Bob Sirott's one more thing on upgrading the United Center - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Bob Sirott's one more thing on upgrading the United Center

One more thing, about the new plan for the United Center.

Owners Jerry Reinsdorf and Rocky Wirtz are proposing to replace a parking lot with restaurants, bars, stores, and more.

The 260 thousand square foot retail center would be built east of the United Center on lot H, known as the Michael Jordan statue lot.

MJ would have a roof built over him--part of the new venue which would link to the United Center via an atrium.

All of this is still in the talking stage, but the idea is to create another visitor destination that would attract fans to linger around the United Center.

There would still be plenty of parking lot space available.

The 80 million dollar project would be privately funded, and no doubt a good thing for the west side neighborhood.

But I have a problem with it, and a better idea.

Doesn't another Chicago sports stadium need a development like this a lot more than the united center?

I'm talking about U.S. Cellular Field.

There's not much to do around the ballpark except park your car.

And unlike the Bulls and Blackhawks who sell out every game, the White Sox need help drawing fans.

With restaurants, bars, and more of a neighborhood feel--like Wrigley Field has, people would come early, stay late, and Sox attendance would increase.

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