ATLANTA — The WNBA Finals are returning to Atlanta for the first time in 13 years, bringing a tied series and surging ticket demand to State Farm Arena.
The Dream host the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 on Wednesday, Oct. 21, after a 79-65 victory Monday in San Francisco evened the best-of-seven series at 1-1. Angel Reese finished with 30 points and 16 rebounds as Atlanta earned its first Finals victory in franchise history, rebounding from a 68-64 loss in the opener.
For longtime supporters, the homecoming marks a milestone nearly two decades in the making.
Sara Lee Parker, an East Atlanta real estate agent and one of the Dream’s original fan ambassadors, told Atlanta News First she has attended more than 250 games since the franchise’s inaugural season in 2008, including its three previous Finals appearances.
Parker said she saw about 40,000 people waiting in an online ticket queue.
“You’d think you were at a Beyoncé concert, so it’s awesome,” she told Atlanta News First. “I love it and I’ll be there.”
That demand comes as the Dream prepare to play on a larger stage. The WNBA announced Oct. 13 that Games 3 and 4 would take place at State Farm Arena following coordination among the league, the teams, the Atlanta Hawks and broadcast partners.
The move expands seating from about 3,500 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, where the Dream played most of their regular-season home games, to more than 17,000. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the change would give thousands more fans across the Southeast an opportunity to attend.
The celebration will extend beyond the arena. The Dream have announced 12 watch-party locations across Atlanta, giving fans additional places to gather for the series. Among the businesses hosting Finals watch parties is Jolene Jolene, a sports bar in Kirkwood.
“We are just so happy for our team, so happy for what they are doing for the city and what they are doing for women’s sports,” general manager Kelsey Numun told Atlanta News First.
On the court, Atlanta returns home with an opportunity to build on a breakthrough. Before Monday, the franchise had lost all 10 of its Finals games across four appearances. Its previous trips in 2010, 2011 and 2013 ended in sweeps.
Reese led Monday’s response, but Atlanta also received 18 points from Allisha Gray and 13 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds from Jordin Canada. The Dream turned 19 Golden State turnovers into 24 points, reclaiming home-court advantage as the series shifts east.
Now, Atlanta has a chance to move closer to its first championship in front of its own fans.
Game 3 tips off Wednesday at 8 p.m. Eastern and airs on USA Network and CNBC, with streaming on Peacock. Game 4 follows Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. on NBC and Peacock. Both games will be played at State Farm Arena.
