5 minutes ago, 77 Hitmen said:

Exactly. It looks like they could get working on clearing the Amtrak site as early as late spring 2028 or maybe fall '28/early '29 at the latest. I don't know what the timing is for BNSF getting a new Metra maintenance yard built (at 14th and Western) since all that's been reported so far is that Canal Edge is in advanced talks to buy that part of the property. But, there's no controversy regarding a possible relocation of the BNSF yard. Getting a new stadium built in time for the 2033 All Star Game certainly looks doable.

It's also noteworthy that the FRA found insignificant impacts. That's not the same as zero impacts on local residents, but I don't see a legal basis for the city taking legal action to block this. As I (and others) said, Amtrak moving their maintenance yard is only the first hurdle to clear before a South Loop ballpark becomes reality, but it sure seems like the biggest one.

And it looks like if they build a soundproof barrier type of thing, that the biggest impact is considered legally mitigated.

On 11/3/2026 at 5:56 PM, caulfield12 said:

Ishbia Brothers also reported to be only 40% owners of the team ATM...they don't possess the controlling shares either, so what exactly are they supposed to do here???

According to Forbes, Mat Ishbia, Justin Ishbia, and their father Jeff Ishbia. owners of a large share (appx 40%) of the Whote Sox shares, derive the vast majority of their collective family wealth from United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) and major sports and private equity holdings reportedly worth appx 12 billion.

What are they supposed to do? Considering the absolutely filthy wealth they have (and their vested interest in the franchise), the answer is that they could do whatever they want. They certainly can do more than what private equity partners typically do, restructure debt and/or reduce the value of the shares in preparation for a takeover. What did they do Cauli? They have contingent contracts to purchase railroad property that is bisected by railroad tracks. That is where they want to relocate the White Sox from their historic home on the South side.

What could / should they do/have done? They could have helped the 2026 WSox at the trade deadline by co-signing on player contracts, knowing they will own the team in short order or right now, sign a big free agent or free agents. Prioritize building a winning team, not a substandard, inconvenient stadium so they can control all property and businesses in and around that stadium.

Oh and the proposed "Railyards stadium". The more I study the renderings of it, the more I think that it pure folly. 4-5 decks down the 1st base line, almost no seats in RF, all seats in LF and CF facing South, no surface parking, active railroad tracks adjacent to the stadium, roads the do not connect. OK thet is a rendering, but why and how do they plan to move there without some kind of at least a realistic site plan and building plan? It seems like they have put the cart before the horse.

Meanwhile, why not build at the site of the original Comiskey Park? Why not invest in a neighborhood that loves and wants their team there so badly ? Why move the team? For personal profit and the vanity of a couple of billionaires?