‘GOLDEN ARCH’ MADNESS: McDonald’s All American Games to make triumph return to Chicago; 45th games will be played at Wintrust Arena

CHICAGO – The Second City is once again the First City in the eyes of McDonald’s.

It was revealed Wednesday the 45th McDonald’s All American Games will return to Chicago in march 2022. The senior showcase games are for the brightest young stars going head-to-head at Wintrust Arena, home to the WNBA’s Chicago Sky.

To honor the Games’ legacy and return to Chicago, McDonald’s, with the help of hometown heroes Candace Parker and Coby White, unveiled unique backboard designs, nodding to the Games’ “Starting With Me Court” on 6028 S. Aberdeen.

The McDonald’s All American Games is where the best hoopers take the court and the greats begin to shine. Chicago has bred some of the Games’ finest players and performances over the years including hometown favorites Candace Parker, Derrick Rose, Anthony Davis and Jabari Parker to name a few. The city previously hosted the Games in 1982 and from 2011-2017, and in 2022  the Games will enter a new era and celebrate 45 years of elevating the nation’s top high school basketball players into the next generation of greats.

“No city has as much Games’ history, so it’s only right that we return to Chicago for our 45th anniversary,” said Elizabeth Campbell, Senior Director of Cultural Engagement, McDonald’s USA. “It’s special to think about the impact the Games have had over all these years – whether it’s for the athletes, their local communities, Ronald McDonald House Charities and the families that are supported by the organization. ”

While in-person Games are being planned for 2022, the health and safety of the players, spectators and staff remains the top priority. McDonald’s is closely monitoring COVID-19 and consulting with medical experts. Updates will be shared on the Games and selection process over the next few months.

Follow @McDAAG on Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and announcements.