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WNBA president Laurel Richie was in Chicago for the Sky’s home opener May 25 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. A week later, the Sky still is looking for a home victory. Of course, the team has played only one game since that loss to the Indianapolis Fever, and that game was on the road.
WNBA veteran and Chicago Sky newcomer Swin Cash
Meaning the Sky (2-1) is showing promise. Especially with the Washington Mystics (1-2) — the team the Sky defeated in the season opener — the opponent Friday (June 1) at the Allstate Arena.
Richie noted the Sky’s potential when she was in Chicago: “The thing I’m really excited about for the Sky is I think the team did a terrific job in the offseason creating a roster that I think is going to be a force to be reckoned with. I’m really excited to see what happens when Sylvia [Fowles] is joined by Ticha [Penicheiro], and Swin [Cash] and Ruth [Riley]. I think it’s gonna be fun.
“I think they really understood how to bring folks into this arena, and leveraging the [roster] change, and talking about that change. This work is about getting out, pounding the pavement, telling our story and meeting people. I think they’ve done a good job of that.”
Whether the Sky can reach the postseason for the first time in franchise history remains to be seen. Another question is by how many people will it be seen?
On issues that each WNBA team faces, Richie remarked: “I think there’s a lot [each team] has in common and that’s what obviously binds us together as a league, but each team has unique opportunities, a different audience segment. The Hispanic market is very significant in San Antonio and L.A. The African-American segment is very significant in Chicago and Atlanta. Connecticut has a slightly older Caucasian fan base. So we try very hard to offer guidance, counsel, support and insight that work both on a team level but also on a league level.”
The the Ivy King Cup championship will be Saturday (June 2) at the UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave. The event has nothing to do with ivy. It does involve roller derby. In case you were unfamiliar and/or wondering. Female roller derby. In case you were unfamiliar and/or wondering.
The action is to begin at 6 p.m. with a charity game to benefit former Windy City Rollers skater Tequila Mockingbird. At 7:30 p.m., the Manic Attackers will oppose the reigning champions, The Fury.
“The Ivy King Cup is what we’ve been working so hard for this entire season,” said Bork Bork Bork, co-captain of the Manic Attackers. “The defending champs are in for a rough time. All we’ll say is that The Fury’s jammers, and [Fury mascot] Fonzo better look out!”
The Del Morrocos will perform the national anthem, and The Big Bang Drumline will provide halftime entertainment.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster (if you use the promo code WRECK12, you can receive $5 off a ticket).
Yes, it has been a while since the last mention of the Lingerie Football League around here. So sorry. Even sorrier the Chicago Bliss will not be playing a 2012 season. Then again, neither will any of the other U.S.-based LFL teams, as the league looks to other parts of the world.
For those who might be going through LFL withdrawal, here is some video from the buildup for an All-Fantasy game Saturday in Australia:
Corina was a delightful in-studio guest on "Sports & Torts."
Another “Sports & Torts” show is available on podcast on talkzone.com. The May 31 program, co-hosted by David Spada and Elliott Harris, features Adrenaline Rush Dancer Corina, former Minnesota Twins great Tony Oliva and former Los Angeles Dodgers star Tommy Davis (who actually played for 10 teams in his big-league career). All three guests had compelling stories to tell. All modesty aside, it was an excellent episode of the interview series. About the only shortcoming with the show was a lack of time. The sessions with all three went by far too quickly. Wish we had more minutes in an hour to accommodate more time with each. Oh, well. To take in the show, you can click here.
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