CHICAGO — Chicagoans hoping to attend the upcoming Pope Leo XIV celebration at Guaranteed Rate Field may now have to pay a premium — tickets originally sold for just $5 have surged to hundreds of dollars on resale sites like StubHub after a massive rush wiped out official availability in a matter of hours.
According to FOX 32, more than 10,000 tickets were sold in the first 30 minutes of release Friday morning. By the evening, every seat was gone from Ticketmaster, including upper deck options.
“We sold over 10,000 tickets in the first half hour,” said Christine O’Reilly, senior vice president with the Chicago White Sox. “It goes to show that the Pope is a pope for all people and people want to be part of this.”
A Celebration of Faith — and South Side Roots
The June 14 event is being organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago, honoring the deep Chicago ties of Pope Leo XIV — a native of the city’s South Side and a lifelong White Sox fan.
Highlights of the day include:
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A video tribute to the Pope’s Chicago roots
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Reflections by those who knew him during his time in the city
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A recorded greeting from Pope Leo XIV
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A mass and public program held on the ballfield itself
“It’s a way for us to really learn about him, his roots, and to relate to him as one of our own,” said Bishop Larry Sullivan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese.
White Sox Stadium Chosen for Special Reason
Rate Field was selected not only for its size, but because the Pope reportedly attended the 2005 White Sox World Series, and has long identified as a fan of the team.
The altar will be built on a stage in the outfield, with seating both on the grass and in the stadium seats. Gates will open at 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event.
Secondary Market Heats Up
The sold-out status quickly triggered a second-market frenzy, with original $5 tickets being listed on resale platforms for hundreds of dollars — and some even higher.
“That’s telling us this is a historic moment,” said Bishop Sullivan. “People want to be part of something special.”
Organizers confirmed they are working through final logistics and anticipate a packed stadium as the Chicago faith community unites for the Pope’s honorary event.
Were You Able To Get Tickets To The Pope Leo Event?
Did you snag one of the $5 seats, or are you hunting through resale? Share your experience or tips with fellow locals in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
