A promotional event a twin-night doubleheader between Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox that went extremely wrong, Disco Demolition Night held at Comiskey Park, Chicago, Illinois on 12th July, 1979. It would eventually proved to be one of extremely discussed promotional ideas that almost ended with a near riot, when raucous fans rushed onto the field during the game yet making it the most famous event of the history.
The audience for the event expected by White Sox management was not more than 5,000, but the turnout reached over 47,795, hundreds of spectator’s climbed walls and fences in attempt to enter the Comsikey Park, whereas thousands were simply denied admission by the administration of the park. Access ramps were closed facing Dan Ryan Expressway after the Park was over capacitated by the public.
The promotional event was considered as the conclusion of a reaction against disco music resulting in the rejection of the genre. In Middle America a dormant abhorrence had been infused against disco music which end-up in anti-disco campaigns after the few months of the event.
Owner of White Sock Bill Veeck took much of the audience anger for the humiliation, but everyone among baseball people knew that Mike Veeck his son was the actual front-man or brains behind this disaster and after the retirement of his father Mike Veeck was blacklisted from Major League baseball for a long time.
Until today the second game of this doubleheader between Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox is the last game forfeited in the American Baseball League in this manner.
Disco Demolition Night
Disco Demolition Night
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