White Sox Expand Pope Hat Giveaway After Overwhelming Demand

The team will now offer the pope-themed hats to all fans at an upcoming game against the Reds.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match between the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds, with the iconic pope's miter hat as a central motif, representing the team's connection to their lifelong supporter, Pope Leo XIV.The White Sox's pope hat giveaway celebrates the team's unique bond with their most famous fan, Pope Leo XIV.Chicago Today

Due to popular demand, the Chicago White Sox have decided to expand their pope-themed hat giveaway from a limited-edition item to a promotion that will give the hats to all fans attending their August 11th game against the Cincinnati Reds. The black and green hats, shaped like the pope's miter, were originally offered as part of a special ticket package but will now be available to all fans at the game.

Why it matters

The White Sox are capitalizing on the popularity of their most famous fan - Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago and has been vocal about his lifelong support for the team. The expanded giveaway demonstrates the team's efforts to celebrate the pope's connection to the franchise and provide all fans with a commemorative item.

The details

The pope-themed hats were initially offered as part of a limited-edition ticket package for five sections at Guaranteed Rate Field. However, due to overwhelming demand for those tickets, the White Sox have decided to give the hats out to every fan in attendance at the August 11th game against the Reds.

  • The White Sox announced the expanded pope hat giveaway on Wednesday, April 11, 2026.
  • The pope-themed hats will be given out to all fans at the White Sox vs Reds game on August 11, 2026.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, who was born in Chicago and is a lifelong White Sox fan. He has been vocal about his support for the team, including wearing a White Sox cap at the Vatican and sending an autographed jersey to White Sox legend Paul Konerko.

Brooks Boyer

The White Sox chief revenue and marketing officer, who announced the team's decision to expand the pope hat giveaway to all fans.

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What they’re saying

“The fans have spoken, and unlike some of our more limited quantity promotions, the White Sox Pope Hat is one we believe all fans should have the opportunity to take home.”

— Brooks Boyer, White Sox Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer

What’s next

The White Sox will continue to celebrate Pope Leo XIV's connection to the team, including hosting a special Mass and celebration at Guaranteed Rate Field in June 2026 to honor his papacy.

The takeaway

The White Sox's decision to expand the pope hat giveaway demonstrates the team's efforts to engage their fanbase and capitalize on the popularity of their most famous supporter, Pope Leo XIV. This promotion highlights the unique relationship between the team and the Chicago-born pontiff, and the team's willingness to adapt to fan demand.