Finally, Opening Day arrives this weekend.
The 2005 World Series champion White Sox return to Chicago to begin the ’06 season, and Chicago is more than ready to head into the first week of real baseball.
Remember: If you’re heading out to the game, construction on the Dan Ryan starts Friday, so allow extra time to get to the game. The team strongly suggests using public transportation, and the CTA will be adding extra cars to the Red and Green Lines.
5 FAVORITE PLACES
Left-center-field bleachers
My favorite seats at Old Comiskey Park were the center-field bleachers, even though they were about 5 miles from home plate. The bleacher seats at the Cell are much closer.
Box seats, behind first base
These prized seats are a prime viewing area for Ozzie Guillen watching.
Stroll the outfield concourse
Anyone who has spent any time in the outfield concourse realizes it’s the perfect space for socializing with friends.
Press box, Row 1
Fans don’t get a chance to see a game from the Bill Veeck Memorial Press Box, but few stadiums offer such a view.
Outside Bullpen Sports Bar
Although seating is limited at the tables outside the sports bar, it’s still a great place to watch a game, harass the opposing right-fielder and enjoy the sunshine.
— Paul Sullivan, Tribune
5 THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE GAME
Augustine’s Spiritual Goods
3114 S. Halsted St., 312-326-5467
Think the Sox need extra luck for the game? Pick up some charms.
Grandstand
600 W. 35th St., 773-927-1984
All the championship apparel you’ll need.
Ferro’s
200 W. 31st St., 312-842-0702
Try the overstuffed versions of the
Italian beef and eggplant sandwiches.
Tailgating and playing Baggo
Tailgating is allowed two hours before the game in Lots A through F.
U.S. Cellular Field
Kids can run the bases and work on their swing at FUNdamentals.
— Tribune
THE SCHEDULE
Sunday
Sox vs. Cleveland, 7:05 p.m., ESPN2
Recording artist Josh Kelley will perform before the game and sing the national anthem, accompanied by a giant American flag unfurling and a flyover by three F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from the U.S. Navy. Also, the first 20,000 fans get a Rally Sock from U.S. Cellular.
Monday
The team is off Monday, but at 10:45 a.m., the Sox’s World Series rings will be delivered to U.S. Cellular Field for Tuesday afternoon’s ring ceremony.
Tuesday
Sox vs. Cleveland, 1:05 p.m.,
Comcast SportsNet
The first 20,000 fans get replica rings.
Wednesday
Sox vs. Cleveland, 1:05 p.m., WGN-Ch. 9
The first 20,000 fans get replica World Series trophies.
———-
For more information on the Trophy tour, see whitesox.com
