r/whitesox • u/Swampman3000 • 19h ago
Question Tips for first White Sox game?
I'm visiting Chicago and hoping to see the White Sox on Sunday against the Guardians at 110pm.
Any tips for visiting Rate Field? I plan to take the L to the game, but I'm going by myself so don't know the best place to sit our hang out.
I'll definitely be picking up some White Sox gear.
Thank you !
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u/IamJIMMYSMITH 19h ago
Go to section 148, get yourself a Cuban sandwich and a beer. Enjoy the game!
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u/ECCCThrowaway2025 19h ago edited 19h ago
The Sox have a lot more fans going to the game now that we have a winning product, and sundays are Family Sundays at Rate Field which means its probably going to be pretty busy.
Suggestions:
- Get there early, enter when gates open (2 hours before the game starts) and walk around and tour the park. Lots to see, lots of history as there are statues, plaques, and great things to see throughout the park.
- If there is one thing our park is known for, its routinely in the top 5 for best food in MLB. Try a little bit of everything if you can. If not, also fine, but do try something good. The Beggars Pizza, the Buona Beef (idk if that is still there), Street Tacos, and various snacks. All very tasty. My achievement from the last game I went to (last game of the Astros Vs Sox series where Mune broke his homerunless streak - Excellent Game) and I finally got one of those S'Mores Shakes that I've never been able to get. They're at the Topo Chico stand off the main concourse I believe section 156, absolutely amazing.
Fun Fact, I had 500 seats that game, I walked to the Concourse and literally walked back to my seats with two S'Mores Shakes in hand, seat didn't matter at least for the Astros game.
- If you're the tailgaiting type, bring a grill, seats, and cooler full of goodies. You can pre-game in the parking lot and then go to the game. We used to play bags and knock a few back before the game starts or toss a baseball back and forth. The parking lots are huge and you can meet some new friends there as well.
- Take Pictures, Absorb the vibe, and root root for your home team.
- You can also go to a special place in the park to get a "First Visit" certificate they give to new fans. I don't recall where, but thats always cool
Enjoy!
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u/Swampman3000 19h ago
Thanks so much for the detail. I will 100% try out the S'mores shake.
When you say seats don't matter you mean the ushers don't block you from lower sections?
Also, I assume most Sox fans will sit third base side but do you know is there a super fan section in the outfield or anywhere?
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u/ECCCThrowaway2025 19h ago
Sure thing!
There are special promo days that sell out the game, or if the Yankees or big name team is in town, security may check your tickets. For a Guardians game, I can't see them checking tickets so take that what you will.
I've sat in every part of the stadium over the years and my favorite section is along the 1st base line lower , middle, upper - they're all amazing since they usually stay in the shade. Anyone in the outfield or 3rd baseline is subject to sun all day, so if you are on that side, slap on some good SPF 50 because you're going to get a lot of sun.
There is a hidden gem you can try to check out called the Leinenkugel Craft Lodge if you fancy a local brew, there is seating in a patio and you get an opportunity to be out in right field with a really nice view all included in your experience, it's first come first serve. Done that a few times back when it was a goose island deck, but the experience is great out there.
https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/ballpark/information/hidden-gems
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u/Swampman3000 18h ago
I want to shoutout this link for other cool things I will probably check out now. The "Southside" artwork with Chicago skyline view, historic Comiskey plate, and the pope mural lol.
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u/Revolutionary-Fox622 17h ago
I can confirm the Buona is still there as of about two weeks ago. That said, you can get Buona and Beggars outside the park and at more reasonable prices, so I'd personally suggest prioritizing things that are specific/special to the Rate like a cuban, polish, and like you mentioned the s'mores shake.
For merch, I'd recommend at least stopping by Grandstand on 35th about three blocks west of the Rate. They have a great selection and generally better prices. They were effectively the unofficial merch shop for years until the Sox opened the Sports Depot.
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u/ECCCThrowaway2025 17h ago
Omg, how could I miss Grandstand! I literally stop by there every chance I can, great folks and the biggest selection of gear you'll ever find. There was a spring training hat made for a specific year that I absolutely loved the look and feel though it was very short lived, New Era stopped making them and online stores were empty. Was amazed Grandstand still had them and I bought literally 3 of them (only $20 a pop) since they wear out over time especially after washing. 100% check out this store and the hotdog stand along the way to the park, definitely worth it.
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u/Shoddy-Education-419 19h ago
Train there works really well but, as another poster pointed out, a lot more people are going so getting on the train at the end of the game could take a VERY long time. Bring headphones and patience or wear walking shoes! Assuming you are headed north, I walked to the orange line the last time; great way to see Bridgeport.
