The hoops are set to heat up at State Farm Arena today as the Atlanta Dream prepare to go head to head with the Indiana Fever. Escaping their usual haunt, the Gateway Center Arena, for a larger stage, the Dream are responding to a swelling demand that's been years in the making. Usually home to a modest 3,500 spectators, the Dream's regular digs couldn't contain the fan fervor for their upcoming clash, prompting a switch to a capacity of over 15,000 at State Farm.
This game is not just any regular showdown; it's one of those events you could easily and mistakenly oversell. Caitlin Clark of the Fever, the top pick in this year's draft, is set to offer a spectacle, and fans are here for it. According to WABE, Atlanta Dream's President and COO Morgan Shaw Parker commented on the enthusiasm of fans leading to an impressive record of sellouts, saying, "Their passion and excitement led us to the most sellouts in the league over the last two years and has created a demand for tickets that far outpaces the supply."
The decision to upsize has set the stage for potentially breaking the team’s home attendance record, previously set at 11,609 spectators back in 2008. The Dream representatives are hopeful that this surge of support will spill over into the rest of the season, making every game feel like a sold-out concert.
Tanisha Wright, the Dream’s Head Coach, is rallying to not only fill the stands but aslo capture that elusive home court advantage. "We are excited to welcome our loyal Dream fan base, along with new fans, to State Farm Arena," Wright said in a press release last month, clearly set to completely pack the house with enthusiastic fans sported in red and blue, as reported by WABE.
This season marks a spirited return to the WNBA playoffs for the Dream since 2018, and there's a palpable buzz around the rejuvenated team. With a sold-out season ticket allotment and 10 sellouts since the season's tip-off, the Dream are making bold strides in this year's playoff push – and Friday’s game at State Farm Arena could very well be the catalyst for a Dream revolution in the league.
