University of Delaware Athletics
Delle Donne and Chicago Sky to Return to Bob Carpenter Center for WNBA Preseason Game
3/18/2015 11:40:00 AM | Women's Basketball
NEWARK, Del. – The Chicago Sky is proud to bring a WNBA Preseason game to the University of Delaware for the second consecutive year. The game, played at the alma-mater of two-time WNBA All-Star Elena Delle Donne, is presented by the Delaware Lottery and will feature the Sky against the New York Liberty on Friday, May 22. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET.
“We are once again excited to welcome back Elena and her Chicago Sky teammates to the Bob Carpenter Center later this year," said Delaware Director of Athletics Eric Ziady. "Last year's event was a huge success and provided a great atmosphere for fans of Elena, the WNBA, and women's basketball in general. It is always great to have Elena back home at The Bob and we are looking forward to another fun night of women's basketball here at the University of Delaware."
Delle Donne began her esteemed career at the University of Delaware in 2009 where she became one of the most successful athletes in the school's history. She was awarded the Senior CLASS Award and Honda Award in 2013, and was named a First Team All-American and National Player of the Year candidate in her junior and senior seasons. The Sky selected Delle Donne with the second overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft. She will enter her third season with the Sky this May.
“We are thrilled to welcome Elena and the Chicago Sky back to Delaware,” said Delaware Sports Commission Executive Director Chris Giacomucci. “Hosting major sporting events like a WNBA game in Newark generates tremendous exposure for Delaware and our surrounding communities which is always exciting.”
Last season Delle Donne shined in her homecoming as the Chicago Sky defeated the Washington Mystics 76-69 inside the sold out Bob Carpenter Center. Delle Donne finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds while Sky point guard Courtney Vandersloot turned in 15 points to go with 11 assists. This year's game will feature the debut of Cappie Pondexter in a Sky uniform following an off-season trade with the Liberty involving Epiphanny Prince. As the Sky takes the court in May, the team will look to continue their nine-game winning streak against New York with their last loss dating back to August 12, 2012.
“We're so appreciative of the opportunity to bring our team back to the University of Delaware, now a familiar place, as we prepare for the upcoming season,” said Sky Head Coach & General Manager Pokey Chatman. “To be able to travel to another state and still enjoy the advantage of playing in front of a hometown crowd is tremendous. With the support of the Delaware faithful I anticipate an electric environment for our team on the 22nd of May.”
The Sky is proud to partner with Delaware Lottery as the presenting sponsor for this year's event.
Additional partners making it possible to bring this WNBA game to the many loyal fans in Delaware include: Wilmington Airport, Highmark Delaware Blue Cross Blue Shield, Comcast Delaware, Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Christiana Care Health System, National 5 & 10, Courtyard-Newark at the University of Delaware and Delaware Express Shuttle & Tours.
Tickets for the Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty preseason game will go on sale to the public on Monday, April 6, 2015. Fans can purchase tickets by phone, online or in person:
Online: Ticketmaster.com
Phone: 1-800-745-3000
In Person: Delaware Ticket Office located at the Bob Carpenter Center, 631 South College Ave, Newark, DE 19716 between 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday.
About the Delaware Lottery:
Since the start of operations in 1975, the Delaware Lottery has contributed more than $4.1 billion to the state's General Fund to help finance needed state services that benefit everyone in Delaware. The Lottery offers a variety of games: POWERBALL®, MEGA MILLIONS®, HOT LOTTO®, MULTI-WIN LOTTO, LUCKY FOR LIFE™, PLAY 3, PLAY 4, Keno, assorted Instant Games, Video Lottery, iGaming, Sports Lottery and Table Games. Delaware Lottery game and promotional details are available at delottery.com, at licensed locations, and from the Lottery's office in Dover.
About the Chicago Sky
In a historic 2014 season, the Chicago Sky (15-19) secured a playoff berth for the second consecutive season. As the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, the Sky defeated the top-seeded Atlanta Dream and second seed Indiana Fever to become Eastern Conference Champions and advance to the WNBA Finals. The Sky opens the 2015 season on June 5 as they host Eastern Conference rival Indiana Fever at Allstate Arena. Don't miss a minute of the action in 2015! To learn about how to become a Sky season ticket member or to purchase tickets for opening night call 866.SKY.WNBA or visit www.chicagosky.net.
Media Contact
Lauren Niemiera – Chicago Sky
Media & Communications Coordinator
(312) 994-5984
lniemiera@chicagosky.net
