The White Sox confirmed that they have sold out their home game against the Dodgers on Wednesday at Guaranteed Rate Field. This sell-out is the first of the season for the team. So far this season, the White Sox rank 27th in MLB in attendance. They are averaging 16,709 fans per game at home and 22,263 fans per game overall, according to ESPN.
However, the sell-out on Wednesday is less about the struggling 21-60 White Sox and more about fans coming out to see Shohei Ohtani, who is considered one of the best and most popular players in the league. Ohtani’s presence on the field is likely a big reason for the increased attendance.
The Dodgers, who currently lead in home attendance at Dodger Stadium with an average of 47,523 fans per game, also have a strong following on the road with an average of 33,765 fans per game. Against the White Sox in this series, Ohtani has had a solid performance, going 2-of-7 at the plate with two runs, three RBIs, and one home run.
This past offseason, Ohtani made headlines by signing a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers, marking his move from the Angels to the Dodgers. Fans can follow the White Sox Talk Podcast for more updates on the team.