Chicago

Bitter Blast Brings Brutal Beginning for Baseball in Chicago

Baseball is back in Chicago, but it’s certainly not getting a warm welcome from Mother Nature.

With temperatures below-average and even the chance for snow, the Chicago White Sox will kick off their spring home opener in what officials said feels more like hockey weather.

But the bitter blast isn’t dampening the buzz around Guaranteed Rate field Thursday.

“It’s perfect at the ballpark, it’s always perfect at the ballpark,” said Brooks Boyer, White Sox senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Those going to the game will likely see some changes at the South Side Chicago field.

Hours before first pitch, the White Sox announced a new agreement with Goose Island, naming them the team’s new official craft beer partner.

“By teaming up with Goose Island Beer Company Co., we are welcoming a nationally recognized, yet homegrown Chicago brand to the White Sox family,” Brooks Boyer, White Sox senior vice president of sales and marketing, said in a statement.

In addition to the new beer partnership, the White Sox noted that fans will also notice the new netting at the field.

Team officials said the netting aims to provide a safer experience for fans and especially children.

“It’s not going to impact the view of the game but it’s going to add a level of safety,” Boyer told NBC 5.

Tickets to Thursday’s home opener were still available hours before the game.

Officials touted the home of the White Sox as one of the most affordable, family-friendly sporting events in the city, noting that tickets for families run as low as $5 on Family Sundays.

“We want to make sure our experience is affordable to everybody,” Boyer said.

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