Sky is the limit of the showdown between Kate Linklark and Angel Reese.
Chicago Sky will be holding Indiana Fever at another venue this season – United Center – announced in a press release Friday as potential sellouts and record-breaking crowds are expected.
It will be marked as the first WNBA game to be held in the history of the 31-year-old arena, home to the NBA Bulls and the NHL Blackhawks.
Additionally, the game will first be set on Saturday, July 26th and will be played on Sunday, July 27th at 2pm with a CT chipoff.
The contest, set for Saturday, June 7th, will remain as the original date with a tip-off at 7pm.
“Given the explosive growth of the WNBA, we have the first opportunity to invite more fans to experience this matchup at the larger venue at United Center,” said Adam Fox, president and CEO of Sky. “Chicago Sky fans have consistently appeared in their teams and cities, and hope to reward their passion and dedication by bringing this excitement to their expanded capabilities. Skytown knows it will help create a special environment at United Center this summer.
“We would like to thank the United Center and MPEA partnership for bringing the WNBA to more fans, and Wintrust Arena for their continued support of the sky.”
However, the matchup moved not only for Clark and Lease's history, but also for the booming WNBA free agency period, which saw some of the league's most shocking deals in 28 years.
Sky signed the Courtney Vanderroot after two seasons with Liberty and two All-Star Guards and 2019 WNBA champion Ariel Atkins of the Mystics.
Additionally, Clark will play alongside six-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion Dewanna Bonner, as well as two-time All-Stars, forward Natasha Howard and guard Kelsey Mitchell.
United Centers can hold more than 20,000 capacity for a showdown. This gives the sky two opportunities to play in front of what could become a home crowd of the franchise's record setting.
The largest attendees recorded in the sky were 16,444 fans at the Allstate Arena outside Chicago on July 13, 2016.
The sky usually plays at Wintrust Arena, which holds 10,000 seats.
“We are extremely excited to welcome two championship franchises, Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, to United Center for their first WNBA game this summer.” “It's an honor to showcase these elite athletes and highlight the impact of women's sports in the arena, rich in iconic basketball moments.”
Sky and Heat are scheduled to meet five times in the WNBA's first 44 regular season games a year.
