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Cubs, Sox Prepare For 2016 Season With New Security Measures

By Ted Cox | April 5, 2016 2:45pm
 Chicago Cubs security personnel check bags before a game against the Texas Rangers at Wrigley Field on April 16, 2013 in Chicago.
Chicago Cubs security personnel check bags before a game against the Texas Rangers at Wrigley Field on April 16, 2013 in Chicago.
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Brian Kersey/Getty Images

WEST LOOP — The Cubs and White Sox are already telling their fans to allow more time to get through security checks this season in order not to miss the first pitch, and they received a resounding echo Tuesday when the city's emergency czar chimed in as well.

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications also called on fans to allow ample time to clear security Tuesday, while issuing additional warnings that public drinking and intoxication would not be tolerated outside the parks.

"With opening day finally here, we join Chicagoans in wishing the Cubs and White Sox well and remind fans about the safety measures in place, as well strict enforcement of parking and public-intoxication restrictions to help minimize impacts to nearby neighborhoods and businesses," said Gary Schenkel, executive director of the city's emergency office.

The Cubs and Sox both announced gates would open an extra half-hour early for their home openers: Friday afternoon for the Sox, and Monday night for the Cubs. That's to accommodate big crowds expected for the return of a highly anticipated baseball season on the South and North sides, but also to deal with metal-detector screenings and bag searches mandated this season by Major League Baseball.

Fans will not have to remove shoes or belts, as in clearing airport security, but will have to allow phones and cameras to be inspected.

Gates will open at White Sox Park at 1:10 p.m. Friday ahead of the first pitch set for 3:10, and similarly Wrigley Field gates will open at 4:35 p.m. Monday ahead of the 7:05 first pitch.

Wrigley Field, of course, is also dealing with snarled traffic as construction continues right outside the park as part of the ongoing renovation, including a new plaza and team office building on Clark Street.

Aldermen Tom Tunney (44th) and Patrick Daley Thompson (11th) also called on fans to respect their Wrigleyville and Bridgeport neighborhoods.

That includes respecting no-parking areas on game days, especially the parking ban at Wrigley Field for night games in the area immediately surrounding the ballpark.

Both the Sox and Cubs pitched remote parking lots with shuttle service: at McCormick Place Garage C, at 29th Street and Fort Dearborn, on the South Side; and at the Basic Wire & Cable lot at 3900 N. Rockwell St. on the North Side.

Both also recommend public transportation on the CTA, or Metra, which has a stop at 35th Street across the Dan Ryan Expressway from Sox Park.

In addition to enforcing public-drinking and -intoxication laws, Chicago Police will also be cracking down on unlicensed vendors and those selling or buying local parking passes.

The Office of Emergency Management also repeated calls that "if you see something, say something." Fans can report suspicious activity or objects by calling 855-777-8274.

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