The Women's National Basketball Association is set to host several signature events of its annual All-Star Weekend at the recently inaugurated Obama Presidential Center, located on Chicago's South Side. This collaboration signifies a pioneering move, as the WNBA becomes the inaugural professional sports league to leverage the sprawling, nearly 20-acre campus in Jackson Park for a major sporting occasion.
Scheduled activities at the Obama Center encompass the All-Star media day, team practice sessions for the All-Star Game, a dedicated changemaker day, WNBA Day celebrations, and the exciting Shooting Star competition. These events are designed to complement other established All-Star staples, such as the 3-Point Contest slated for Friday, July 24, at Wintrust Arena, and the highly anticipated WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday, July 25, which will take place at the larger United Center within the city.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed profound honor regarding the decision to stage AT&T WNBA All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center. She highlighted the league's commitment to fostering community engagement and connection through the sport of basketball, emphasizing the excitement of bringing together the WNBA community and the broader Chicago public for memorable experiences at this historically significant new venue. Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation, extended a warm welcome to the league, echoing sentiments about the power of sports to unite individuals and cultivate future leaders.
This initiative not only elevates the profile of the WNBA All-Star Weekend but also underscores the Obama Presidential Center's role as a dynamic hub for community engagement and inspiration, utilizing the unifying power of sports to positively impact society.
