SoxFest Live returns in 2025 with new name, location and fan-friendly format
Meet-and-greets and other events scheduled for Ramova Theatre on Jan. 24-25
Scott Merkin
@scottmerkinCHICAGO -- SoxFest is returning for White Sox fans, but with a different name and a different format.
The freshly dubbed SoxFest Live is scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday, January 24-25, at the historic Ramova Theatre in Chicago¡¯s Bridgeport neighborhood, located a half mile from Guaranteed Rate Field. The event will run from 5-9 p.m. CT on both nights. The White Sox held a season-ticket holder only event at the Field Museum last offseason, but this is the first SoxFest open to everyone since January 2020 at McCormick Place.
¡°We were excited to bring it back and introduce a new concept,¡± White Sox senior director of public relations Sheena Quinn told MLB.com of the event¡¯s return and reconfiguration. ¡°When we were talking about the idea of SoxFest, we were like, ¡®Let¡¯s do it in a different way, let¡¯s reimagine it.¡¯ Let¡¯s think of an experience that¡¯s really going to give a way to connect with the White Sox organization, especially after such a difficult year.'
"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.¡±
Friday and Saturday general admission tickets are $56, with a limited number of premium tickets for the MVP Experience at $225. That MVP Experience includes early entry to view the exclusive White Sox Black Carpet welcoming the attendees ahead of the event, access to a premium lounge area and private meet and greet session on the balcony, light food and beverage, as well as four lower-level tickets to a select 2025 White Sox home game (restrictions apply). There also will be a SoxFest Live After Party available to purchase, with the one-hour reception alongside White Sox VIPs immediately following the show.
White Sox season ticket holders will have access to an exclusive SoxFest Live presale, offering specially priced tickets beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 9 a.m. CT, while supplies last. Additional information about SoxFest Live can be found at whitesox.com/SoxFestLive.
So, how does SoxFest Live differ from past SoxFest experiences? The capacity will be smaller, moving from an exhibit hall floorplan to a theatre floorplan.
¡°There will be meet-and-greets, but it¡¯s not going to be your typical traditional autograph table setup. It¡¯s not like scheduled autograph times,¡± Quinn said. ¡°It¡¯s more about the programming on stage and then the meet-and-greet happening throughout the theater, throughout the evening.
¡°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.¡±
The lineup is not set, but the focus will fall upon the current White Sox roster, coaching staff and front office members, while also bringing in individuals from the 2005 World Series champions and other eras. The White Sox will celebrate the 20th anniversary of that momentous title and the 125th anniversary of the franchise during the ¡¯25 season.
General manager Chris Getz and manager Will Venable will be present and taking fans¡¯ questions. This will be Venable¡¯s first chance to address the fans directly, and the same for Getz as general manager.
¡°Part of the whole program is to be able to have those conversations again,¡± Quinn said. ¡°The whole purpose is to be able to connect the fans to ask the questions directly to our leadership.
¡°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?¡¯¡±
To connect to White Sox fans of all ages, a Kids Camp is set for Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. CT at the Chicago Park District¡¯s ComEd Rec Center near Pilsen. Registration is $35 and opens Tuesday with the SoxFest Live ticket sales.
¡°The whole purpose of a winter fan event is to unofficially start the season, get ready for Spring Training, the start of the regular season and also connect people with the members of that season¡¯s clubhouse,¡± Quinn said. ¡°So, it¡¯s a fun, engaging way to get things going.¡±