SoxFest 2025 is getting a makeover

Event will be held at the historic Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport

The Chicago White Sox have unveiled plans for SoxFest Live, a reimagined version of their annual fan event. The 2025 event will depart from the traditional three-day, two-night format, offering a new fan-focused experience. Fans can expect a different vibe this year, bidding farewell to running into current and former players wandering around the Hilton or Hyatt.

The revamped SoxFest Live will occur on January 24 and 25, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the historic Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. This two-day event will feature a blend of entertainment and conversations with current and former White Sox players and front office staff. While specific guests haven’t been announced yet, it seems that most of the focus will be on new manager Will Venable and the team’s future direction. The website mentioned that there would be special guests from some of Chicago’s most memorable eras, including the 2005 World Series Championship team, so hopefully, fans will get the chance to reminisce about the best club in recent memory.

Mark your calendar for ticket sales next week on Tuesday, November 26, at noon CT. If you’re looking for a more casual fan experience, general admission tickets are $56 and include access to the on-stage programming and some meet-and-greet opportunities. On the other hand, if you want to elevate your SoxFest experience, a limited number of MVP packages will be available for $225 and include:

• Exclusive access to the White Sox Black Carpet event
• A premium lounge area with light appetizers
• A private meet-and-greet session with players and staff
• Four lower-level tickets to a select 2025 White Sox home game

Fans can also sign up for one of two add-on experiences for an additional fee:

• Youth Baseball Clinic: For $35, kids can participate in a 90-minute clinic from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on either day. They’ll receive a t-shirt and rotate through hitting, pitching, and fielding stations. Plus, they’ll have the chance to meet and get autographs from select White Sox players.
• After-Party: Join White Sox VIPs for a special one-hour after-party immediately following the 9 p.m. conclusion of the main event. Enjoy food, drinks, games, and exclusive activities.

Note: The cost for the after-party has not been specified. You can head to ramovachicago.com next Tuesday to snag your tickets!

So far, there’s been no response to inquiries about multi-day ticket options for SoxFest Live. It seems that the event will offer a single-day experience on both Friday and Saturday, with no discounts for attending multiple days.

With the SoxFest Live format being a departure from previous years, it appears that there will be limited player interactions. Also, due to theater restrictions, items like bats, balls, and large bags aren’t allowed. So, if you’re looking for autographs, consider bringing player photos and baseball cards to be signed, but please note that the FAQ page does caution fans that autographs are not guaranteed.

Fan reaction across social media so far is mixed.

I will try to approach this new SoxFest format with an open mind. I really enjoyed the traditional format in the past, and it’s unfortunate that first-time attendees may get the same awesome experience as in previous years. I’ll be curious to see if the Sox can successfully adapt to this new format and keep fans engaged, especially younger ones who look to these events to connect with the team, especially the players.

We’ll have some South Side Sox staff there, and we’ll be sure to give you a full recap after the event.