Supporters of the Chicago Sky are pushing for the relocation of their upcoming showdown against the Indiana Fever to a larger venue due to the escalating demand for tickets. This surge in interest is largely attributed to the opportunity to witness Caitlin Clark facing off against the Sky’s recent acquisitions, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. In response to this fervor, a petition has emerged urging the Sky to shift the location of their matches against the Fever from the confines of Wintrust Arena to the grandeur of the United Center.

The contests, slated for June 23 and Aug. 30, are eagerly awaited as they showcase former collegiate champions Cardoso and Reese, drafted third and seventh overall by the Chicago Sky in the recent WNBA draft, confronting their longtime adversary, Caitlin Clark. Clark, hailed as the most anticipated prospect in league history, was chosen as the top pick by the Fever.

Tickets for both games are swiftly vanishing, with prices for the June 23 fixture at Wintrust Arena ranging from $225 to a staggering $1,700 per seat. Concurrently, the cost of Sky season tickets is on a steep incline, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the team’s resurgence under the influence of Reese and Cardoso, following a few lackluster seasons post their 2021 championship victory.

While Wintrust Arena, the current home of the Sky, boasts a capacity of 10,000 seats, the United Center, which accommodates 21,000 attendees for Chicago Bulls games, offers a significantly larger platform for such high-profile matchups.

“Selling out the United Center would be incredible not just for the Sky … but would be incredible for all of women’s basketball,” the petition reads.
“Larger quantities of less expensive seats would allow both Caitlin Clark fans and Chicago Sky fans to enjoy a great game.”

The Sky did not return a request for comment about calls to move the game.
Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese were picked by the Chicago Sky in Monday’s WNBA Draft.
The impending arrival of Clark — the former University of Iowa sharpshooter who shattered the collegiate scoring record this season— has already bumped a slate of WNBA games to nationally televised broadcasts.

More than 24 million viewers tuned in to watch this year’s NCAA women’s championship game, witnessing Cardoso and her South Carolina Gamecocks claim victory over Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes, securing Cardoso’s second collegiate championship.

In a remarkable turnout, the University of Iowa relocated a women’s team scrimmage to its football stadium in October, attracting over 55,000 spectators eager to catch a glimpse of Clark in action.

Anticipating the immense draw of Clark, the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces have opted to shift a home game against her and the Fever to a larger arena.

While the United Center is currently reserved for a concert by rapper Russ on the night of June 23, its schedule for August remains unannounced.

Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has already secured her season tickets for the Sky, as she disclosed to Kate Armanini of the Chicago Tribune. Lightfoot, along with First Lady Amy Eshleman, joined in the exuberant celebration during the rally commemorating the Chicago Sky’s inaugural WNBA Championship on Oct. 19, 2021.

Reese, formerly a standout at Louisiana State University, holds the collegiate record for double-doubles in a season, establishing herself as one of the most prominent figures in the sport.

In the 2023 NCAA Championship, Reese’s team emerged victorious over Clark’s Hawkeyes. The culmination of the game witnessed Reese signaling a triumphant gesture, waving a “You Can’t See Me” hand in front of Clark while pointing to her ring finger, an action that elicited significant controversy, shedding light on the double standards faced by Black and white athletes.

Despite the Hawkeyes prevailing over Reese’s Tigers squad in this year’s Elite 8 matchup of the women’s tournament, Clark and Reese, known for their mutual respect and admiration, now bring their burgeoning rivalry to the Midwest in the WNBA.

The Sky’s home opener is scheduled for May 25 against the Connecticut Sun.