City: Chicago, IL

Category: Spectator Sports

Address: 6920 N. Mannheim Rd.

Description: The Chicago Sky came on as an expansion team to the Eastern WNBA conference in 2005; its team name and logo were announced, fittingly, at the Adler Planetarium. In such a sports-crazy town like Chicago, it was about time that we had a team in the WNBA, which was founded nearly a decade earlier in 1996. Early investors included Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child fame and Beyoncé Knowles’ father, Matthew Knowles. Although the Sky have yet to soar to championship heights, they score big with fans who enjoy the quick pace of the two 20-minute halves and simply appreciate the team’s talented women who wow audiences with their powerhouse dunks, slams, jumps, and steals. Plus, the players get high points off the court for their charitable Chicago Sky Cares Foundation, which helps build girls’ self-esteem and positive self-image by partnering with area organizations like the Girl Scouts and Girls on the Run. Tickets $15 to $500 (most in the $15 to $40 range). Season from early June through mid-September.