Back In Black: White Sox Ready For Return Of Fans In Playoffs

CHICAGO — Though the Chicago White Sox did make the playoffs last year, fans have not been to a postseason game in 13 years. That's all about to change Sunday when the White Sox host the Houston Astros in Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Guaranteed Rate Field. First pitch is set for 7:07 p.m.

"It almost feels like we weren't in the postseason because fans weren't here [due to the coronavirus pandemic]," said Brooks Boyer, chief revenue and marketing officer for the White Sox, Wednesday at Guaranteed Rate Field. "The elevation and the excitement for the fans is off the charts."

Before the AL Central Division Champions get a chance to hear the home fans roar, Chicago plays two road games at Houston in a best-of-five series that kicks off Thursday. Expectations are high for a team that finished the regular season with a record of 93-69 under first-year manager and baseball legend Tony La Russa.

No matter what happens during the first two games, Boyer is asking fans to arrive early to Sunday's game and wear black all month long. The first 40,000 fans at the ballpark will receive a special black rally towel to wave in support of the White Sox.

"Our fans have been so great, so patient, so enthusiastic over the course of this season that we just can't wait to feel what that atmosphere feels like," Boyer said. "We're hoping it feels a lot like 2008."

SOLD-OUT GAME

Boyer expects the sold-out game to feel like an NFL playoff game, comparing the atmosphere at Guaranteed Rate Field to an "old school" Raiders game with the "Black Hole." He also cautioned fans to expect long lines and advised them to take any precautions necessary.

While there are currently no tickets available for the game, Boyer said that could change as ticketing is being handled by Major League Baseball and not the White Sox. Fans without tickets should periodically check WhiteSox.com for available tickets, according to Boyer.

Boyer said parking at the stadium will only be for fans with pre-paid parking passes. Those without passes can park in the remote lots, but the White Sox are encouraging fans to take care of parking before arriving for the game. Boyer added that the team will be releasing a list of other recommendations for fans in the coming days to ensure they have a "good experience at the ballpark."

COVID-19 GUIDELINES

Boyer said the White Sox will not require fans to provide COVID-19 vaccination cards for entry to Sunday night's game or proof of a negative test. He is asking fans to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.

Due to the stadium being an outdoor facility, there is no mask mandate policy at Guaranteed Rate Field, according to Boyer, but there are some restrictions for the indoor facilities.

"What we've been seeing over the last month is fans wearing masks when and where they feel comfortable," Boyer said. "Some people wear them outside and some don't."

WHITE SOX BANDWAGON

Calling it "an exciting time" for the city, Boyer is welcoming Chicago Cubs fans to root for the White Sox, even though some die-hard South Siders might not agree with that sentiment.

"Look, this is a fun team of players that have connected with people of all ages. You see kids wearing [Yoan] Moncada, [Alexi] Ramirez, or a [Tim] Anderson jersey. Tim Anderson has taken the country by storm," Boyer said. "We have an entire team of players that play the game with joy. They're so easy to root for. We know if our bandwagon slows down, people are going to jump off, but enjoy the ride."

A fan rally, called "Change the Game this October," was held Monday in Lot B at Guaranteed Rate Field. The sold-out event ran for four hours and featured postseason merchandise, food and drink, raffles, music and other entertainment.

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