Shaded Seats at Guaranteed Rate Field

Guaranteed Rate Field is home to the Chicago White Sox. The ballpark was previously known as Comiskey Park and U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox and Cubs both benefit from cool breezes and proximity to Lake Michigan, but there are more than a few hot and humid days. This guide will help White Sox fans identify the best Guaranteed Rate Field shaded seats.

Where are the shaded seats at Guaranteed Rate Field?

As a general rule, the seats in the shade at Guaranteed Rate Field are located:

• In sections along the 1st baseline
• Farther back in one of those sections or in a row that’s under cover
• In the highest rows of 500-level under the roof

For the most part, the White Sox play their games at 7:10 p.m. When the Sox play a day game, it usually starts at 1:10 p.m. Occasionally, they host home games at odd times of the day, but a majority of their games are either at 7:10 or 1:10. For specific details about sections and different start times, read on.

Guaranteed Rate Field Orientation to the Sun

Guaranteed Rate Field is oriented so batters face east-southeast, a nearly identical orientation to ballparks in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. If the stadium were to host 9:00 a.m. games, the batter would stare directly into the sun at first pitch. Of course, since the sun sets in the west, most batters won’t have to worry about direct sunlight. For day games there is plenty of sun covering the field and for evening games the stands as well.

The graphic below shows the approximate location of the sun throughout the day on July 1st (halfway through the MLB season).

Click or tap here to open an interactive seating chart at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Seats in the Shade at White Sox Afternoon Games

At the start of a 1:10 p.m. game, the Chicago sun is high in the sky and it’s tough to find protection in the stands. Your best chance to avoid the sun may be the upper rows in the 500-level section of the stadium, as there is a small overhang that will provide some sun relief. There is also a stadium overhang to help shield you from the sun in the back rows of the 100-level. Aside from back rows in those sections, your best bet is somewhere on the 1st baseline.

At the start of the game, the sun will be roughly even with the right field foul pole. It will gradually move toward home plate and those on the 1st base side of the ballpark will have their backs to the sun. Sections 110-129, 402-424, 510-526 should get at least some sun protection over the course of the game. Meanwhile, any seat along the 3rd baseline or in left field should be avoided at all costs during a hot summer day in Chicago. The same goes for the uncovered outfield sections.

Seats in the Shade at White Sox Evening Games

The sun at Guaranteed Rate Field will set directly behind the batter. However, this doesn’t happen in Chicago until 8:00 or 8:30 p.m. during much of the summer, so you still have to account for the sun during a night game. Fortunately, there are more options at your disposal.

Seats that are closer to home plate, especially on the 1st baseline will get the most protection from the setting sun. Sections 120-136 in the lower level are the best options. The stadium’s overhang also makes almost any seat in the 500-level a good option, although you should stay as close to home plate as possible to be safe. Finally, the seats in the outfield, specifically in left field, remain a less desirable option until the sun has completely set an hour or so into the game.

Ready to buy shaded seats at Guaranteed Rate Field?

Use the individual game links on the side (or bottom of the page on mobile) or click or tap here to see the White Sox upcoming game list. Learn about why we recommend buying MLB tickets on Seatgeek.

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