CHICAGO (August 21, 2024) — As part of Mattel, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: MAT) partnership with Athlife, Inc. to create branded game day activations at sports arenas nationwide, the Chicago Sky will celebrate women athletes by introducing the WNBA’s first-ever Barbie theme game on Friday, August 30, at 6:30 p.m. CT against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena.
The Chicago Sky are thrilled to welcome Barbie to the arena, with a shared goal of championing women in sports and encouraging girls to pursue their athletic passions. As a brand rooted in using its global platform to empower girls to dream big, Barbie has never been afraid to trade in heels for sneakers and take to the court, field or track, representing countless careers and roles in sports and athletics.
In Barbie’s 65th anniversary year, the brand continues to remind all fans of all teams that they can be anything, welcoming them to join the year-long celebration both on and off the court. The Barbie Game Night™ will include activities and promotions featuring the iconic Barbie brand with fan content, giveaways, and other family fun activations.
“The Chicago Sky are thrilled to be the first WNBA team to partner with Barbie, the world’s most iconic and diverse doll brand that reminds girls they can be anything,” Tania Haladner, Chicago Sky’s Chief Marketing Officer said. “Barbie aligns perfectly with the Sky’s mission to empower girls and women to explore limitless possibilities, and we can’t wait to bring inspiring content to fans.”
Presented by BMO and supported by Lincoln Road, the Chicago Sky’s Barbie Game Night will include a pre-game panel discussion, Barbie-themed fan giveaways, arena decorations, fan contests, and concourse activations. As Barbie Game Night kicks off, additional activations by Jamaican Mango & Lime and YMCA of Metro Chicago will amplify the celebration of girls and women across Skytown. The night will also feature Girls in the Game, a Chicago-based non-profit that uses sport as a tool to develop positive outcomes in girls’ lives by empowering all girls to speak up, stand out, and inspire future generations.
Pre-Game Panel Discussion and Activations
To help promote the Barbie game honoring girls and women, the Sky and YMCA of Metro Chicago hosted a special event at HER Court at 6330 S Stony Island Ave on August 14th. The event included a youth basketball clinic hosted by the YMCA of Metro Chicago and DICK’s Sporting Goods, DJ Ca$h Era, and other partner activations and local vendors. HER Court, beautifully designed by Crystal Zapata, a Chicago-based woman artist of color, emphasizes the Y’s dedication to the communities and investment in local youth.
Prior to the 8/30 game, the Chicago Sky, BMO, and Lincoln Road will host a pre-game panel discussion on the topic of investing in women’s sports and celebrating women in leadership. Top women leaders and Girls in the Game will participate in the discussion, which will be recorded for broader viewing after the game.
To inspire the next generation of female broadcasters, the Sky will conduct a Jr. Broadcasters contest with Marquee Sports Network to offer a young girl the opportunity to interview Sky players before the game on the court.
Giveaways & Concourse Activations
The first 2,000 fans to enter the arena will receive a custom Barbie x Chicago Sky sherpa belt bag or Barbie Hawaiian shirt. Additional giveaways will be presented throughout the game.
On the concourse, fans can expect a Barbie backdrop and photo opportunity and two Jamaican Mango & Lime hair braiding stations featuring Barbie colors. BMO will produce special edition fan spotlight signs, giving fans a chance to be featured on the jumbotron with their custom signs.
In-Game Entertainment & Programming
Guest DJ Nosike will be returning to Wintrust Arena to help celebrate amazing female DJs in Chicago. The Chicago Sky will also announce a special female halftime performer.
The Chicago Sky will be recognizing Lincoln Road founder Ann Drake on the court during the game, whose dedication to creating a future in which women are at the forefront of advancing and improving the world we live in has significantly impacted the Chicagoland area.
In-Game Sweepstakes & Other Promotional Activations
BMO will be the presenting partner of content that highlights the women of the Chicago Sky, taking fans behind-the-scenes on game day. BMO will also launch a social contest to drive fan engagement. Fans will have the opportunity to comment on inspirational women in their lives for a chance to win Sky tickets, Sky merch, and Barbie-themed prizes.
ABOUT MATTEL
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.
ABOUT LINCOLN ROAD ENTERPRISES
Lincoln Road Enterprises is a transformative organization invested in the advancement of women’s leadership. Our mission is to elevate women by supporting new talent, improving systems, and encouraging bold ideas. We support initiatives that foster women’s contributions to and influence in public and private enterprise, global supply chain, engineering and technology, infrastructure and design, and space and astrophysics. Part of our vision for the future is the Women’s Leadership Center at Williams Bay, where women leaders will convene in a unique setting designed to help them seek global solutions to complex problems. When it opens in late 2025, the Center will be a place where conversations happen that could change the world. For more information: lincoln-road.com and womensleadershipcenter.org.
ABOUT THE CHICAGO SKY
The 2021 WNBA Champion Chicago Sky are a professional women’s basketball team founded in 2005 by principal owner, Michael Alter. The Chicago Sky were the first independently owned women’s professional basketball team to join the WNBA and play at the Wintrust Arena. The season runs from May-September. Call 866.SKY.WNBA or visit sky.wnba.com for more information.
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