CHICAGO — The city is hosting a parade and rally to celebrate the Chicago Sky’s WNBA Finals win.
The event will honor the team, who nabbed Chicago’s first WNBA championship win with an 80-74 game Sunday night. Expect the entire crew — including star Candace Parker, a Naperville native — to show up for the celebration.
It’s Chicago’s first basketball championship since the Bulls took home a title in 1998.
“It was just an amazing feeling to be from here and see so many people in the stands that have been supporting you since you started,” Parker said after the game. She had 16 points.
Tuesday’s festivities will start at 11 a.m. when the team departs from Wintrust Arena, arriving at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park for a celebration 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 and then east to the Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St. Fans can cheer along the parade route.
For those who want to get a good spot at the rally, Millennium Park will open at 8 a.m. and Pritzker Pavilion at 10 a.m.
The noon rally is free and open to the public, officials said. All attendees must pass through security screening at Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street. Attendees are asked to leave 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. Streets will reopen as the motorcade passes, officials said. Randolph Street between Michigan Avenue and Upper Columbus will also be closed for a short time once the Chicago Sky buses arrive at Millennium Park.
Buses Downtown will also temporarily be rerouted during the parade. For more information on transit, click here.
Here’s what you need to know:
When: Parade 11 a.m. Tuesday, rally at noon
Where: 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 celebration rally starting at noon.
Wear: The Sky’s 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 The Chicago Sky Celebrated WNBA Title With A Portillo’s Takeout Run
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