On Saturday, May 9, the Chicago White Sox turned Rate Field into a vibrant celebration of women in sports with their first-ever "Gameday for the Girls" event—and five members of our South Side Sox staff were lucky enough to be there. A heartfelt shout-out goes to the White Sox organization for inviting us to share in an evening that truly honored the women who make the game great, and to the fans whose energy continues to shape this incredible community.
Right from the start, the atmosphere was intentionally warm and festive. The White Sox teamed up with Sportsish to craft a one-of-a-kind gameday experience, complete with an exclusive White Sox x Sportsish baseball cap for every attendee. Fans also received a women's athleisure jacket courtesy of RUSH, while pregame fun kicked off near Gate 5 with a "Get Ready with Me" activation featuring hairstylists and nail prep stations—perfect for getting game-day ready in style.
Across the ballpark, interactive experiences encouraged fans to connect and celebrate together. From fun photo ops and a live DJ to customizable hat embroidery and personalized photo keychains at the Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina, the energy was electric. The BMO Local Business Hub spotlighted women-owned businesses from the area, and all-female bands performed outside the stadium, setting the tone for a night of empowerment and joy.
Inside the park, the party continued with specialty cocktails at the Topo Chico Lounge, while the White Sox added a thoughtful touch: players chose walk-up songs performed exclusively by women artists throughout the game. It was a small but powerful gesture that resonated with the crowd.
For fans who opted for the VIP experience, the night included a pregame panel in the Stadium Club, moderated by White Sox in-game host Alyssa Bergamini. Panelists featured Sportsish founder Lily Shimbashi, sideline reporter Brooke Fletcher, and University of Iowa women's basketball star Kylie Feuerbach. Their candid conversation explored their journeys in sports media and athletics, emphasizing the need to create more opportunities and visibility for women in the industry.
The festivities reached a peak when Lily Shimbashi threw out the ceremonial first pitch, a fitting cap to a night that celebrated community, connection, and the growing role of women in baseball. Whether you were there for the hat, the jacket, or just the love of the game, "Gameday for the Girls" was a home run for everyone involved.