Several months ago, I wrote about DePaul University’s men’s basketball moving to the Wintrust Arena near Chicago’s McCormick Place. This weekend the WNBA Chicago Sky announced they, too, will be moving to Wintrust for the upcoming season. This is huge news for the arena and the South Loop area.

Founded in 2006, the Sky have been playing home games at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont — northwest of Chicago — for the last eight seasons. Averaging more than 7,000 fans per game this season, the Sky’s attendance increased almost every season, anchored by a young fan base. I’ve been on the Sky bandwagon for a while.

The opening of Wintrust Arena, with the Blue Demons and Sky moving in, will only add to the once desolate and now thriving South Loop. The state-of-the-art facility, including fabulous luxury boxes, will hold 10,000 fans.

This is an interesting move, as Rosemont is also gaining in popularity. The MB Financial Park and nearby areas in Rosemont are becoming quite a hot spot. Rosemont is now much more than just the Stephens Convention Center; it’s a destination place for entertainment.

Although I’m sad to see the Sky leave, the opening of a new baseball field will soften the blow for Rosemont. The $60 million, 6,300-seat stadium borders the Chicago Bandits (women’s pro softball) ballpark. The unnamed field will house an independent league men’s baseball team.

As a fan of the Sky I am excited about the new possibilities, and as a Chicagoan I am intrigued with the rivalry forming between the two areas. Two great areas battling for my entertainment dollar can only bring good results.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist