Chicago to Host 2016 McDonald's All American Games

OAK BROOK, IL--(Marketwired - Jun 22, 2015) - McDonald's announced today that the McDonald's All American Games will remain in Chicago in 2016. As part of the announcement, McDonald's and the United Center agreed to exercise an option to keep the Games at the venue next year, marking the sixth consecutive year the event will be held in the Windy City.

The 2016 McDonald's All American Games will tip-off on March 30, 2016. The 39th annual Boys Game will be broadcast live on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. CT, and the 15th annual Girls Game will air live on ESPNU at 5:30 p.m. CT. 2016 will mark the 19th consecutive year the Games will be broadcast on ESPN. A decision on the location of the 2017 Games and beyond will be made at a later date.

"With local stars like Anthony Davis, Jewell Loyd and Jahlil Okafor, Chicago has played host to the finest high school basketball seniors in the country over the past five years," said Douglas Freeland, director of the McDonald's All American Games. "We're excited to partner with the United Center again next year to bring this great event back to Chicago."

Since coming to the United Center in 2011, the McDonald's All American Games have experienced their highest five-year attendance in Games history. More than 80,000 fans have witnessed the Games in Chicago, packing the United Center to see basketball's rising stars while also benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Since the Games inception, net proceeds from the Games have benefitted the Charity, raising more than $11 million for children and families in need.

Chicago (2011-2015): By the numbers

• 241 top Boys and Girls seniors in the country played at the United Center (2011-15)
• 34 future NBA & WNBA draft picks came through the Games in Chicago
• 25 NCAA All-Americans* donned McDonald's jerseys in Chicago
• 16,765 average fans in attendance at the United Center (2011-15)
• 20,019 fans sold-out the United Center in 2011, an all-time Games attendance record
• $2.6 million raised for RMHC through Games proceeds (2011-15)

"The McDonald's All American Games have brought thousands of fans to the United Center since 2011, further supporting Chicago as the premier U.S. destination for sporting events," said Kara Bachman, executive director, Chicago Sports Commission. "We're honored that our city and the United Center can continue its partnership with McDonald's and host the prestigious Games for the sixth straight year."