The Chicago White Sox host ‘Disco Demolition Night’ at Comiskey Park, and fans start a riot on the field as the event turns into utter chaos
On July 12th, 1979, the Chicago White Sox hosted ‘Disco Demolition Night’, led by Sox promotions director Mike Veeck and rock DJ Steve Dahl, who had gained local attention for being ‘anti-disco’. It was planned as a way to boost attendance along with promoting Dahl’s rock-oriented radio station during a twi-night double header against the visiting Detroit Tigers.
Any fan who contributed a disco record was only charged $1 at the gate, which led to the stadium being packed… and it was filled with rowdy and drunken fans, all with incredible (and unusual) animosity for the music and the of the Disco genre.
Unfortunately, the event quickly escalated into a chaotic riot when an estimated 50,000 fans rushed the field after the first game.
Eventually, the field was set on fire, and significant damage was done to other aspects of the ballpark. The second game was forfeited due to the damage and the inability to get the mob under control.
