Record-Breaking Crowd Sees Sky Dominate in WNBA Opener at United Center Against Fever

A Historic Night for Women’s Basketball in Chicago

The Chicago Sky faced off against the Indiana Fever in a significant WNBA matchup at the United Center, marking the league’s first game in this iconic venue. Although the Sky lost 79-52, the event itself was a triumph.

Sky coach Tyler Marsh, reflecting on the night, expressed pride in representing Chicago and the WNBA. "It’s an incredible moment for our league,” he said, emphasizing the significance of playing in a historic building.

The game was originally moved from the smaller Wintrust Arena and was expected to showcase two young stars—Chicago’s Angel Reese and Indiana’s Caitlin Clark. Unfortunately, Clark missed the game due to a quad injury, much to the dismay of fans who wore her jerseys.

An enthusiastic crowd of 19,496 attended, surpassing the previous high of 16,444 set in 2016. Interestingly, tickets were as low as $9 just hours before tip-off, a stark contrast to last season’s game between Reese and Clark, where courtside seats cost up to $5,000.

Reese noted the significance of the event. "Women belong here," she stated, highlighting the growing recognition of women’s basketball. Her and Clark’s rivalry, which captivated audiences during their college years, has continued to elevate the league’s profile.

Sky center Kamilla Cardoso celebrated the growth of the sport, saying it’s exciting to witness. Fever assistant coach Austin Kelly reminisced about his childhood watching the Bulls during the Michael Jordan era, revealing how special it was to walk into the United Center.

Marsh mentioned Sky player-development coach Aaron Johnson, who was emotional about playing in a venue he once idolized from the nosebleeds. "These are moments you can’t put a price on," he said.

This game is a testament to how far women’s basketball has come, and it signals a bright future ahead. As more games are held in NBA arenas, the visibility and support for women’s sports will only grow.

You can explore more about the latest WNBA news and updates through AP WNBA.

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