There are a lot of construction and cleaning crews at Guaranteed Rate Field getting the stadium ready for Opening Day on Thursday, April 4th. The new stadium features are aimed to provide all fans a better experience at the ballpark. They are ranging from a new place to hang out at Goose Island, to families needing a place to nurse newborns and those with sensory sensitivity.
New Feature: Goose Island
Taking over Section 107, the new Goose Island sponsored by course Goose Island Brewery in Chicago will quickly be the place for VIPs and group parties to hang out.
For those that want to enjoy the full experience of Goose Island will want to sit in the first three rows. For $100 per seat, fans get a $20 food and beverage credit, full waitstaff, a 32" inch TV, very comfortable leather seat, and sit almost at eye level of the field.
There is a power station at every seat to plug in your smartphone or tablet. The TV's will only have the White Sox broadcast to start. In the future, there are plans to having other games available. Why would you want to watch another baseball game while at a baseball game? With baseball becoming more friendly with the idea of sports betting, this could be an opportunity where White Sox fans can enjoy the full stadium experience and while keeping tabs on how their bets are going. There is a sports book feel to this area. For the $100 price point, it's for fans wanting a VIP experience.
Behind the three rows are the same seats without the TV's, and those will go for $60 each seat with a $20 food and beverage credit.
Then there is the water feature. I do not doubt that some fans are going to be ejected from games acting like it's a water slide. It'll serve as a barrier from Section 108, and the White Sox will have an official turn on the spout at 9 AM CT on April 4th.
If you can do without the fancy leather chairs and waitstaff, for $25 a seat, you can still experience Goose Island in high top chairs and outlets to plug your electronic devices. I found the view to be quite good and could imagine going with a group of friends and family on a Summer night enjoying the area. There is a standing room only area which is $15 by the L Train Car.
Yes, the bar looks like the train cars we see in Chicago. A very nice touch which adds to the environment. Goose Island Brewery will serve their usual lineup, but will also be offering an exclusive Chicago-only cream ale called "Born+Raised."
New Feature: Nursing Room
Located in the Club Level, the Mother's Nursing Room is a place for nursing mothers. Comfortable recliners, electrical outlets, big TV to keep up with the action on the field, and it's available with any game ticket. Fans need to visit guest relations to request access to the Nursing Room.
New Feature: Sensory Room
First of its kind in Major League Baseball, the Sensory Room provides fans with sensory sensitivities a calm, therapeutic place to enjoy the game. Textured walls, specialized lighting, weighted lap blankets, bubble wall, and other tools will help alleviate sensory overload. For a baseball stadium that launches fireworks after every home run and wins, this is a very thoughtful addition by the White Sox.
Helping the White Sox is KultureCity, a company based in Birmingham, Alabama. They will be providing training to White Sox staff in assisting fans who are experiencing sensory overload. In addition to the room, fans can also request sensory bags. These bags contain noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, blankets, and verbal cue cards.
The White Sox will have Autism Inclusion Night on Wednesday, July 24 against the Miami Marlins. Fans can buy tickets and get more information about the event at whitesox.com/autismspeaks.
New Toy: The Claw
In addition to the White Sox vending machine, there is now The Claw. Using Twitter, fans can send out a tweet with a unique hashtag that the machine generates. It activates the game which fans can try to grab hats, shirts, and other White Sox merchandise. Maybe even a mystic portal awaits for those that win. Fans can play the claw machine at The Revolution Brewing Tap Room.
Speaking of merchandise, the White Sox will have hats to giveaway to 500 fans at every home game who check-in on the MLB Ballpark app.
MLB has also partnered with DKNY to provide athlesiure fan wear for women.
Finally, for kids who have enjoyed the Xfinity Kids Zone, there will be a new booth called The Rookie Corner. First-game certificates and buttons will be passed out to those attending their first White Sox game, and they will get a chance to meet Southpaw.
