’s expanding downtown,” Ishbia said. “It’s growing and investing in the South Loop and the city.
I think it’s no secret the South Side of Chicago has not had the same investments as the North Side of Chicago. I don’t know why, and I think there’s great opportunity to do so.
But you have to take big swings at things.”
He also pointed to what he sees as a post-pandemic challenge for downtown Chicago, while making the case for what pro sports can bring to a city.
“Downtown is getting a black eye since Covid, it really has. And, you know, I think that’s a change.
I think it can change. But people want to be together.
And one this is why I love pro sports is, you know, like pro sports is a meritocracy. Like, you know what, they don’t care where you came from.”
The plan has drawn pushback from some local residents and Chicago City Council members, who felt caught off guard by the Railyards proposal. Ishbia said he believes those concerns can be addressed.
There are still environmental impact studies to complete for both the proposed stadium site and the new location for the Amtrak maintenance facility. The broader Railyards development would also include a Northwestern Medicine Healthcare presence of some sort, along with an entertainment district featuring restaurants and bars.
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