Game Day Guide
Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, IL
Data updated: 2025 MLB Season
The Chronology
Your complete game day timeline at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Arrive on the South Side
Take the CTA Red Line to 35th-Bronzeville-IIT or drive to the stadium lots. The parking lots open 2.5 hours before first pitch.
Pregame in the lots or Bridgeport
The parking lots allow tailgating with coolers and chairs, one of the few MLB parks where you can set up. Bridgeport bars on 35th Street are the alternative.
Enter Guaranteed Rate Field
Walk through the main gates. The concourses are wide and the food options are solid. Grab an Italian beef early.
Watch batting practice
Head to the left field bleachers or outfield corners. The left field upper deck has the iconic exploding scoreboard behind it.
Find your seat
Settle in. The Dan Ryan Expressway runs beyond the outfield, a uniquely Chicago backdrop. The skyline is visible beyond left field.
Play ball
Nine innings of South Side baseball. The exploding scoreboard in center field fires off pinwheels and fireworks after every White Sox home run.
Stand up and stretch
The White Sox play 'Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye', a South Side tradition since the 1977 season. Grab a final Italian beef.
Bridgeport or Red Line back north
Bridgeport bars on 35th Street have a local South Side vibe. Or take the Red Line back to the Loop and North Side.
Atmosphere Intelligence
Weather forecast for the Guaranteed Rate Field bowl. This is an open-air venue -- dress for the conditions.
April
3.6 inchesComfortable temperatures. Bring a light jacket for evening games. Layers are key.
May
4.1 inchesWarm and pleasant, great game day weather. Sunscreen for afternoon games, light layers for evening. Rain gear recommended, above-average precipitation this month.
June
4.0 inchesWarm and pleasant, great game day weather. Sunscreen for afternoon games, light layers for evening. Rain gear recommended, above-average precipitation this month.
July
3.5 inchesHot and humid. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and dress light. Consider a portable fan.
August
4.0 inchesWarm and pleasant, great game day weather. Sunscreen for afternoon games, light layers for evening.
September
2.8 inchesWarm and pleasant, great game day weather. Sunscreen for afternoon games, light layers for evening.
October
3.5 inchesComfortable temperatures. Bring a light jacket for evening games. Layers are key.