CHICAGO – In a game that broke WNBA ticket sales records, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese faced off on the court for the final time as regular-season rookies.

The Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever game played Friday night at Wintrust Arena was the hottest ticket in town — in part because of the fierce rivalry between Clark and Reese.

“It’s just the audience that changes everything, and everyone wants to see them,” said Shelia Taylor, a fan.

The rivalry has been going on for years and is causing ticket prices in the competition to reach record highs.

“Caitlin Clark is putting on a show, Angel Reese is putting on a show, it’s going to be an amazing night,” said RaeShonda Barnes, another fan.

Fans of all ages – from far and wide – cleared their schedules to watch the match.

“I’m from New Orleans,” said Taylor, who traveled to the Windy City with her daughter to attend the game.

According to ticketing technology company Logitix, it’s the most expensive WNBA game ever, with an average ticket price of $385.

Meanwhile, on StubHub, the most expensive seat sold for $2,800.

Friday’s sold-out game celebrated female athletes. In partnership with Mattel, Chicago Sky hosted the WNBA’s first-ever Barbie® Game Night.

“We like Reesey, but I have a crush on Caitlin,” Taylor said.

“I like Angel Reese,” said MiMi Sinkuler.

Karla Davis Luster, who appeared decked out on the ‘pink carpet’, has previously attended a Sky Fever match and describes the energy as electric.

“Little girls who see that want to emulate that. I think it’s great that the players who participated this year have inspired a lot of young girls,” Davis Luster said.

Young fans – and basketball players – were overjoyed as they entered the arena.

“They have a good relationship with each other and they know how to work together as a team,” Sinkuler said.

“Caitlin Clark and all those other players have changed the WNBA and it’s just so inspiring,” Lexi Hamilton said.

For Airiana Tamez, Reese is her favorite player, but she also looks to others to improve her own game.

“Chennedy Carter is a really good player and she’s fun to watch. She knows how to move on the court and she’s a point guard. I know how to play like that,” Tamez said.

In line with Friday’s theme, a panel discussion on empowering female leaders and investing in women’s sports took place prior to the match.

In attendance were Chicago Sky’s Elizabeth Williams, Girls in the Game’s Meghan Morgan, BMO’s Amy Potter, Lincoln Road’s Ann Drake and United Airlines’ Helon Hammond.