SoxFest is set to return for the first time since January 2020, but the organization has announced some sweeping changes to this year’s format.
SoxFest has been rebranded to SoxFest Live, which will take place the Friday and Saturday of January 24-25 at the Ramova Theatre from 5-9 pm. White Sox senior director of public relations Sheena Quinn told MLB.com that the new concept is an effort to “reimagine” SoxFest and create an experience that connects to the White Sox organization after a year where they broke the modern MLB record for losses in a single season.
The 2025 season will mark the 20th anniversary of the 2005 World Series Championship team. It will also be the 125 anniversary of the White Sox organization. However, the new SoxFest format will mark a significant downgrade in size for the event. The last SoxFest was held in a large convention center at McCormick Place, on a 100,000-square-foot showroom floor.
Friday and Saturday general admission tickets are $56, while tickets for the “MVP Experience” are $225. The MVP Experience allows for early access to the White Sox Black Carpet walk, access to a premium lounge, a private meet and greet session (but details with who have yet to be released), food and drinks, and four lower-level tickets to a 2025 home game. The White Sox are also selling tickets to a “SoxFest Live After Party” which allows guests to join a reception with “White Sox VIPs” for one hour after the show. White Sox season ticket holders will have access to a presale beginning November 26 at 9 am.
The show is designed to move away from tables and long autograph lines and set appearance times. The White Sox wants fans to focus on the on-stage programming with meet and greets occurring throughout the night. Fans will still be able to get autographs but unlike years past there will not be as many convenient opportunities to do so.
It’s a bold strategy since the old format was beloved by fans. They could participate in autograph and photo sessions while also having your choice of a variety of panels to listen to. Now a handful of angry fans will be stuck in a theatre forced to listen to whatever is being said on stage.
There is still no set lineup of attendees but according to MLB.com, most of the attendees will be coaches, staff, and players on the current roster with some 2005 World Series champions and other alumni sprinkled in. New White Sox manager Will Venable is reportedly one of the attendees, giving him his first opportunity to address fan’s questions. Chris Getz will also be in attendance.
For younger children, the White Sox will be hosting a kids camp on Jan 25 at 2 pm at the Chicago Park District ComEd Rec Center. Registration opens November 26 with tickets costing $35.
