Sports
Atlanta Dream bring Finals back downtown to a sold-out State Farm Arena
The Dream’s Game 3 against the Golden State Valkyries is sold out, with more than 40,000 people reportedly waiting for tickets. Atlanta hosts the game Wednesday at 8 p.m., with the best-of-seven series tied 1-1.
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Dream will play before a sold-out crowd at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night, as their WNBA Finals series against the Golden State Valkyries shifts to downtown Atlanta with the teams tied at one game apiece.
More than 40,000 people were in the ticket queue for Game 3, underscoring the demand for the Dream’s first home Finals games. The 8 p.m. matchup is one of two Finals games moved to the Hawks’ arena to accommodate more fans than Gateway Center Arena in College Park, which seats about 3,500.
The move brings the series to a larger venue after the Dream faced a loud Golden State crowd in the Valkyries’ “Ballhalla.” State Farm Arena is also set to become the Dream’s home through 2031.
Atlanta evened the series Monday with a 79-65 win. Angel Reese led the Dream with 30 points and 16 rebounds as the team pulled away in the second half. A win Wednesday would put Atlanta ahead in the best-of-seven series; Game 4 is also scheduled for State Farm Arena.
The game is expected to add to evening traffic downtown. Fans traveling by car were advised to leave early, while MARTA offers a rail option to reach the arena.