WNBA United Center Game 2024: A Historic First Despite Sky’s Loss
The WNBA made a powerful statement on Saturday night as the Chicago Sky hosted the Indiana Fever in the first-ever WNBA game at the United Center, drawing a record crowd of 19,496. Despite the Sky falling to the Fever 79-52, the event marked a monumental step in the growing influence of women’s basketball.
A Milestone Night in WNBA History
Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh, who has a personal history with events at the United Center, called the occasion “an incredible moment” for the league and city alike. The decision to move the game from Wintrust Arena to the larger venue echoed the rising popularity of the league, driven in part by fresh young talent like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.
Unfortunately for fans, Caitlin Clark missed her fourth consecutive game due to a quad injury, leaving many in the crowd of nearly 20,000 disappointed but still enthusiastic.
Record Attendance at United Center: A Testament to Growth
The attendance shattered the Sky’s previous record of 16,444 set in 2016 at Allstate Arena. Tickets sold for as low as $9 on StubHub, making the historic event accessible to a wide audience.
Still, this night was different from the pair’s college rivalry debut in Chicago, where courtside seats reached $5,000. Nonetheless, it showed that the WNBA’s popularity has staying power, even without star power on the court.
Angel Reese on the Future of Women’s Basketball
Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese emphasized how meaningful this event was for women in sports:
“Women belong here… This is gonna be the first of many,” she said, referencing the plan for a second Sky-Fever matchup at the United Center on July 27.
Her message resonated with fellow players and fans alike, reinforcing the idea that women’s sports are not just a moment—they’re a movement.
The Star Power Beyond Clark and Reese
Although the matchup was promoted around Clark and Reese, Kamilla Cardoso of the Sky and Austin Kelly, assistant coach of the Fever, also added their voices to the historical significance. Kelly reminisced about watching the Michael Jordan-era Bulls, highlighting the symbolic impact of today’s WNBA stars competing in the same arena.
Emotional Connections and Local Ties
Chicago native and Sky player-development coach Aaron Johnson was moved by the experience. Head coach Marsh shared that Johnson, once a fan in the nosebleeds, had dreamed of being on that court.
“These are the types of moments you can’t really put a price on,” Marsh added.
Conclusion
The Chicago Sky’s blowout loss to the Indiana Fever may not have been the fairytale ending fans hoped for, but the significance of the night far outweighed the scoreboard. The game at the United Center marks a new chapter for the WNBA, showcasing how far the league has come—and how much further it can go.
FAQs
1. Why was the Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever game significant?
It was the first WNBA game ever held at the United Center, a historic milestone for the league and women’s sports overall.
2. Did Caitlin Clark play in the game?
No, Clark missed her fourth consecutive game due to a quad injury, watching from the sidelines.
3. How many fans attended the WNBA game at United Center?
A record-breaking crowd of 19,496 attended, surpassing previous attendance figures for the Sky.
4. Will there be another WNBA game at the United Center this season?
Yes, the Sky and Fever will face off again on July 27 at the United Center. WNBA United Center Game 2024.
5. What did Angel Reese say about playing at the United Center?
She said it was the first of many milestones for women’s sports, emphasizing that “women belong here.”
