Going to a White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago can be a fun experience. However, figuring out where to park can be a challenge. Finding convenient, affordable parking near the stadium makes the day easier and more enjoyable. In this article, we’ll explore the best parking options for White Sox games, including location, price, and tips for each lot or garage. Having the right information ahead of time will help you choose the best place to park for a White Sox game.
Getting to Guaranteed Rate Field
Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, is located in the Bridgeport neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. The ballpark is bounded by West 35th Street on the north, South Wentworth Avenue on the east, West 33rd Street on the south, and South LaSalle Street on the west.
The stadium sits close to major highways for convenient auto access. The Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) provides direct access from downtown Chicago and the north and south suburbs. From the west, take I-55 to I-90/94 east to exit at Pershing Road for parking.
If you’re taking public transportation, the Red Line stops at the Sox-35th station just northwest of the park. The CTA also provides extra bus service on game days with routes to Guaranteed Rate Field from downtown and other locations throughout the city.
Parking Options Close to Guaranteed Rate Field
Parking close to Guaranteed Rate Field is in high demand, especially on popular game days. If you want convenient parking within a short walk of the stadium, plan to arrive early. Here are some of the best options for close-in parking:
Guaranteed Rate Field Lots A, B, C
The White Sox operate official parking lots immediately surrounding Guaranteed Rate Field. Lots A, B, and C provide the closest parking, just steps from stadium gates. These lots open 4 hours before first pitch and are available on a first come, first served basis. Parking costs $40 for cars and $60 for oversized vehicles in Lots A and B. Lot C is reserved for prepaid premium season parking only.
Because they fill up fast, aim to arrive at least 2 hours early if you want to park in Lots A, B, or C. Have cash ready for faster payment. Overflow parking is directed to Lot L once the main lots are full.
Lot D
East of the stadium across Wentworth Avenue, Lot D offers another close parking option. This large lot is operated by Chicago Parking Meters for a flat rate of $25 on game days. Parking attendants start allowing vehicles to enter 4 hours before first pitch.
Lot D has 1,000+ spaces, so it doesn’t fill up quite as early as Lots A-C. But if you want to secure a spot, plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before game time.
Lot L
If the closer lots are full, Lot L provides backup parking operated by the White Sox. Located under the Red Line tracks just west of the stadium, the large lot has entrances off 35th Street and Shields Avenue. Parking costs $25 for cars on game days.
Spaces are plentiful in Lot L, but the 10-15 minute walk to the park is farther than other lots. Allow extra time to walk if parking here.
Private Parking Lots
In addition to the official stadium lots, private operators run parking lots close to Guaranteed Rate Field. Prices and access vary by lot. Expect to pay $15-40 depending on proximity.
Search for private lots on the east side of the park, like Lot E off Wentworth Avenue behind Home Depot. Lots along Shields Avenue on the west side also provide close access. Check for parking signs and attendants when driving around the area.
Parking Options Within 1 Mile of the Stadium
If the closest lots are full, parking is available within a 1 mile walk of Guaranteed Rate Field. Here are some options in the surrounding neighborhood:
Residential Permit Parking
Many streets just west and southwest of the stadium have residential permit parking. This allows only local residents with permits to park on certain blocks during White Sox games and events. Check street signs carefully to avoid a parking ticket.
However, some non-permitted blocks and metered spaces may be available on residential streets. Parking farther from the stadium opens up more permit-free options. Try using the SpotHero app to locate available parking in the residential area. Expect to pay meter rates or around $20 for a guaranteed space in a driveway or lot.
The 10-20 minute walk to the park can be a nice way to enjoy the neighborhood. Just be sure to leave enough time to get to your seats.
31st Street Metra Station
The 31st Street Metra Electric station has a small parking lot available just under 1 mile southwest of Guaranteed Rate Field. On weekdays, permit parking opens to the public after 11am. Parking costs $3 on Saturdays and is free on Sundays and holidays – a bargain compared to stadium lots!
From the station, walk north on State Street or Princeton Avenue to reach the ballpark in 15-20 minutes. This parking option is best for weekday afternoon or night games when commuter spots open up. Arrive early on weekends when availability is limited.
