White Sox Open Baseball Season in Chicago on Thursday, March 27

March 25, 2025

Fans and residents are urged to be aware in crowds and report suspicious activity to 9-1-1

CHICAGO – The south side starts up baseball games in Chicago on Thursday, March 27 at Rate Field with first pitch at 3:10 p.m. Residents should be prepared for increased crowds and traffic in the area as well as residential parking restrictions in effect around the ballpark area for all game days and events held at Rate Field.   Fans are reminded to respect the surrounding community and remain vigilant in crowds, on the streets, at gatherings and, for everyone’s safety, report suspicions of criminal activity to 9-1-1. 
Report Suspicious Activity - If You See Something, Say Something
As always, OEMC encourages attendees, ballpark employees, fans as well as residents and businesses to always be aware of surroundings and report any suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 or notify onsite security.  We all play a role in staying safe. 
White Sox Opening Day
The White Sox home opener at Rate Field is Thursday, March 27 at 3:10 p.m. when they take on the Los Angeles Angels.  Fans and residents will notice a military fly over at the start of the game and an authorized drone used for filming will also be present.
On Opening Day only, parking lots open three hours before the start of the game and gates open two hours before the scheduled first pitch.  For the remaining White Sox home games, parking lots open two hours prior to game time and gates open 90 minutes prior to first pitch.
Fans are urged to arrive early, especially on opening day and promotional giveaway days.  Motorists and pedestrians should also be mindful to keep sidewalks passable and yield to emergency vehicles. Find more information about visiting the ballpark at whitesox.com/ballpark. 
As it was last year, per the bag policy, single-compartment, clear tote bags (12” x 12” x 6” or smaller), clutch purses (9" x 5" x 2" or smaller) and diaper bags when an infant is present are permitted to carry into the ballpark. No backpacks or other bags are allowed.  For more game-day guidelines, see the Rate Field A-Z Information Guide at https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/
In the ballpark, fans who are in need of assistance (medical, security, etc.) are encouraged to text concerns to 773-754-4357. White Sox staff will be notified and will be sent to the location as needed. Standard text messaging rates may apply.
Fans should also be aware of the emergency exits within the ballpark in case of severe weather or evacuation.
Rideshare (Taxis, Limos, Uber, Lyft) for all Home Games/Events:
The rideshare Lot is located in Lot A near Wentworth Ave for pick-up and drop-off, where fans can enter and exit the ballpark via Gate 5. The lot is open until one hour after the conclusion of the game.  
Traffic Plan:
  • Please note that street closures and changes to traffic patterns are to be expected on game days. It is strongly recommended that fans plan their route before heading to the ballpark to avoid delays.
  • Street closures in the area may be implemented to ensure public safety.
  • To assist with increased traffic and activity at the ballpark, the Traffic Management Authority (TMA) deploys Traffic Control Aides (TCA’s) on game days.  Please adhere to TCA traffic guidance.
Parking
  • Residential Parking Restrictions are in effect around the ballpark area.  Parking restrictions will be strictly enforced. If your vehicle is towed, call 3-1-1 City Services to obtain assistance in locating your vehicle.  Please be respectful when parking in the community with required passes.
  • If driving to the ballpark during the baseball season, pre-paid parking is strongly encouraged. Fans can purchase tickets in advance at whitesox.com/parking.
  • Fans should expect day-of-game parking purchases to be conducted with official staff upon entry into the lot and NOT prior to entry outside of any parking lot.
  • Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early to avoid delays.
  • Follow signage and TCA direction to parking lot entry. 
  • Limited day-of-game parking is available in the Credit/Debit Lots F and L located south of the ballpark. Additional parking will be available in the overflow lot at McCormick Place Lot B with free shuttle service from the overflow lot to the ballpark.
  • Parking transactions are ONLY conducted by credit card with official staff within lots.
  • As a reminder, fans, pedestrians and motorists should be aware of the bike lanes on 35th Street. Motorists are encouraged to avoid 35th Street around the ballpark unless parking in lot D. Expect delays through this area.
Alcohol, Peddling and Parking Enforcement
Throughout the season, the Chicago Police Department stresses the strict enforcement of public intoxication ordinances and DUI laws, as well as City and State liquor laws that prohibit over-serving and serving alcohol to minors. Additionally, the peddling of goods without a license and the selling or soliciting the sale of residential parking passes is illegal. The Chicago Police will have an increased presence around Rate Field to ensure public safety on game days. 
Public Transportation
Public transportation is recommended. Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers lots of options for getting to the game and extra service on opening game days.
  • CTA Red Line stops near the ballpark at the Sox-35th Street station and the Green Line is just (2) blocks farther east at the 35th Street Station. For CTA Train and Bus information, visit www.transitchicago.com.
  • A Metra stop is located at 35th Street, just east of the Dan Ryan Expressway, along the Rock Island line.
Chicago OEMC App
Downloading the Chicago OEMC app is a great way to get emergency alerts, check CTA Tracker information, monitor game day weather reports and radar, see street closures for events and even share your walk with a friend through CHI Safe Walk - all in one place.  Download the Chicago OEMC App public safety tool that provides Safe Chicago information, preparedness tips and more in the palm of your hand. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores. To immediately download, click HERE or visit the website Chicago.gov/oemc. 
For additional information on emergency preparedness information, we encourage residents to download the Chicago OEMC app, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Sign-up to receive Notify Chicago alerts Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook(@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).

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