CHICAGO – The city is hosting a parade and rally to celebrate the Chicago Sky WNBA Finals victory.
The event will honor the team, which notched Chicago’s first WNBA championship victory with an 80-74 game on Sunday night. Expect the entire crew, including star Candace Parker, who hails from Naperville, to show up for the celebration.
This is Chicago’s first basketball championship since the Bulls won a title in 1998.
“It was just an amazing feeling to be from here and to see so many people in the stands supporting you since you started,” Parker said after the game. She had 16 points.
Tuesday’s festivities will begin at 11 a.m. when the team departs from Wintrust Arena, arriving at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park for a celebratory rally starting at noon.
From the arena, 200 E. Cermak Road, the parade will head north on Michigan Avenue from Roosevelt Road to Randolph Street, then east to the Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St. Fans can cheer on the along the parade route.
For those who want a good spot on the rally, Millennium Park will open at 8 a.m. and the Pritzker Pavilion at 10 a.m.
The midday rally is free and open to the public, officials said. All participants must pass security on Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street. Participants are kindly requested to leave their bags at home.
Rolling street closures will begin after 10 a.m. on Indiana Avenue from 21st Street to Cermak Road and Michigan Avenue from Roosevelt Road to Randolph Street. The streets will reopen to the passage of the procession, officials said. Randolph Street between Michigan Avenue and Upper Columbus will also be closed for a short time once Chicago Sky buses arrive in Millennium Park.
City center buses will also be temporarily diverted during the parade. For more information on transport, Click here.
Here’s what you need to know:
When: Parade 11 a.m. Tuesday, gathering at noon
Or: The parade will begin at 11 a.m. when the team departs from Wintrust Arena, arriving at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., for a celebratory rally starting at noon.
Carry: Sky colors are sky blue, yellow, black and white.
Related stories
• Chicago Sky Win City’s First WNBA Title: “Women’s Basketball is Here to Stay”
• Candace Parker and Chicago Sky celebrated their WNBA title with a take-away race from Portillo
• WNBA stars Candace Parker and Allie Quigley have arrived in the Chicago area. Now they’re fueling the Sky Championship race
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