CHICAGO -- A mix of new additions and old standards will be on display at the Palmer House Hilton for next weekend's annual SoxFest.

And this particular statement applies to not only the players on hand, but also the events planned for the fans.

The biggest change centers on the move from sales of single-day passes to solely two-day passes for the attendees not staying at the hotel. According to White Sox senior director of community relations Christine O'Reilly, the switch was made primarily to recognize the people who purchase the entire weekend hotel package.

"We wanted to do something special," said O'Reilly, who mentioned Friday night's events would be open solely to the hotel guests. "We weren't going to sell Friday, so we looked at that and what was purchased last year, and decided to combine the two days together."

Plans also have been altered in regard to the Bulls/White Sox Training Academy, which will still have a major presence through a mini-baseball stadium. It also will be part of a carnival midway, of sorts, located in the Grand Ballroom, with games such as Pop-A-Shot and the bags board joining interactive activities.

A photograph booth has been added, where fans can take a picture with one of their favorite players and not slow down the massive lines for autographs. The "Your 2008 White Sox" town hall meeting, a source of fan passion over the years, has been tentatively scheduled for once per day with general manager Ken Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen on the dais. Energetic new third-base coach Jeff Cox also will be part of the session.

This question-and-answer session certainly will feature comments directed toward Williams concerning the players he signed and acquired, as well as the ones who got away during this current offseason.

"It's a tough situation," O'Reilly said. "Everyone here knows Ken Williams is doing all he can to make the White Sox a World Series contender. We don't want to put Ken on the firing line, but we appreciate the fact that our fans want to express their opinions.

"So, we plan on giving the fans what they want. Ken has been on the hot seat before, and he will be on it again."

Nick Swisher, Scott Linebrink and Carlos Quentin make their SoxFest debut following their Hot Stove additions, but shortstop Orlando Cabrera will miss his initial appearance due to a previous commitment taking him out of the country. Standout veterans such as Paul Konerko, A.J. Pierzynski, Jermaine Dye, Javier Vazquez, Bobby Jenks and Mark Buehrle make their return trips to SoxFest, with young talent such as Josh Fields, Jerry Owens, John Danks and Gavin Floyd scheduled to attend.

Previous White Sox stalwarts in Mike Squires, Bart Johnson and Joel Horlen make up part of the alumni field, with Horlen, Buehrle and new bullpen coach Juan Nieves figured to be paired together for a session on throwing the no-hitter. Guillen's coaching staff -- minus pitching coach Don Cooper -- will be part of SoxFest.

A little bit of old and a little bit of the ever-changing new dealing with the White Sox make up the second year of SoxFest at this Palmer House locale in downtown Chicago.

"Any time you change a venue, you are going to find challenges," said O'Reilly, who mentioned there will be clearer signs at SoxFest to direct fans around the hotel. "You become accustomed to a space and moving around a space.

"Now, we are in an older hotel, with smaller rooms, that is spread out differently. I'll tell you that we are working with people who love to partner with the White Sox, people who are trying hard to make this a great show for the fans.

"They are working with us to put on the best show possible," O'Reilly added. "They are turning themselves inside-out to produce a great event for the fans."