Tag Archives: michigan-avenue

With a 49-year Stanley Cup drought finally over, the City of Chicago estimated over 2 million ecstatic Blackhawks fans basked in the glory of the hockey championship today, creating a sea of humanity for a championship parade and rally that filled Michigan Avenue for blocks. “It’s been a long time between drinks,” team owner Rocky Wirtz told the assembled mass jamming Michigan, just south of the Chicago River. “From our family, the Wirtz family . . . thank you from the bottom of our heart We’ll see you again.” Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane rides in double-decker buses with the Stanley Cup during a ticker tape parade through the Loop in downtown Chicago. (AP) An elevated train passes over Washington Street as the Chicago Blackhawks ride in double-decker buses with the Stanley Cup. (AP) Mayor Daley introduced Wirtz at the rally, saying: “Thank you Rocky for providing the Stanley Cup championship right here in the city of Chicago.” Said Wirtz: “Thank you, Mr. Mayor. You throw one hell of a parade.” Fans showered the Hawks with love from the start of the parade route at the United Center all the way to the rally site. A convoy of trolleys led the way, followed by double-decker buses filled with players. The buses reached the Michigan and Wacker rally site around 11:30 a.m. City officials had said an estimated 350,000 people were expected to attend. Mid-rally, the city changed that number to “over 2 million.” added by: diode