Cubs, Sox playing 2 other first-place teams in Chicago

John Garcia Image
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Cubs, Sox both in first place
The Cubs and the White Sox are both in first place with the best records in their leagues - and they're both playing in Chicago tonight.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Fans of the Cubs and Sox are dreaming of a World Series! Both teams are in first place with the best records in their leagues.

The Cubs have a record of 20-6 in the National League, and the Sox have the best record in the American League at 19-9.

The Cubs and the White Sox are both in first place with the best records in their leagues - and they're both playing in Chicago tonight.

In an unusual occurrence, both teams are playing Thursday night in Chicago. But there are a few differences fans might notice between Chicago's two iconic ballparks.

Cubs fans everywhere usually make sure the Wrigley Field marquee is part of their experience at the ballpark. Historic Wrigley Field is a tourist destination for many.

"You have to stop here whenever you're in town. This is my first time, and this was a destination to come here," tourist Dave Kalafut said.

Across town, the White Sox have a newer iconic photo subject: the championship moments mural. Sox fans are also partial to their ballpark.

"Sox Park is a beautiful park, you know," one fan said.

It is also quite a bit less expensive. On average, two tickets to a Cubs game - along with two hotdogs, two beers and parking - will set you back $116. At U.S. Cellular, the same experience will cost only a little more than $68.

"We do not want price to be an issue for fans to be able to come to this game," said Brooks Boyer, VP of marketing for the White Sox.

Demand for Sox tickets, however, is not nearly as strong. Ticket brokers say there is virtually no secondary market for Sox tickets. Steve Buzil of SitClose Tickets sold no tickets for the Sox game tonight, but sold about 100 for the Cubs.

"I mean, the Sox aren't even on the radar at this point. And it's unfortunate because they have such a great team," Buzil said.

Sox fans, however, have the more recent success.

The last time the Sox won a World Series in 2005 the tallest building in Chicago was the 108-story Willis Tower and George W. Bush was president.

When the Cubs last won in 1908, the 22-story Montgomery Ward Tower was the city's tallest building and Theodore Roosevelt was president.

The Sox and Cubs will not only play at the same time tonight, but the teams they are playing - the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox - are also in first place.

This may be the first time in history that four first-place teams are playing in Chicago at the same time.