Motor Row District Parking
The Motor Row District with dining, entertainment, and event venues is located around South Michigan Avenue just over 1 mile south of the ballpark. Paid public parking garages and lots scattered through the district provide game day parking options.
Station Place Garage at 13th and State has 800+ covered spaces for $22 White Sox event parking. Other large garages by McCormick Place operate game day lots for $15-25. On-street meters and smaller lots are also available. The 15-25 minute walk north passes bars and restaurants to liven up your way to the game.
Parking 2+ Miles from Guaranteed Rate Field
If you can’t find parking closer in, lots and garages located over 2 miles from Guaranteed Rate Field provide overflow options. The farther you park from the stadium, the more plentiful and affordable parking becomes.
Here are some of the major parking options located over 2 miles away:
Millennium Parking Garages
Millennium Parking manages numerous parking garages over 2 miles north of Guaranteed Rate Field. Rates range from $22-40 for White Sox game day parking, with shuttles running continuously to bring fans to and from the park.
Convenient downtown garages like Millennium Park Garage (521 S Wabash Ave – 2.5 miles away) and Grant Park North Garage (25 N Michigan Ave – 3.5 miles away) give you covered parking and shuttle service. Allow at least 45 minutes for the shuttle ride in game day traffic.
Museum Campus Parking
Several large parking lots around the Museum Campus by Soldier Field are 2+ miles south of Guaranteed Rate Field. For day games, the lots open at 6am. Parking costs $25-40 per space, with shuttles running to the stadium for $5 roundtrip.
The 2 mile shuttle ride takes about 30 minutes each way. Leave ample time if using the Museum Campus lots for a night game. Arrive early to get a space – these fill quickly on busy game days.
McCormick Place Parking
With over 30,000 parking spaces, McCormick Place has extensive parking 2-3 miles south of the ballpark. For day games, parking costs $20-25 with shuttles to Guaranteed Rate Field for $5 roundtrip. Lots open 2 hours before game time – arrive early to avoid a long wait.
Large numbered lots span several blocks south of McCormick Place near Lake Shore Drive. Even the distant spaces here provide a shuttle straight to the stadium. Allow 30-45 minutes to commute via shuttle through game day traffic.
CTA and Metra
If you don’t want to drive, take public transportation! The Red Line, Green Line, and Metra all connect to downtown and neighborhoods throughout Chicagoland. The Sox-35th Red Line station is closest to the park. From downtown, the trip takes 15-20 minutes.
Park at a suburban Metra station and take the train directly to 35-Bronzeville-IIT station a few blocks west of the stadium. This avoids city traffic and parking completely.
Additional Parking Tips for White Sox Games
To make your White Sox parking experience smooth and stress-free, keep these tips in mind:
– Arrive early – At least 90 minutes before first pitch to get a good spot
– Consider weekday games – Less demand means easier parking
– Take public transit if possible – Avoid traffic and parking costs
– Walk or take a rideshare from downtown – Lots of options 2+ miles away
– Prepay for guaranteed parking – Use SpotHero or stadium lots
– Read signs carefully – Avoid permit parking and loading zones
– Bring cash – Stadium lots and attendants are cash only
– Allow extra time exiting – Light traffic leaving before game ends
Finding convenient parking is key to an enjoyable visit to see the White Sox play. We hope these tips help you choose the best parking options for Guaranteed Rate Field. With the right information and preparation, you can park stress-free and focus on cheering on your team. Enjoy the game!
Conclusion
When driving to a Chicago White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field, the best parking spots fill up fast. Arrive early to get one of the closest spaces in stadium Lots A-C or neighboring Lot D for easiest access. If those are full, nearby Lots L and private lots across Wentworth Avenue provide overflow parking within a 10-15 minute walk.
Checking options within a 1 mile radius in the Bridgeport neighborhood opens up more possibilities like residential streets, the 31st Street Metra station, and Motor Row garages. For a wider range of parking beyond 2 miles away, look to downtown garages with shuttles, Museum Campus, and McCormick Place. Consider public transit to avoid parking altogether.
Wherever you park, give yourself plenty of time to commute and walk to the ballpark. Read signs carefully to avoid ticketed parking and have cash on hand for easier payment. With the right planning using these tips, you can find where to park for White Sox games and have a fun day cheering on the home team.