2023 White Sox Home Opener: What you need to know
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The start time for the White Sox 2023 home opener versus San Francisco has been moved up one hour to start at 2:10 p.m. due to forecast inclement weather, the team announced Sunday.
The game was originally scheduled to begin at 3:10 p.m.
Inclement weather is expected in the late afternoon and evening.
Parking lots will open three hours prior to the first pitch and gates will open to fans at 12:30 p.m. All tickets and parking remain valid for the new start time. Pregame festivities and introductions will begin at 1:30 p.m., according to a release from the team.
New manager Pedro Grifol has the team feeling pretty good, after splitting their four-game series against the World Series champion Houston Astros to start the season.
Players said, following a disappointing 2022 that saw them finish the season 81-81 after being considered World Series contenders at the start of the year, they like the vibe of the team so far.
Shortstop Tim Anderson said players aren't talking about last year anymore; they're focused on the here and now, and glad to be playing in front of their hometown fans as they work to get back into World Series contention.
"I'm sure it's going to be the same as always. Everybody's going to be here. It's going to be exciting. Hopefully we can go out and get a win, and the hopefully weather can hold off for us," Anderson said.
The home opener comes on first baseman Andrew Vaughn's birthday.
"It's pretty cool how it worked out," Vaughn said. "We're excited to get out there and play in front of the fans, get back to it."
Guaranteed Rate Field is now a cashless venue, so leave the cash at home.
The White Sox have some new food items on the menu – including a half-pound foot-long hot dog with truffle mustard; the Belgian Banger, a half pound polish sausage on a pretzel bun; a new take on loaded mac and cheese featuring chorizo; Hog Wild smoked rib tips; pineapple-cucumber chamoy skewers; and more.
Meantime, don't miss seeing a special U.S. Navy aircraft flyover before the first pitch. The home opener also will feature a parade of several White Sox alums, including Hall of Famer Harold Baines, and 2005 World Series champion A.J. Pierzynski, who will throw out the first pitch.
