Shaded and Covered Seating at Rate Field

​Shaded Seats at Rate Field

In the Afternoon

During the warm summer months in Chicago, most White Sox day games begin at 1:10 PM. With the sun straight overhead, there aren't many options for escaping the heat and finding shade. Besides for the enclosed Rate Club, fans will find shade in the back rows of 100 level seating on the first base side of the field and in the back rows of 500 level seats on the same side.

Photo adapted from Wikimedia

Best Shaded Seats

Your options will be limited if you're looking for shaded seats near the field. When the game starts, you'll find shade in rows 30 and above and in sections 117-129 and rows. These sections and rows offer a good balance of quality views, protection from the sun, and close access to the concourse and all its amenities. If you'd prefer to sit closer to the field or in club seats on the 300 level, you'll still want to choose seats on the first base side. But you'll have to wait until the later innings for the shade to reach your seats.

Seats to Avoid

During a 1:10 game, the worst seats are found on the third base side of the field and in the outfield. None of the outfield seats are covered, and almost every single one of them is fully exposed to the sun's rays from the first pitch to the last out. And while parts of the 100 level and 500 level are covered on the third base side, these seats will come susceptible to the sun, especially in the later innings.

The 3:05 starts during June, July, and August are some of the hottest White Sox games. When buying tickets for these games, you'll want to choose seats exclusively on the first base side of the field. All 300 (club) and 500 level seats will be shaded and much cooler than the rest of the ballpark. Most lower lower-level rows on this side will also be in the shade at first pitch and will be fully shaded by 4:00-4:30.

For a 3:05 Start

With nearly half the stadium fully shaded for mid-afternoon games, there are plenty of options for choosing great seats. If you're an out-of-town fan, consider sections 122-127 where you'll be behind the visiting team dugout and have great views of your favorite players. Otherwise, consider club level sections 320-330 which offer some of the best views in the ballpark, along with club level amenities like in-seat wait service and access to the indoor club concourse.

Avoid Anything in Left Field

Photo Adapted from Wikimedia

For a 3:05 start (and any time in the afternoon or early evening), avoid anything down the left field line, especially outfield seats on that side of the field. Sections 155-161 are among the sunniest in in all of baseball and will leave you with a severe sun burn and dehydration if you don't cover your skin properly and drink plenty of water. Even seats down the line in the club level (like 342-357) and upper deck (542-558) are highly exposed to the sun's rays in the early innings. They'll eventually see relief as the game continues, but by then it will be too late.

Covered Seats at Rate Field

The coverage options are straightforward when finding covered seats at Rate Field. Here's a simple summary of the covered seating areas:

• Sections 111-155: To find covered seats in these sections, look for rows 30 and higher. These rows protect from rain, ensuring a more comfortable experience during the game.
• 500 Level: The entire 500 Level at Rate Field offers coverage. Any seat in row 9 and above on this level will provide shelter from the elements.

Fan Comments

• The First Base Side Is Your Best Bet For Shade at U.S. Cellular Field

  Submitted by a Fan
  Seats down the first base line will be the first to get shade at U.S. Cellular Field. In the lower level on the 1B side, the higher number row, the earlier you will get shade. In the 500 level, an overhang protects the last ten or so rows. Absolutely avoid Outfield seats in Left Field during afternoon games if you want to stay out of the sun.

• Front of sections 108-156 are behind the netting

  Submitted by a Fan
  There is some amount of netting or screening in front of all lower level sections in foul territory. The height and coverage of netting or screening will vary by section.

Related Photos From Rate Field

Related Questions

• Which rows in the upper deck at Guaranteed Rate Field are under cover?

  Answered by an RYS Expert · April 29, 2014

  The upper deck at Guaranteed Rate Field provides some of the best cover in the entire White Sox ballpark. Rows 9 and above are covered by the stadium roof and offer protection from the rain.

  
  

  Fans seated in Sections 509-529 will have the added benefit of having the sun set behind them during late afternoon and evening games.

  
  
  

  Rows 9 and above in the upper deck at Guaranteed Rate Field are covered by the roof

  
  

• Which rows in the 100 level of Guaranteed Rate Field are under cover?

  Answered by an RYS Expert · April 29, 2014

  Seats down the first and third-base lines at Guaranteed Rate Field are covered by the overhang created by the Club Level. Rows 33 and higher are beneath the overhang and covered from rain (and sometimes snow).

  
  

  Seats down the third-base line may be susceptible to sun during afternoon games, but high rows on the first base side of the field are the best protected from rain and sun.

  
  
  

  Rows 33 and higher in the infield bowl at Guaranteed Rate Field are covered