The event captured the public imagination, attracting a crowd of around 50,000, far exceeding the capacity of the stadium.1 When the records were blown up, creating a huge bang and a large crater, thousands of emboldened fans stormed the field, tearing up grass, starting bonfires, destroying a batting cage and stealing bases.  

Unfortunately, the riot and ensuing damage made the field unusable and the second game had to be forfeited to the Tigers. Losses from the event – for which tickets cost only 98 cents – were not substantial. But damage to the field, loss of revenue from the forfeited game, and subsequent negative publicity added to the costs which had to be borne by the WhiteSox. 

Today’s Turbulent Times 

Our taste in music might have changed but our propensity for causing chaos hasn’t. 

From social media sowing discord and spreading misinformation to heighted tensions following a year of elections, the threat from political violence-related damage and disruption is on the rise with a quarter of business leaders feeling ‘unprepared’ to deal with this challenge today.  

Vulnerable to strikes, riots and civil commotion, businesses should look to insurance to shoulder the risk, helping them get back to business – however big the dumpster fire.