The Atlanta Dream, a WNBA team, is set to face off against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever twice later in the season. The team currently plays their home games at Gateway Center Arena, which is the smallest arena in the league. However, the franchise’s leadership expressed concerns about the venue’s capacity to accommodate the likely high demand for tickets when Clark visits Atlanta in the summer. As a result, the Dream announced plans to move back to their former home, State Farm Arena, for games against the Fever on June 21 and Aug. 26. State Farm Arena has a much larger seating capacity, able to hold over 17,000 fans compared to Gateway Center Arena’s 3,500 seats.
Dream President and COO Morgan Shaw Parker acknowledged the passion and excitement of Atlanta Dream fans, who have contributed to the team having the most sellouts in the league over the past two years. The decision to move to a larger venue for the upcoming games was made to provide more fans with the opportunity to experience the highly anticipated matchups. The franchise is excited to partner with State Farm Arena and the Atlanta Hawks to create a special environment for the games. The move to State Farm Arena will allow for more fans to witness the action and support the team.
Caitlin Clark, a standout player from the University of Iowa who was selected as the top overall pick in the recent WNBA Draft, has already made an impact in the league. Clark led the Iowa Hawkeyes to back-to-back national championship game appearances, finishing her college career as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I basketball. The matchup between the Dream and the Fever will feature three of the league’s last No. 1 overall draft picks, including former South Carolina star Aliyah Boston. Dream head coach Tanisha Wright expressed excitement about the opportunity for fans to watch the team in a different environment and create a strong home court advantage at State Farm Arena.
The Dream’s decision to move to State Farm Arena for select games comes after the team made history by selling out its season ticket allotment last month. This accomplishment underscores the strong support and enthusiasm from the fan base for the team’s upcoming games. The move to a larger venue reflects the franchise’s commitment to providing an optimal experience for fans and ensuring that more individuals have the opportunity to witness the Dream in action. The team is focused on building momentum and making a push towards another playoff run this year, and playing at State Farm Arena will help create an exciting atmosphere for both loyal fans and new spectators.
Overall, the Atlanta Dream’s decision to return to State Farm Arena for games against the Indiana Fever highlights the enthusiasm and support surrounding the team, particularly with the arrival of star player Caitlin Clark. The move to a larger venue reflects the franchise’s commitment to accommodating the high demand for tickets and providing fans with a memorable experience. The upcoming matchups between the Dream and the Fever, featuring top draft picks and talented players, promise to be exciting and highly anticipated events for WNBA fans. The team’s focus on creating a strong home court advantage and engaging with their dedicated fan base underscores their dedication to success and community engagement.
