Cheer Sox, but don't strike out with neighbors

By Susan S. Stevens

Bridgeport officials are encouraging White Sox fans to enjoy the Great American Pastime at U.S. Cellular Field but to behave as courteously as they would at home while visiting the community.

            “Come on down, have a good time,” said Commander Eugene Roy of the 9th police district.        “We want people to enjoy the games but do it responsibly and in a manner that respects the quality of life in the neighborhood.

            “People of all ages should be able to come out to the ballpark and enjoy an afternoon or evening of baseball, but fans should not engage in behavior that’s disruptive to the community,” he said.

            For example, walking around with an open beer can or bottle is against the law. “Drinking on the public way is a violation of the municipal code of the City of Chicago,” Roy said. “You can get fined between $1 and $500 or up to six months in jail.”

            Roy recommended fans buy tickets from authorized ticket sellers. “In the last couple of years, there has been an increase in the number of individuals who counterfeit tickets,” he said. Purchasers do not know they have been cheated until they try to use the tickets. The bar code will not scan at the gates.

Roy also asked fans who drive to use the White Sox parking lots because police will ticket cars parked illegally on streets and in alleys. Better yet, he said, take public transportation.

            Ald. James Balcer (11th) circulated a reminder to residents about guest parking placards. With their car stickers, each resident receives two guest passes that are good for the season. Also, residents can offer one-day parking passes to friends and family.

            “If you have guests coming for games, they need visitor passes,” an aldermanic aide said. The placards are not for sale, and doing so carries a $500 fine.

            The guest parking area extends from 29th St. to Pershing Rd. and from a few blocks east of the Dan Ryan Expy. to Morgan St.