White Sox announce a limited number of fans to attend White Sox games beginning Opening Day
City of Chicago, White Sox Prepare to Welcome Fans at Guaranteed Rate Field in Physically Distanced Seating
CHICAGO – A limited number of fans will be allowed to attend Chicago White Sox games beginning on Opening Day after an announcement today by City of Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.
Under a plan agreed to by Lightfoot, the City of Chicago and the guidelines approved by the city and reviewed by state public health officials, the White Sox will welcome a limited number of fans, approximately 20 percent of Guaranteed Rate Field’s total capacity, in physically distanced seating pods at home games to begin the 2021 Major League Baseball season.
“As a diehard sports fan myself, I’m personally excited to have Chicago take its first, cautious steps toward safely reopening our beloved baseball stadiums to fans this season,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “We're able to do that thanks to the commitment of our city’s two great baseball franchises who continue to work in close partnership with Chicago’s public health officials to find solutions that are not only safe, but offer a path forward toward safely increasing stadium capacity as we move closer into our COVID-19 recovery.”
“We are proud of the important and historic role baseball plays in our country, offering respite during some of the most difficult times or in providing fans with a sense of comfort when circumstances seemed uncertain,” said Jerry Reinsdorf, chairman of the White Sox. “We believe this is a moment when baseball can indeed serve our fans and our communities again as we all hope for a gradual return to normal. It’s why we applaud Mayor Lightfoot, the leadership role she and Governor Pritzker have played for our city and state, and the decision today — guided by an unwavering commitment to public health and safety — to allow fans to return to Guaranteed Rate Field for Opening Day.”
“We are grateful for the leadership and support of Mayor Lightfoot and her incredible staff of medical and health experts who have worked alongside our team to help welcome back White Sox fans in a safe and responsible way,” said Terry Savarise, White Sox senior vice president of stadium operations. “Throughout this process with the Mayor’s office, the health and safety of Chicagoans and White Sox fans has been a top priority and that focus will continue as we prepare to welcome fans to Guaranteed Rate Field starting on Opening Day, April 8.”
“It has been a trying time for so many people as we continue to recover from the pandemic, and we hope that offering the chance to see baseball again live will bring some joy and comfort,” said Brooks Boyer, White Sox chief revenue and marketing officer. “White Sox baseball has always been about the fans and their connection to our team. While the gameday experience will look different as we all adjust to protocols, we have worked tirelessly to put forth the best and safest way to welcome White Sox fans. I am thrilled to be able to say today that White Sox baseball will be back in front of our fans at Guaranteed Rate Field!”
Following guidelines established by city and state public health officials, several new measures will be put in place to help ensure the safest possible gameday experience for fans. New protocols are detailed on the Playing It Safe page at whitesox.com/safety and include measures, such as:
- Physically distanced seating assigned by pods of one to six
- Mobile ticketing for contactless entry and contact tracing
- Mandatory masks worn properly by everyone ages two and up
- Maintaining physical distancing around and throughout the ballpark property
- Numerous hand sanitizer stations for fans
- Limited menu of individually packaged food items will be available
- No bags will be allowed (except for small clutch purses, medical bags or diaper bags when infant is present)
- Enhanced cleaning protocols, including frequent disinfecting using hospital-grade supplies on high-touch areas
In accordance with the city and state physical distancing measures, seats will be sold and distributed in pods of one to six tickets. Due to capacity limitations, the White Sox will offer priority ticket sales access to season ticket holders based on tenure and ticket package type. Single game tickets for the general public will be announced at a later date based on availability.
Season ticket holders will receive an e-mail with information about their exclusive access to tickets. Season ticket holders with questions should contact their White Sox sales representative or e-mail** [email protected]. Fans with questions should e-mail **[email protected] or register for the White Sox Ticket Availability Alert e-mail at whitesox.com/safety.
Ticket availability will be determined on a homestand-by-homestand basis to begin the 2021 season. Capacity limits will be reviewed regularly based on approved city and state health and safety directives prior to new homestand game tickets being released.
Giveaways and season-long promotions, such as $1 Hot Dog Wednesdays and Postgame Fireworks, have been postponed until further notice. Updates to the 2021 promotional schedule will be provided at a later date at whitesox.com/promos.
The White Sox open Guaranteed Rate Field with a seven-game, eight-day homestand, including the home opener on April 8 vs. Kansas City at 3:10 p.m. Following an off day on April 9, the Sox conclude the series vs. the Royals from April 10-11 before hosting Cleveland (April 12-15).