The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries will meet for Game 6 of the WNBA Finals on Thursday at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta. The game is set to tip off at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, creating a matinee start for East Coast fans and a breakfast‑time kickoff for those on the West Coast.
Ownership group voices frustration
In an open letter released Wednesday, Dream owners Larry and Robyn Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair and former player‑turned‑executive Renee Montgomery outlined their concerns. They said the early‑afternoon start and the venue choice “did not receive the attention they deserved” and that the schedule “was not what we fought for.”
“Two months ago, when the WNBA finalized playoff dates and times, we raised concerns that the WNBA Finals schedule conflicted with NBA games at State Farm Arena,” the letter stated. “As we moved through the playoffs, we reiterated those concerns. Our concerns did not receive the attention, nor the urgency that they deserved.”
Venue capacity and scheduling challenges
State Farm Arena, home to the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, can hold roughly 17,000 fans. By contrast, the Dream’s regular home court, Gateway Center Arena, seats about 3,500 spectators, the smallest capacity in the league. The Dream announced plans to move all home games to State Farm Arena beginning in 2027, hoping to provide a larger stage for fans.
The shift to an early afternoon slot also impacts the Hawks’ schedule. A Hawks‑Rockets game on Saturday was moved to 8:30 p.m., and Thursday’s Hawks‑Cavaliers matchup will start at 8 p.m. to allow arena crews time to transition between the WNBA and NBA events.
League’s response and fan reaction
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised the sellout crowds for Games 3 and 4 and expressed excitement about bringing more fans to Game 6. “The sellout crowds and extraordinary atmosphere at State Farm Arena for Games 3 and 4 were a tremendous success, and we’re excited to give thousands more fans the opportunity to experience Game 6 with a championship on the line,” Engelbert said.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne described the weekday afternoon slot as “the best of the bad solutions,” noting that alternatives such as moving Game 6 to Friday and Game 7 to Tuesday were discussed. Tuesday, Nov. 3, is also Election Day for the midterm elections, adding another layer of complexity.
Local officials weigh in
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens urged employers and educators to “extend a little grace” to Dream fans on Thursday afternoon, encouraging the community to support the team while balancing work and school commitments.
Despite the logistical hurdles, the Dream confirmed that tickets for Game 6 have sold out, underscoring strong local support for the team’s historic run.
Looking ahead
The Dream’s ownership hopes that the experience of playing in a larger arena will set a precedent for future seasons. Their open letter emphasizes that the city and its fans deserve a world‑class stage for championship basketball, and they expect the league to consider these concerns in future scheduling decisions.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
