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Chicago Sky's WNBA Championship Parade And Rally

CHICAGO (CBS)-- It was a Skytown celebration!

A shower of confetti covered Millennium Park as fans helped the Chicago Sky ring in its first ever WNBA championship.

CBS 2's Jackie Kostek was there. While it was not the kind of massive championship celebration when the Chicago Cubs won the World Series or when the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, the crowd cheering on Chicago's WNBA champions were just as excited and thrilled to welcome their hometown basketball stars.

 

"So many people came out and I'm so happy and proud and honored to have these fans support us," said Sky center Stefanie Dolson.

But it was still an important moment for the city. This fanbase is loyal, proud and on Tuesday, was full of energy.

"Don't worry about my tattoo, man. Worry about greatness. The Chicago Sky's first title in WNBA history, franchise history," said Sky fan Chance the Rapper.

Chicago celebrated the Sky's win Tuesday with a parade from Wintrust Arena to downtown and a rally in Millennium Park.

 

1:30 p.m. 

Rally for the Chicago Sky wraps up with fans at the Pritzker Pavilion continuing to cheer the team on as they celebrate on stage.

1:20 p.m.

1:08 p.m.

Chicago Sky General Manager and Head Coach James Wade on his championship team: "We built something special. Not just with the way we played but we built something special with the people. As you can see our players have rhythm. Honestly they are incredible human beings."

Wade on his players: "I'm just telling you Chicago, if you saw them off the floor as much as you see them on it, you would be so proud of how they represent this great city."

1:06 p.m.

1:02 p.m.

Chance the Rapper on stage with the Chicago Sky. "Chicago, make some f****** noise! Thank you Chicago Sky for making this city so proud. For making us winners again."

12:56 p.m.

The Chicago Sky is on stage, swaying to the music, with the championship trophy held up high.

12:52 p.m.

The Chicago Sky is introduced as the players take to the stage, greeted by cheers from the crowd, welcomed by Gov. Prtizker. The team is followed by Chicago Sky head coach James Wade.

12:32 p.m.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on stage at the Pritzker Pavilion congratulating the team of "tremendous players" thanking Candace Parker for "coming home."

Chance the Rapper will be the guest speaker, the team announced overnight.

12:30 p.m.

12:25 p.m.

"I am so proud of our team and so proud of the example they set for other young women," County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said.

12:20 p.m.

Gov. JB Pritzker spoke at the Sky's rally and said the team makes "our city and state so proud" with their "integrity on and off the court." Tuesday, Prtizker said, the city is Skytown.

"The Sky's the limit," the governor said. Also on hand was Illinois Lieutenant Gov. Juliana Stratton.

12 p.m.

Chance the Rapper is celebrating the Sky at the Chicago celebration

"The city appreciates you," Chance told CBS 2.

When asked about his tattoo in honor of the team, he said "it will happen."

11:45 a.m.

The buses are heading to Millennium Park for the rally. Crowds are cheering on the WNBA Champions!

11:15 a.m.

Crowds are gathering ahead of the Chicago Sky rally that will begin in 45 minutes. CBS 2's Jackie Kostek is reporting live at the the Pritzker Pavilion and will provide updates.

11:05 a.m.

Gov. JB Pritzker, who was on the team bus for the parade, said he was thrilled to see the large crowd that came out to support the team.

"This team is amazing; come from behind, a lot of grit. I mean, these guys, these folks, they took it all the way form an 11-point deficit to a win. It may have been the most exciting championship game I've ever seen," he said.

10:55 a.m.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot, a proud Sky season ticket holder, is celebrating with the city.

10:50 a.m.

CBS 2's Matt Zahn spoke with Sky guard Allie Quigley who said she is "so excited" and ready to celebrate with her team.

"What we were able to do as a team, it's been a dream come true," she said. "I've never played in front of crowds like that in Chicago, so to be able to play in a packed gym like that, you know, it really makes a difference out there."

Quigley played for DePaul.

10:15 a.m.

Buses arrive at the Wintrust Arena in preparation for the Sky parade.

9:30 a.m.

CBS 2's Audrina Bigos, Ryan Baker and Marshall Harris are at the Pritzker Pavilion with live coverage of the Chicago Sky celebration.

8:20 a.m.

Lions outside the Art Institute are ready for the Chicago Sky parade and rally. CBS 2's Mugo Odigwe is reporting live from The Loop.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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