ARMOUR SQUARE — Tapping into an explosion of enthusiasm around the winning White Sox and their grasp on one of the best records in Major League Baseball, the team sold more than 100,000 tickets last week.
Ticket sales aside — the Sox still rank among the bottom in Major League Baseball attendance — there are other signs the Sox are doing well this season. Just ask the folks who own businesses around the neighborhood.
This time last year at Bridgeport’s staple gear shop Grandstand Sports, 600 W. 35th St., customers couldn’t get enough Blackhawks loot.
Now it appears there’s a new logo to champion.
“We’re seeing more and more people who are saying, ‘Let me get a Sox jersey, let me get a Sox hat,' ” said Josh Ganal, co-owner of the store. “It’s been on fire.”
The Grandstand's South Side patrons seem happier and more excited for ball games.
“You can definitely see there’s a sense of pride in our team this season. People are excited to watch this team,” Ganal said. “We see the uptick in customers coming in looking for Sox stuff.”
Down the road at Mitchell’s Tap, a White Sox flag hangs above the front door.
One of the tavern’s bartenders told DNAinfo more people show up to enjoy a beer after the game when the Sox are winning.
At Johnny O’s Hotdogs, Johnny Veliotis said his shop was selling more beer, cigarettes and food.
“After the game [against Boston], we got hit,” Veliotis said. “The kitchen got swamped on a cold night.”
A lifelong White Sox fan, Veliotis is glad his team is doing well. He just wishes the South Side sluggers got more attention in the media.
“When the Sox were in the heat of the World Series, they weren't getting the recognition they deserved," he said. "Pisses me off. ... Why disrespect the South Side? Because we're near the Stock Yards?"
Anticipating more fans to attend the home series against the Minnesota Twins this weekend, the Sox will open parking lots at the Cell three hours early, and gates will open two hours early.
“The buzz is back in Bridgeport,” said Sheena Quinn, the team’s director of public relations.
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