Atlanta Dream Express Frustration Over WNBA Finals Venue Scheduling in Open Letter

The Atlanta Dream have voiced significant concerns regarding the scheduling and venue arrangements for Game 6 of the WNBA Finals in an open letter to the city. The team expressed frustration over sharing State Farm Arena with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, particularly on the same day the Hawks are scheduled to play an NBA game.

The Dream are set to host the Golden State Valkyries in a potential series-clinching Game 6 at 12:30 p.m. EST. Later that evening, the Hawks are scheduled to play the Cavaliers at 8:00 p.m. EST in the same arena. This dual booking has raised issues for the Dream, who are concerned about the potential for a championship celebration to occur in their practice facility rather than the main arena.

In their open letter, the Dream began by thanking fans for their support throughout the season, acknowledging the challenges faced. "Thank you for your patience, your flexibility, and your willingness to navigate all the hurdles being placed in front of us. This postseason has asked a lot of our fans, our partners, our players, and our city," the letter stated.

The team highlighted that concerns about the WNBA Finals schedule conflicting with NBA games at State Farm Arena were raised two months prior when the WNBA finalized playoff dates. These concerns were reiterated as the Dream advanced through the playoffs, but the team felt they did not receive the necessary attention or urgency.

"Perhaps it was assumed that the Dream would not make it this far. Perhaps our place in the Finals was not accounted for," the letter continued. "Whatever the reason, the reality is that we are here. We earned our place in the Finals, and our city deserves the opportunity to show up for it’s team."

The Dream also expressed dissatisfaction with playing a midday game on a Thursday, noting it was not their preferred timing nor what they had fought for. While acknowledging the affection for their usual home, the Gateway Center Arena, which has a capacity of 3,500, the team emphasized the desire to play in State Farm Arena to accommodate a larger crowd of 17,000 fans for the historic series. The letter noted that State Farm Arena had adjusted its schedule multiple times to accommodate the WNBA Finals.

"The Hawks and the Dream are different teams with different histories, but we share a city, a community, and a responsibility to help Atlanta shine on the biggest stages. When one of us has an opportunity to make history, we all want to see it happen," the letter concluded. The team reiterated their pride in representing Atlanta and their gratitude for the city's support, affirming their commitment to continued success.