Bedford Park and the Chicago Sky welcome guests to the groundbreaking last week of the team’s new practice facility. (Photos by Carol McGowan)
Chicago Sky, Bedford Park break ground on $38 million practice facility
It was a groundbreaking event on Oct. 9, as more than 200 people gathered at the future site of Phase 2 of the Wintrust Sports Complex at 65th Street and Central Avenue in Bedford Park.
The Chicago Sky, in partnership with the Village of Bedford Park, broke ground on a new $38 million state-of-the-art practice facility. The facility is set to open before the 2026 WNBA season and is part of a Phase 2 expansion of the Wintrust Sports Complex currently at the site.
Chicago Sky officials, players, their stadium announcer, Bedford Park Mayor David Brady, village trustees, local school superintendents, board members, and many others attended the event, which was held under a large tent decorated with Chicago Sky colors. Guests enjoyed refreshments and treats.
Chicago Sky co-owner Nadia Rawlinson, Bedford Park Mayor David Brady, The Sports Facilities Companies CEO Jason Clement, and Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca spoke at the event. Sky players Elizabeth Williams and Michaela Onyenwere made a special appearance.
Mayor Brady emphasized the project’s significance for the community.
“We hope the building will be done in 12 to 14 months,” Brady told the Desplaines Valley News. “Besides a practice facility with two courts, it will have a locker room, health facility, two turf fields, possibly the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame, and more.
“Other projects at the site include the Wyndham Estates Hotel, which is under construction and should be completed by fall 2025, Gas and Wash, which is under construction and should be completed by March 2025, and Wendy’s, which will begin construction soon and is expected to open by spring 2025.
“It’s an exciting time for Bedford Park.”
Alpa Construction Inc., the firm that developed the original Wintrust Sports Complex, will lead the project.
Andy Taylor, director of marketing and business development for Sports Facilities Companies, said the partnership between the Chicago Sky and Wintrust Sports Complex goes beyond infrastructure.
“The collaboration promises to create new opportunities for youth programming and foster a lasting positive impact on the local community. With the Sky’s commitment to empowering young athletes and Wintrust Sports Complex’s proven track record of hosting large-scale sporting events and youth camps, this joint effort will serve as a catalyst for growth and inspiration for the next generation of athletes in Bedford Park.
“This event is not just a milestone for the Chicago Sky but also a defining moment for the Village of Bedford Park as it continues to grow as a hub for sports, entertainment, and economic progress.”
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