CHICAGO -- The White Sox will start weeknight home games at
7:11 p.m. as part of a sponsorship deal with the 7-Eleven
convenience store chain.
White Sox spokesman Scott Reifert would not disclose the value
of the three-year deal with the Dallas company Wednesday but said
the revenue probably will be reinvested in the team or ballpark.
The new start time hardly represents a significant change since
many weeknight games at U.S. Cellular Field already start at 7:07
p.m.
"We're just talking about four minutes, so it's not much of an
inconvenience for the fans," Reifert said.
Margaret Chabris, a spokeswoman 7-Eleven, said the company has
been trying to develop sponsorships with other teams and
entertainment venues. The Chicago area was targeted because of its
more than 180 7-Eleven stores.
"Every time the media announces the game's start time it will
be a gentle reminder of our sponsorship," Chabris said.