If you’re from Chicago or surrounding suburbs, you are probably aware of the long-standing rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. Oftentimes, Cubs fans associate with the north side of Chicago, and the Sox fans to the south side, but I personally know a mix of fans no matter what your location. Some fans say you can’t be a fan of both teams – you have to pick one. However, by rooting for both teams, you root for the city.
The true battle comes down to the “Crosstown Classic.” The two teams compete against one another in a three game series to win the Crosstown cup. This year the teams will compete from May 18th to May 20th at Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs, and June 18th to June 20th at U.S. Cellular Field, the home of the White Sox. These tickets disappear quickly, so if you’re interested be ready to pick up a couple more shifts to spend the money on these tickets and fast (You can purchase tickets through this link by clicking the ticket icon on the scheduled games).
Sox fans claim that those who go to Cubs games aren’t there to watch the game, but go to socialize. Naturally, most Cubs fans disagree completely and claim they attend for the experience. For some it is about visiting the beautiful stadium that is Wrigley Field, while some come to see it as a tourist attraction. Sox and Cubs fans constantly debate about whose team is better spitting out statistics and specific play-by-plays. A major point Sox fans love to constantly remind Cubs fans is that they won the World Series in 2005 and the Cubs have not won in over 100 years.
The Cubs’ opening day was April 5th against the Washington Nationals at home with Ryan Dempster as the starting pitcher. Joining the team in 2004, Dempster began as the closing pitcher, but has since been moved up to starter. The Sox start their season on the road and open at home April 13th against Detroit.
Each stadium has a different environment unique to the team and its fans. Whether you root for the Cubs or Sox, or event both, visiting each stadium at least once is worth the experience. If you’re thinking, “I’m not a baseball fan,” you’re in luck. Any sports game you go to can be enjoyable. Grab a group of friends and take the trip to see either of these teams with guaranteed fun.