City Urging Common Sense as Opening Day Approaches

Chicago - Baseball season is less than a week away, and the city and the police are offering some advice on acting responsibly.

Next Monday, the White Sox will kick off their home season against the Cleveland Indians. The Cubs home opener is April 12 against the Milwaukee Brewers.

In anticipation of the season starting, city officials and police reminded fans of some simple party points

“Number one, drink and drive responsibly. Number two, respect the community. Number three, don’t litter in our communities. Don’t walk out of the ballpark with liquor in your hand or in our communities, in our bars. Visit our local establishments, have a good time in the community, but again, respect the community,” Ald. James Balcer (11th) said.

Officials also remind Chicagoans to use CTA and public transportation to get to the ballpark. CTA serves both stadiums and has service to them 24 hours a day.

They are asking restaurants to hand out drinks in plastic and paper cups as opposed to glass.

Police say they will be cracking down on fans who drink and drive, setting up checkpoints on both the North and South Side. They are warning teenagers that curfews will be strictly enforced on game days.

They also will be tough on ticket scalpers, assessing fines.

As the big day approaches, U.S. Cellular Field was being cleaned up, trees were being trimmed and staff was preparing the facilities.