CHICAGO (CBS) — A White Sox game hasn’t exactly been the hottest ticket in town this season, but Wednesday night’s game at Guaranteed Rate Field was sold out – and not just because the Sox were playing the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Outside, it might have looked like any other summer baseball game in town: with vendors lined up outside the ballpark and fans erratic in the parking lot beforehand.
“We love coming to the Sox game because it’s a very family-oriented stadium,” said White Sox fan Hugo Hernandez.
But it wasn’t a typical match night at all, as the stadium was packed.
“Our kids come every week and they couldn’t believe this night was sold out,” Sox fan Lori Orozco said. “We are so looking forward to it.”
Fans lined up hours in advance to get in.
“I think we should come out and support our team,” one woman said. “We always do it on the north side. Why wouldn’t we do it on the south side?”
The reason for the crowd was partly because the White Sox were taking on Shohei Otani and the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was also in part because of the Sox’ first-ever celebration of Mexican heritage.
Fans said it was about time, as Mexican culture has long celebrated the White Sox.
Carmen Reyes celebrated her 91st birthday at the ball game.
“We’re all white Sox fans because of her,” said a family member.
Reyes has followed the team for decades. According to her family, her first competition was in 1961. Reyes first became a fan while living in a small rural town in Mexico.
“That was the only team they wanted to play in her small town, her small village in Mexico,” a family member said.
For fans like Reyes, things came full circle, as those who arrived at the game early enough on Thursday night received a special jersey that read “Los White Sox” in red and green.
“It looks very authentic,” said one man. “You know, there’s the sun god in the back.”
For many fans in attendance Wednesday night, it’s about more than just sports merchandise.
“I think it’s a reflection of the Chicagoland area; of the inclusivity of everyone here – of every color, shape and creed,” the man said.
To get an idea of how popular the game was Tuesday night, a ticket to every other White Sox game this week cost just $10. Wednesday night, tickets were resold for almost $400.
