Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined the WNBA's Chicago Sky Feb. 2 to formally announce the team is moving to Wintrust Arena in Chicago's South Loop for the 2018 season. In addition, the University of Chicago Medicine has been named the official medical provider and sponsor of the Chicago Sky through a multiyear partnership.
Sky coach Amber Stocks and player Stefanie Dolson joined the press conference, which also featured representative of UChicago, Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, Ald. Dowell and owners of the team.
"On behalf of sports fans across the city, I want to welcome the Chicago Sky to their new home right here in the city of Chicago," Emanuel said. "This move by the Chicago Sky will mean jobs and economic opportunities on Chicago's South Side and in neighborhoods across the city, and the partnership between the Sky and UChicago Medicine will benefit the team and strengthen health initiatives in Chicago communities."
Under the partnership, UChicago Medicine will provide preseason cardiac screenings as well as comprehensive player- and patient-centered services in orthopedics and sports medicine, women's health and primary care.
In addition, the partnership will allow both organizations to work together to scale and track their impact across the city of Chicago, targeting key health issues such as childhood asthma, obesity and women's health.
"We are thrilled to now play in Chicago and work with a world-class facility like the University of Chicago Medicine," said Adam Fox, CEO of the Chicago Sky. "This partnership guarantees that our athletes are provided with the finest resources, doctors and medical care. UChicago Medicine and the Chicago Sky hold the same values and an aligned vision. We are both deeply committed to women's health, preventive care and serving the community, which makes this partnership a perfect fit. We look forward to a long and fulfilling relationship with UChicago Medicine."
"This partnership is about two organizations that are deeply committed to connecting with the community they serve and choosing to work together to double their impact," said Sharon O'Keefe, president of the University of Chicago Medical Center. "It further facilitates a community-wide dialogue and helps us to reach even more people with the message that committing to wellness is not just a critical part of living a healthy life; it can also be fun."
UChicago Medicine and the Chicago Sky will join forces April 22 to host a health and wellness fair at Wintrust Arena, along with a basketball clinic that aims to break the world record for the largest basketball clinic ever held.
The Chicago Sky kicks off its season in May. During the 2018 season, the Chicago Sky will play all 17 home games at Wintrust Arena as well as promotional events. The move by the Sky adds to the growing portfolio of events at the new, 10,387-seat Wintrust Arena.
See www.chicagosky.net .