Things to know before White Sox opening day at Guaranteed Rate Field

Opening Day in Chicago is almost here.

The Chicago White Sox will take the field for their first series of 2023 against the defending World Series champion Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. But after four games in Space City, the White Sox will quickly return home for their home opener at Guaranteed Rate Field against the San Francisco Giants on April 3.

Here’s a look at everything to know — arrivals, parking, bag policy, etc. — if you plan to attend Opening Day or any game throughout the 2023 season:

Arrival at the stadium for opening day

Opening Day at Guaranteed Rate Field is set for Monday, April 3, against the Giants at 3:10 pm CT On the day of the home opener only, parking lots open three hours before first pitch and gates open two hours before first pitch. Fans are encouraged to arrive early with heavy crowds expected. Late arriving fans should proceed directly to the overflow lot at McCormick Place (Lot B). Free shuttle service will be available from the overflow site.

Usual matchday policies and protocol

For the rest of White Sox home games, gates open 90 minutes before games. Fans are encouraged to enter the ballpark at least 30 minutes before the scheduled first pitch. Fans arriving from the north side of the ballpark, including by ride-hailing or public transportation, should use Gate 5 as the fastest and easiest way to enter the stadium. Fans arriving from the south side of the ballpark must enter through Gate 2 (right field corner) or Gate 3 (first base side). Fans visiting the Patio must enter through Gate 1. Fans with Diamond Suite, Upper Terrace or Guaranteed Rate Club tickets must enter the stadium through the Gate 4 elevators (home plate). Fans sitting in the Wintrust Scout Seats must enter through Gate 3½. All tickets are mobile, so fans are strongly encouraged to pre-download their game tickets to their smartphone through the MLB Ballpark or Ticketmaster app, or online through the White Sox Account Manager page.

Parking information

Residents and fans must follow neighborhood parking restrictions around the ballpark area, display the required parking permits and observe other regulations in effect on game days. All parking transactions with official staff are done inside the parking lot and NOT before entry or outside any parking lot or on city streets. In addition, all official staff transact with credit/debit cards only. Prepaid parking cards are accepted at parking lots located on the north side of the ballpark – Lots A, B, C and G. Day-of-game parking is available in the Credit/Debit Lots – F and L – located south of the ballpark. . Fans holding prepaid parking passes traveling from the north exit at 31st Street and fans traveling from the south exit at 35th Street. Day-of-game credit card customers traveling from the north exit at 35th Street follow Wentworth Avenue to 37th Street and turn right. Day-of-game credit card customers traveling from the south proceed to 39th Street/Pershing exit, follow LaSalle Street to 39th Street and turn left on 39th Street to Princeton Avenue. Parking lots open two hours before the start of each game (except for the home opener). Fans who have mobile prepaid parking passes must prominently display the passes when approaching the parking lots. Fans are encouraged to purchase parking in advance for Monday-Saturday games; for Coca-Cola Family Sundays at whitesox.com/parking. Limited day-of-game parking is available in credit/debit lots for Monday-Saturday games and on Coca-Cola Family Sundays. Lot B at Gate 5 of the ballpark is designated for cars displaying state-issued disability placards or license plates. Additionally, any guests requiring assistance will be allowed to be dropped off and/or picked up in Lot B by ballpark staff. Fans will have access to Lot B and Gate 5 (located north of the ballpark; across 35th Street) via 33rd Street. Fans should visit whitesox.com/parking for more information on parking and for directions to their designated parking lot. Rearing is allowed in parking lots. Fans have the option to purchase reserved tailgate spaces in Lot B and Lot E, which include a dedicated tailgate space, early entry and proximity to gates. Visit whitesox.com/groups for more information.

Public transport

The CTA Red Line stops near the ballpark at the Sox-35th Street Station, and the Green Line is just two blocks east at the 35th Street Station. A Metra stop at 35th Street is conveniently located just east of the Dan Ryan Expressway, along the Rock Island line.

Carpooling services

The Uber Lot is located in Lot A on the Wentworth Avenue side for pick-up and drop-off. The premises are open until one hour after the end of the home games. Fans arriving by carpool service must enter and exit the ballpark through Gate 5.

Additional information

Guaranteed Rates Field is cashless. Fans who have cash but don’t have credit cards can purchase White Sox gift cards at retail locations or at the Chicago Sports Depot.

New bag policy at Guaranteed Rate Field

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 be carried into the ballpark. No backpacks or other bags are allowed. Guests with medical supplies (breast pumps, insulin, epi-pens, oxygen and other medical devices) may be permitted to carry those items into the ballpark and will be subject to search.

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