Play ball! Chicago's own White Sox are kicking off their season home opener this Thursday, March 28, and the city's bracing for a grand slam of activities—and potential headaches for commuters. Guaranteed Rate Field will open its doors at 1:10 p.m., a full two hours before the first pitch against the Detroit Tigers is thrown, but anyone driving should watch out for the new bike lanes on 35th Street messing with their game plan.

With the new additions pitching traffic changes near the park, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising fans to leave the car at home and hop on public transport instead. According to the city's announcement, last-minute arrivals searching for good seats and parking might strike out due to new street closures and stricter residential parking restrictions.

Fan safety is also a big league concern. "If You See Something, Say Something," reminds the OEMC, urging attendees to keep their heads in the game and report suspicious activity. Take heed or you might just end up facing a curveball with your vehicle getting towed, which would put a damper on the seventh-inning stretch.

For ballgame veterans and rookies alike, remember the rules: the bag policy remains the same with only single-pocket, clear tote bags and small clutches allowed. Don't even think about bringing a backpack unless you want to be caught in a pickle. As always, fans are encouraged to "arrive early and should also be mindful to keep sidewalks passable and yield to emergency vehicles." Undercover cops will be playing defense throughout the season, cracking down on public intoxication and illegal peddling near the stadium.

Hungry for more than just peanuts and Cracker Jacks? Take a swing at the area's food scene before the game, but don’t forget to download the Chicago OEMC app. It's like having a bullpen catcher for real-time updates, from emergency alerts to info on those pesky street closures, helping you to not miss a single play.