Unlike the White Sox themselves, SoxFest is so back.
After a five-year hiatus, the offseason event returns on January 24 and 25, this time in a new format. Dubbed “SoxFest Live”, it will take place at the historic Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport, aiming for a more intimate, renewed fan experience.
“We want to offer something to the fans that is going to feel different and feel something like they are totally immersed into the experience,” Sox senior director of public relations Sheena Quinn told MLB.com in late November.
Common sentiment held that the White Sox bailed on the last few SoxFests because of fan discontentment with lackluster seasons. Undeterred, Reinsdorf and Co. announced SoxFest 2025 following a campaign with the most losses in MLB history. Fans will get a chance to have their voice heard, with Chris Getz and new manager Will Venable scheduled to take questions.
“It’s going to be a really good opportunity for Chris and Will to be there and set the tone for what they feel is the vision for 2025 and beyond. That’s a really important point for them to communicate to fans who want to know, ‘What’s the future of the White Sox?’,” said Quinn.
Depending on the incisiveness of questioning allowed, Getz may face pressure on the seemingly downgraded roster. This offseason has featured little outside of the blockbuster trade of Garrett Crochet for top prospects, meaning the South Siders feel content following a 41-win season with a worse team on paper. Whatever the conversation, it will be interesting to hear from Sox brass after a quiet several weeks.
As for key guests, attendees have recently been finalized. The lineup presents a mix of former, current, and future players.
- Former players:
- Mark Buehrle (only Friday)
- Jose Contreras
- Freddy Garcia
- Harold Baines
- Current players:
- Brooks Baldwin
- Sean Burke
- Jonathan Cannon
- Korey Lee
- Bryan Ramos
- Mike Tauchman
- Drew Thorpe
- Miguel Vargas
- Gus Varland
- Andrew Vaughn
- Prospects:
- Chase Meidroth
- Braden Montgomery
- Colson Montgomery
- Edgar Quero
- Noah Schultz
- Hagen Smith
- Kyle Teel
- George Wolkow
Generally, the focal point of SoxFest will be the on-stage programming, although specifics on that are minimal. Meet-and-greets will be happening in parallel with stage content. Other highlights include photo opportunities, displays, and “interactive player experiences”.
“Meet-and-greet experiences will feel different, but it will be about meeting the players you cheer for who are wearing the uniform, or the former players and the greats they have cheered for in the past. You can take photos and get stuff signed, but it’s going to be more about meeting people. It will be different. It will be fun,” Quinn elaborated.
Passes are available in three forms, a $56 single-day GA option, a sold-out $225 VIP option, and a $35 “Kids Camp” option for youngsters at the ComEd Rec Center. Both Friday and Saturday’s schedules run from 5-9 p.m., with a one-hour after-party open for purchase both nights.
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Featured Photo: Chicago White Sox
