With the Golden State Valkyries playing in Atlanta for Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream, fans in the Bay Area were clamoring for places to watch the game locally alongside other fans. In Game 3, the Valkyries fell to the Dream 71 to 97. The Valks are now down 1 to 2 in the series, which could last as many as 7 games.
While the loss was tough for fans to watch, spirits still remain high among the Valkyries’ fanbase.
For the first time, the Valkyries hosted a watch party inside their home arena, Chase Center, where fans could watch the game on the big screens inside. Typically, the team hosts free watch parties at the Thrive City Plaza just outside of Chase Center, where fans can sit on lawn chairs or the steps of the plaza.
But for this game, the team tried something new and charged fans $25 for tickets. The Valkyries said the net proceeds of the event go to the Golden State Community Foundation, which supports education and youth development programs in the Bay Area.
Victor Johnson, who traveled with his mom from Hayward to attend the watch party, felt the $25 entrance fee was “very reasonable,” noting they have paid as much as $400 for tickets to attend Valkyries games at Chase Center before.
“Why not come to something that’s cheaper, and the proceeds are going to a good cause,” Johnson said.
The crowd filled up most of the lower bowl sections in the arena from Section 111 through 119. Fans were given rally towels, and many brought their own signs, costumes, and purple wigs to wear. Some of the concession booths were open, so fans could order food and drinks. The crowd got some help driving the energy up from Valkyries’ emcee Ari Waller, Valkyries’ DJ Shellheart, “The Flock” dance crew, and Valkyries’ spunky mascot, Violet.
Michelle made the trip from her home in Pleasant Hill to enjoy the watch party, saying, “After Game 2, I think [the Valkyries] needed a little bit more support tonight, so I’m here, got my pom poms, I’m with my fans, let’s go baby!”
Watch parties happened across the Bay Area, including at many sports bars and restaurants. At Spark Social in San Jose, Kim attended the watch party with her wife and daughter.
Kim said of Valkyries’ games, “It’s just become so much a part of our lives.”
She continued, “for me as somebody who was never into sports, we love the positivity the Valkyries fans bring, and we’re really are just excited, we’re rooting for them, we want them to win.”
At Rikki’s Sports Bar in San Francisco, which prioritizes women’s sports, the bar was at capacity yet again, with crowds waiting in line out the door to watch Game 3.
“I don’t usually go out on a weeknight, but it’s kind of a big deal,” said Kay Sirota of Oakland of the Valkyries’ historic playoff run in their second season.
While fans were disappointed with the outcome of game three, they still believe their team has what it takes to be league champions.
“There’s a lot of basketball left, I keep telling my wife, ‘it’s best of seven, best of seven,’” Sirota said.
Game 4 will also be played in Atlanta, it starts at 10 a.m. Pacific Time on Saturday. Chase Center will be hosting another ticketed watch party inside the arena. Many local sports bars will be airing the game, including those that are part of the Valkyries’ official Bar Network.
