The Chicago White Sox and Rush University System for Health (RUSH) today announced a multiyear partnership agreement, naming one of the nation’s top hospitals as the team’s first-ever “official health care partner.” With the announcement, Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH (MOR), the international leaders in musculoskeletal health, receive designation as the “official orthopedic provider” and the “official team physicians” of the White Sox.
These official designations provide both RUSH and MOR with naming rights and prominent branding as part of the Community Clubhouse Suite, presented by RUSH and MOR. Jointly held with the White Sox, the Clubhouse Suite honors nonprofit agencies and businesses across Chicagoland that have gone above and beyond to serve the community. During Sox games throughout the season, the highlighted charitable partner will welcome colleagues, patients, staff and special guests in the Clubhouse Suite.
In addition, RUSH is the presenting sponsor of the first-ever African American Heritage Night at Guaranteed Rate Field, scheduled for Thursday, July 7, vs. Detroit, which includes the Summer T-Shirt giveaway that day, and the Minnie Miñoso Replica Hall of Fame Plaque giveaway on July 30 vs. Oakland (first 20,000 fans who enter the ballpark).
“RUSH is honored and excited to be the first official health care partner for the White Sox,” said Dr. Omar Lateef, Rush University Medical Center president and CEO, and RUSH president. “RUSH has been striving to improve the health of Chicagoland since we were established two days before the city of Chicago. We see great opportunity to partner with the White Sox on a shared path to build healthier communities.”
"Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH is proud to renew our partnership with the Chicago White Sox,” explained Dr. Nikhil Verma, MD, MOR, Division of Sports Medicine orthopedic surgeon and team physician. “Together, we share a common goal of advocating for the health and safety of all athletes and particularly our youth athletes. This platform will allow us to further pursue these initiatives."
The sponsorship introduces new digital branding assets and in-game promotions, including the “Home Runs for Community Heroes” and “Home Runs for Hope” programs. These promotions celebrate White Sox home runs, while honoring local community heroes and frontline health care workers who have gone above and beyond to make a difference throughout Chicagoland.
“RUSH and Midwest Orthopaedics are established leaders who share our commitment to caring for the community,” said Brooks Boyer, White Sox chief revenue and marketing officer. “Through this official partnership, we are able to carry out our shared passion for creating a healthier, safer Chicago and celebrating all individuals on the front lines with an extraordinary baseball experience.”
Additional elements of the sponsorship involve branding throughout Guaranteed Rate Field, including the dugout railings, right field wall sign, middle rotational sign behind home plate and the LED ribbon boards, as well as digital assets, such as e-mails, online sweepstakes and various social content.
Chicago White Sox Charities (CWSC) proudly welcomes RUSH as a member of its Corporate Partner Program, supporting the 501(c)3 nonprofit’s mission to make Chicago a better place to live, work and play. One-hundred percent of Partner Program funds benefit non-profit organizations in the greater Chicagoland area supported through CWSC grant funding.
The White Sox, along with RUSH and MOR, will offer specially priced tickets to healthcare workers for National Hospital Week, beginning today, Monday, May 9, through Friday, May 13. Fans can visit whitesox.com/healthcare to purchase tickets and learn more.
Information about the 2022 fan experience at Guaranteed Rate Field is available at whitesox.com.
About RUSH
RUSH University System for Health is ranked among the top 20 hospitals in the nation. RUSH’s expansion will bring programs nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report to Northwest Indiana, including those in cancer (45th), cardiology and heart surgery (33rd), ENT (45th), gastroenterology and GI surgery (21st), orthopedics (6th), and neurology and neurosurgery (No. 3 in the U.S. and best in Chicago).
RUSH is an academic health system whose mission is to improve the health of the individuals and the diverse communities it serves through the integration of outstanding patient care, education, research and community partnerships. RUSH comprises RUSH University Medical Center, RUSH University, RUSH Copley Medical Center and RUSH Oak Park Hospital, as well as numerous outpatient care facilities. RUSH University, with more than 2,500 students, is a health sciences university that comprises RUSH Medical College, the College of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences and the Graduate College.
About MOR
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush is among the international leaders in musculoskeletal health and is currently ranked No. 6 in Orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. MOR is comprised of international renowned Orthopedic and Spine surgeons who pioneer the latest advances in technology and surgical techniques to improve the lives and activity levels of patients around the world. MOR has seven full-service locations in Chicago, Joliet, Naperville, Oak Brook, Oak Park, Westchester, and Munster, IN. MOR also has eight, stand-alone physical therapy clinics in Bensenville, Geneva, Lincoln Park, Lockport, Orland Park, River Grove, Park Ridge, and Munster (Centennial Village), IN.
About Chicago White Sox Charities
As the White Sox 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CWSC works tirelessly to lift up those most in need throughout the Chicagoland area. Through initiatives like Sox Split 50/50, presented by Wintrust, and the Queen of Hearts Raffle, CWSC raises funds to promote youth education and advancement, share the love of the game through youth baseball initiatives, assist children and families in crisis and champion those battling cancer. To date, CWSC has donated more than $38 million to non-profit organizations across the city and surrounding areas.
