White Sox Opening Day: A lot of ‘new’ on the South Side in 2025. What to know if you’re headed to Rate Field

CHICAGO — After a 2024 season that everyone would rather forget, there’s a lot of “new” on the South Side as the White Sox get set to embark on their 2025 campaign Thursday.

There’s a new manager, Will Venable. There’s a new stadium name, Rate Field. There’s a new food and beverage menu. And there are a whole lot of new players.

But all that aside, everyone affiliated with the White Sox — from the front office to the coaching staff to the players to the fans — is hoping most of all for a new won-loss record.

There’s no denying how miserable last season was, when the White Sox set an MLB Modern Era single-season record with 121 losses. That came on the heels of a 101-loss season in 2023, making it 222 losses over the last two seasons for the South Siders.

Nobody thinks the team will suddenly turn it around and win 100 games this season, but the franchise has begun the process of restocking its farm system, and with Venable now at the helm, the team is hoping for better results in 2025.

Most of all, the team wants show its fanbase that things are headed in the right direction again, 20 years after the franchise won the World Series title in 2005.

“We’ve got tremendous fans here in Chicago, and they want to see a winner,” White Sox general manager Chris Getz said. “We feel the support, and we also understand the frustration. Certainly, they want to come to a game and expect us to win each and every night.

“That’s not going to be the case, but our intent to win can be shown just by the effort, the attention to detail.”

The White Sox embark on their 2025 campaign, and their 125th season in the American League, with the home opener Thursday afternoon at Rate Field against the Los Angeles Angels. Here’s what to know for White Sox Opening Day, whether you’re watching at home or headed out to the ballpark:

Game details

• First pitch: 3:10 p.m. Chicago basketball legend Derrick Rose will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
• Probable starting pitchers: LHP Yusei Kikuchi (Angels) vs. RHP Sean Burke (White Sox)
• How to watch/listen: Chicago Sports Network (TV); ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM, Sox Español (radio).
• Lineups: Click HERE for a look at the teams’ probable lineups, which are always subject to change as first pitch approaches.
• White Sox Opening Day roster: Click HERE for a breakdown of who the club will begin the 2025 season with.
• Opening Day history: How have the White Sox fared historically on Opening Day? Well, here’s a look at the South Siders’ Opening Day history, including some of the most memorable games and moments.

If you go

• Parking lots will open three hours before first pitch. Rate Field gates will open two hours before first pitch. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats 30 minutes prior to first pitch.
• With a large Opening Day crowd coming, street closures and changes to traffic patterns are to be expected. Fans are encouraged to use ride-share services or CTA transportation.
• The first 20,000 fans to enter Rate Field will receive a White Sox 125th anniversary plush blanket. Click HERE for more info on the team’s 2025 promotional schedule.
• Rate Field is now totally cashless. That includes parking, retails and concessions.
• Click HERE for full Rate Field information, including parking, bag policy and ticketing.