A new mural celebrating the Chicago White Sox and their historic moments was unveiled on March 13 in the Chicago Transit Authority pedway area of Midway International Airport. The artwork, titled “South Side Pride,” was presented by the White Sox and the Chicago Department of Aviation as the city prepares for the start of the 2026 Major League Baseball season.
The mural is intended to honor more than a century of baseball tradition on Chicago’s South Side and to greet travelers with images that reflect local pride. Michael McMurray, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, said, “You will not find a city in America whose love for the game of baseball runs as deep as it is does here in Chicago. For more than 125 seasons, the White Sox have been an iconic symbol of the South Side’s close-knit, never-back-down spirit. This mural perfectly captures the essence of the White Sox fan base, the South Side and the entire city, and we are thrilled to have this be among the works of art travelers see as they navigate through Midway.”
The vinyl mural covers over 13,600 square feet along airport walls and features memorable moments from team history alongside ballpark imagery and well-known Chicago landmarks. Artist Zissou Tasseff-Elenkoff created the piece as a tribute to both baseball heritage and community spirit. Tasseff-Elenkoff said, “This project is particularly special because both the White Sox and Midway are based on the South Side, and have demonstrated a commitment to supporting their community. This mural culminates all of our past collaborations, and it has been a great pleasure to work with such a storied organization that has existed for over 125 years.”
The unveiling event included an appearance by team mascot Southpaw, music from one of the team’s DJs, and hot dogs provided by White Sox Bar & Grill at Midway’s Central Market. Gareth Breunlin, vice president of marketing and advertising for the White Sox, said, “This mural is a celebration of Chicago’s South Side team—legendary White Sox players and milestones, and most importantly, the fans who carry Sox pride wherever they go. We’re proud to team up with Z from All Star Press, whose creativity reflects how deeply the White Sox are woven into Chicago’s fabric and the diverse communities our fans call home. We’re especially grateful to the City and Department of Aviation for bringing this project to life at Midway Airport, a gateway that helps showcase the Sox as a top baseball entertainment destination.”
The Chicago Department of Aviation funds its operations without using local or state taxes according to its official website. The department manages O’Hare and Midway International Airports which contribute significantly to regional economic activity according to its official website. It also advances connectivity through responsible airport management according to its official website.
Michael J. McMurray served as commissioner overseeing these efforts according to its official website. The department operates mainly in Chicago where it manages key airports supporting economic growth according to its official website. In addition to this collaboration with sports organizations like MLB teams, it recently worked with American Airlines marking seven decades since passenger service began at O’Hare International Airport according to its official website.
Opening Day for Major League Baseball is set for March 26 when both local teams begin their seasons. Air Chicago magazine will feature special covers highlighting players from both clubs in celebration.
