The WNBA is shifting Games 3 and 4 of the Finals to State Farm Arena in Atlanta to accommodate much larger crowds. This move increases available seating from 3,500 to approximately 17,000 for the matchup between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream.
A 13,500-seat jump for the Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream will host Games 3 and 4 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena, a move that drastically increases the number of fans who can attend. according to the report, the venue change expands seating from the 3,500-capacity Gateway Center Arena to roughly 17,000 seats.
This transition marks the first time the Atlanta market has hosted a WNBA Finals game since 2013. wNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert noted that the larger venue will allow for an "extraordinary atmosphere" and provide more fans across the Southeast a chance to see the action in person.
The Caitlin Clark effect and sold-out crowds
High demand for women's basketball has driven the Dream to seek larger venues throughout the current season. the team successfully sold out five of its six regular-season games at State Farm Arena, including high-profile matchups against the Indiana Fever and the Las Vegas Aces .
The popularity of star players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has been a significant factor in these sellouts . As the report highlights, two of the five sellouts at State Farm Arena featured these marquee names, proving that the Atlanta market can support much larger crowds than the Gateway Center Arena allows.
Scheduling shifts to accommodate a Sombr concert
Logistical hurdles required several adjustments to the Finals schedule to ensure the games could proceed at State Farm Arena.. Game 3 has been moved from October 22 to October 21 to avoid a conflict with a scheduled Sombr concert at the venue.
The Atlanta Hawks also had to adjust their own schedule to accommodate the WNBA. On October 24, the Hawks will push their home opener against the Houston Rockets back by 30 minutes, moving the tipoff from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to make room for the Dream game.
The mystery of Game 6's location
While the move for Games 3 and 4 is confirmed, the location for a potential Game 6 remains unannounced. The current schedule lists Game 6 for October 29 in Atlanta, but it is unclear if it will be held at the larger State Farm Arena or the smaller Gateway Center Arena.
There are also lingering questions regarding how much of the 17,000-seat capacity will actually be utilized.. During a recent playoff game against the New York Liberty, the Dream reported 9,745 fans, yet curtains were used to cover the upper-level seating to manage the short turnaround.
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