3 Guaranteed Rate Field Seating Tips

At some point I’ll cover the cool party areas in Chicago’s South Side ballpark…the new Goose Island is a pretty cool spot, and it’s near the amazing Craft Kave. But for now, let me just talk some basic Guaranteed Rate Field seating tips. I’ve already shared this important tip about the upper level here, but there’s a bit more to know about that too. Read on.

Nice not having butts in your face every inning.

Guaranteed Rate Field Seating Tips, #1) The Lower Level. There are various levels of seating and pricing in the lower level, from the Scout seats to the corners, with a wide disparity in price. The corner seats are actually a pretty nice deal these days, and they’re not terrible seats.

Since the ballpark is symmetrical, there isn’t much difference whether you’re on the first or third base side, except for the fact that the sun sets behind the first base side and third base is in the shade last. There are usually 30-35 rows in lower level sections, so don’t expect much protection from the weather, especially for day games.

One nice thing is that the sections do not have as many seats in a row (usually eight) as most ballparks, so you won’t have as much of a problem of folks getting up in front of you.

My friends at TickPick have White Sox tickets…they offer a best price guarantee, a buyer’s trust guarantee, and NO service fees. Sounds like a no-brainer to me!

Get $10 off your first purchase with email sign-up!

Well, not bad if you don’t want someone sitting in left field to see you.

Guaranteed Rate Field Seating Tips, #2) Outfield Seating. The Lower Reserved seats in the outfield are in left field near the foul pole and in all of right field. These are actual seats as opposed to the bleacher-style benches in left center, which are cheaper.

The bleachers in left center field are bench-style seats, but they have backs on them with numbers, so you still have an assigned seat. Remember that the sun sets behind first base and it can be particularly blinding in the left field seats.

Section 100 along with the benches in Section 164 on the left field side may have an obstructed view. It can also affect Sections 101 and 163 if you’re sitting high enough. Be sure to get a low row if you get seats in these sections.

The outfield seats have a nice and wide concourse area to roam around in, and they’re close to the ballpark’s extra amenities, like the kids’ play area, the Plumbing Council shower, and the Goose Island Bar. The visiting team’s bullpen is in right field, all the better for heckling.

Yes, it’s steep. But it’s the White Sox!

Guaranteed Rate Field Seating Tips, #3) The Upper Level. Before the top eight rows were eliminated, the height and angle of the upper level seats could be downright terrifying. Fortunately, the situation has improved; you can only go so high now, and while the angle is still dizzyingly steep, now it’s just “scary”.

The Upper Corner seats are now the cheapest in the ballpark, and with good reason. As a Chicago native put it to me: “Waveland rooftops are closer!”

You probably won’t likely have to deal with obstructed views from the support poles, but just so you know: Facing home plate, Seat 1 in any section is always closest to home plate. So in the high rows down either line, seats 1-5 are likely to be the most problematic with the views. Honestly, though, at that height you’re more likely to be worried about vertigo.

And of course, you don’t have access to the lower level concourse from these seats. More about that here.

There’s three sections of Guaranteed Rate Field and some things to be aware of; stay tuned, I’ll be adding more about the seating soon enough.

Planning a trip to Chicago? Save a bunch of money on hotels, flights and rental cars…book your trip with my friends at Hotwire! (It’s still Kurt’s favorite!)

Click here to start booking your trip to Chicago and Guaranteed Rate Field today!

(Note: this article contains affiliate links. If you use an affiliate link to make a purchase, Ballpark E-Guides earns a commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!)