WNBA Finals set to be held in a tiny gym due to conflicts
The Atlanta Dream may need to host their WNBA Finals games in a smaller arena because their preferred venue is already booked. The team is facing the Golden State Valkyries in its first finals appearance in 13 years.
The Valkyries will play their home games at San Francisco’s Chase Center, which holds 18,064 spectators. The Dream’s president, Morgan Shaw Parker, said last week that the team was working out its home venue, but no larger option has been confirmed.
Atlanta previously played home games at State Farm Arena, a 17,044-seat venue, and is scheduled to return there permanently in 2027. The team also used the arena for several games this season, but it is unavailable for the finals.
USA Today reported that Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion and Gas South Arena were considered as alternatives, but both options encountered obstacles. The Pavilion seats 8,600 and Gas South Arena holds 13,000.
A small finals venue would not be unprecedented: Washington hosted three games at its 4,200-seat arena during the 2019 finals. For now, the Dream must identify a workable home court for the championship series.
Key points
- Atlanta’s preferred arena is booked, leaving the Dream without a confirmed finals home venue.
- Two reported alternatives, McCamish Pavilion and Gas South Arena, have run into obstacles.
- The Valkyries will host their games at Chase Center, which seats 18,064.