Parking at White Sox games can vary in price depending on where you choose to park. The White Sox play at Guaranteed Rate Field, located in the South Side of Chicago. There are several parking lots and garages around the stadium that offer game day parking, as well as street parking and public transportation options. In this article, we will provide an overview of the different parking options near Guaranteed Rate Field, including prices, locations, and tips for securing a space. Having this information ahead of time can help White Sox fans choose the best parking option for their budget and needs.
Official White Sox Parking Lots
The White Sox operate a few official parking lots right next to Guaranteed Rate Field. Prices at these White Sox lots are:
Lot | Price |
---|---|
Lot A | $40 |
Lot B | $25 |
Lot C | $25 |
Lot A is the premium, closest lot directly adjacent to Gate 5 of the stadium. Lots B and C are farther from the stadium but still officially operated by the White Sox. Parking passes can be prepurchased online in advance to guarantee a spot. The main advantage of the White Sox lots is their proximity right next to the stadium. The main downside is the premium price, especially for Lot A.
Third Party Parking Lots
In addition to the official White Sox lots, there are many third party operated parking lots and garages near Guaranteed Field. Prices and quality at these independent lots can vary. Some reputable third party parking options include:
– McCormick Place Lot C – $20
– 35th Street Garage – $20
– IIT Lots – $15
– US Cellular Field Lot – $25
– Private residential lawns – $15-20
We recommend researching the best rated and most conveniently located independent lots based on your budget. Be wary of parking in unlabeled, undeveloped lots as you may risk being towed. The advantage of third party lots is generally cheaper prices than the official White Sox lots. The downside is these lots are farther from the stadium, not officially associated with the team, and may have variable conditions.
Street Parking Near Guaranteed Rate Field
If you don’t mind hunting for a space, street parking is available near Guaranteed Rate Field. This is generally the cheapest parking option, but least secure. Open metered spots are limited and not guaranteed to be available. Most metered parking is free after 6pm and on weekends. Additionally, be sure to pay close attention to street cleaning signs in the area to avoid being towed.
The main advantage of street parking is the cost. The disadvantages are the time it takes to find a spot and risk of tickets from parking enforcement if you violate any restrictions. We only recommend street parking for savvy urban drivers used to navigating crowded city parking environments.
Getting to Guaranteed Rate Field by Public Transportation
If you want to skip parking altogether, using Chicago public transportation is an option for getting to White Sox games. Here are some transit routes that drop off right at the stadium:
Transit | Details |
---|---|
Red Line | 35th Street stop is 0.1 miles from stadium |
Green Line | 35th Street stop is 0.3 miles from stadium |
Bus | Multiple buses stop right at stadium |
Metra | 35th Street stop drops off at stadium |
The main advantages of taking public transit are avoiding parking hassles and costs. The disadvantages are having to coordinate schedules and follow transit timetables. Public transit works best for fans already familiar with Chicago’s extensive train and bus systems.
Other Guaranteed Rate Field Parking Tips
Here are some other useful tips for parking at Chicago White Sox games:
- Arrive early – At least 90 minutes before first pitch to get best choice of parking
- Prepay for parking – Guarantees your spot and may offer discounts over drive-up rate
- Consider ridesharing – Services like Uber or Lyft can drop off/pick up at stadium
- Check for night game discounts – Some lots offer cheaper rates after 6pm
- Follow posted signs – Don’t park illegally or you may get towed
Finding the right parking spot takes some research and planning ahead. Now that you know the main options around Guaranteed Rate Field, you can decide what makes sense for your budget and needs. With the right information, you can focus on enjoying the games rather than worrying about where to park. Let’s go White Sox!
Frequently Asked Questions on White Sox Parking
Here are answers to some common questions about parking at Guaranteed Rate Field for White Sox games:
How early should I arrive to get good parking?
We recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before first pitch to give yourself enough time to park and get into the stadium. For big games or crowds, consider arriving 2 hours early.
Can I park in the stadium underground garage?
No, the underground garage is only available to premium season ticket holders with parking passes. General public parking is not allowed in the underground lot.
Is tailgating allowed in the parking lots?
Tailgating is only permitted in designated tailgating lots with a pass. Tailgating is not allowed in general parking lots near the stadium.
Do the parking lots accept credit cards or only cash?
Most major lots accept major credit cards. Some smaller independent lots may be cash only. Check ahead of time to confirm payment methods for the lot you choose.
Can I park on residential streets near the stadium for free?
Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. You risk being towed if you park illegally or don’t observe residential permit restrictions. Game day traffic also makes neighborhoods very congested.
Are parking rates at the stadium flexible or negotiable?
Rates are generally fixed and not negotiable, especially for pre-paid online reservations. Some third party lots may offer minor discounts depending on demand. But don’t expect major haggling on White Sox parking costs.
What is the best lot for tailgating at Guaranteed Rate Field?
The best tailgating lots near Guaranteed Rate Field are Lots L and N. You’ll need to purchase a pass from the White Sox in advance to tailgate there.
Is public transportation to the stadium convenient?
Yes, public transit works very well thanks to a direct Red Line and Green Line stop at the field. Buses also drop off right at the stadium entrance. Public transportation is a hassle-free option for getting to White Sox games.
What is the cheapest parking option near Guaranteed Rate Field?
The cheapest parking is typically on side streets where you can snag metered or free street parking if available. This option has risks of tickets or towing though. Legal street parking is very limited on game days.
Can I park in the McCormick Place garage?
Yes, the McCormick Place garage is available for event parking at Guaranteed Rate Field. The rates are around $20 which is cheaper than official White Sox lots. Just be aware it is about a 10 minute walk to the stadium.
Conclusion
We hope this guide provides helpful information on the different options and prices for parking at White Sox games. With several official team lots, third party operators, street parking, and public transit all available near Guaranteed Rate Field, fans have choices to find the right fit based on budget, convenience and personal parking preferences. A little planning and research ahead of time can save the headaches of navigating crowded game day parking. Now that you know what to expect, you can focus on enjoying the action and cheering on your White Sox! Let’s play ball.