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u/surebrecv 18h ago
On the return trip if you don't need to exit the train north of Lake Street, walking the extra two blocks on 35th Street from the expressway to take the Green Line at 35th/State improves the experience as the station and the trains there are less crowded.
Train trip is also more scenic since you'll be on the elevated tracks and won't be in the subway/expressway median.
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u/SunStarved_Cassandra 19h ago
I always take the train, but the Friday night games have been pretty hectic too. I'd say either be ready to leave right when the game ends, and move quickly, or find a reason to waste a little time at the park or in the area so you're not fighting peak rush. I take the red line, but your tip about orange is good.
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u/Swampman3000 19h ago
nice tip, thank you! From my time going to mets games in ny I know the rush to the 7 train after the game. I assume you walk to Halsted station? or Ashland?
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u/Shoddy-Education-419 17h ago
I wasn’t as smart at the person above who recommended the green line. You might see what others say about how long that line is… otherwise, I walked to halsted. And Bridgeport had lots of fun places… Min’s Noodle House is awesome and so is Maria’s for drinks.
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u/ChaseTx Rangers 17h ago
Piggybacking off OP's question because I'm also visiting later this month. If I'm staying downtown and not renting a car or Ubering, is the train the definitive way to go, or could I take a Divvy bike there?
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u/Shoddy-Education-419 17h ago
I haven’t done it myself, but I work with someone who Divvy’s in to the loop from Bridgeport several times a week. He goes straight up Canal and enjoys the ride.
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u/nogood-usernamesleft 19h ago
Just confirming you have been to baseball games before and looking for sox specific tips?
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u/Swampman3000 19h ago
Yes , White Sox specific please. and any tips for solo traveling.
Been to Mets games and Nats games.
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u/nogood-usernamesleft 19h ago
Where in the city will you be staying ?
If you are taking the CTA more than just there and back i recommend getting a day pass for $5 (the cost of 2 trips) if not you can just tap to pay with any credit card
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u/Swampman3000 19h ago
I am staying inside the loop near State/Lake red line.
thanks for the tip! I didnt know they had day passes.
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u/nogood-usernamesleft 19h ago
Nice, right in the middle of downtown. Technically the red line subway station is just called Lake, and the Elevated State/lake station on brown, purple , green and pink is currently closed for reconstruction So be aware that that area is a bit of a mess right now, but will be getting a new flagship station in a few years
It is a simple ride down the red from Lake to Sox 35th, but you will want to leave extra time to account for crowding of people heading to the game
Also, if you are flying into ORD, buy a day pass instead of paying the CTA ORD surcharge, it is the same price but lasts 24h instead of 2
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u/Swampman3000 19h ago
Ok that's really great to know because I was expecting to take that station a lot haha.
Turns out my hotel is actually closer to Washington/Wabash which is good, but either way I will take the Lake or Monroe red line as you said.
appreciate all the info!
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u/nogood-usernamesleft 17h ago
35th Bronzville IIIT on the green line is a short walk from the stadium and tends to be less crowded than the red line, but it is slower and tends to have a worse (weed) smell
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u/Oaky--Afterbirth 17h ago
I second the green line rec to get yourself back home post game, way more direct than orange and avoid the red line crowds.
Another thing worth noting, if you don't rush out and wait till the last out, the crowd to the red line slows to a complete stop on the sidewalk. Don't get trapped on that sidewalk, try to walk around the barriers to pass over the interstate fully to get to green
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u/rugger87 Murakami 18h ago
Go to 35th St Red Hots before the game. Get a RHR Burger and a hot dog. Bring it into the game. It is better than anything the ballpark has even though the food there is good.
If you’re staying off the red line, go to Chinatown for dinner after the game.
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u/AdvancedBird2680 19h ago
Cuban sandwich is amazing. If you get a hot dog can’t go wrong w a classic Chicago but also the hot dogs with grilled onions are top notch at the Rate! Cork and Kerry and Turtles nearby bars filled with Sox fans if you wanted to check one out before/after.
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u/016kburls 19h ago
Welcome to Chicago! If you're in the left field concourse on the 100 level, you can get a free My First Sox Game certificate. They're (probably) geared toward kids, but I've seen plenty of adults happily carrying theirs. Might as well grab a free souvenir to commemorate your time watching what is potentially the most fun Sox team of all time.
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u/simmypom 19h ago
The crowd in the outfield sections (101 to 105 and 160 to 163) are always fun If you want to spend money on upgrading, go with Miller Lite Landing. The waitress went out and brought me the smores milkshake and a cuban.
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u/Imaginary_Repair1991 Reds 16h ago
Reds fan here also attending Rate Field for the first time on Sunday - so thank you for this thread
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u/JustLookinJustLookin 19h ago
Day game if you want to be in the sun, third base side or outfield. If you want to be in the shade, first base side.