Saturday Travel Shot: Whatcha Talkin Bout Willis Tower?
The times they are a changin'. Sears Tower was officially renamed Willis Tower this past Thursday July 16. The United State's tallest building underwent a name change after London-based insurance brokerage Willis Group Holdings purchased the 110-story iconic structure. Although the name change went into effect this past week, the Sears Roebuck and Co. people moved out way back in 1992.
I have a feeling it will forever be known as the Sears Tower. They tried to change the name of a Toronto landmark — the SkyDome — half a dozen years ago to the Rogers Centre; however, you’d be hardpressed to find a Torontonian that calls it that. It’s easy to spot the tourists, though, when they ask you how to get to the Rogers Centre!
I agree. I still refer to the White Sox park as Comsikey (U.S. Cellular… blahhh). I don’t think Willis Tower will stick with tourists either unless they’ve honestly never heard of the building before. I’ve lived here my whole life and I’ve never been to the top. I wanted to get up there and take pics before the signs were changed, but alas, I was lazy. You ever notice that? When you live in a given place, you probably haven’t done anything touristy?
That is a great point Carrie. I was just talking to someone the other day that was asking me advice about travel. They were on a tight budget but wanted to go somewhere for their vacation. I suggested that they just plan a week worth of places to see around their neck of the woods. He followed my advice and wound up seeing both the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building for the first time. The guy has lived in NYC for 20 years!