Sports
College Park rallies around Atlanta Dream before decisive Golden State matchup
The Dream received a community send-off at Gateway Center Arena before traveling to San Francisco for a winner-take-all game against Golden State, with a WNBA Finals berth at stake. The farewell also marked the team’s final postseason trip from its College Park home before moving to State Farm Arena next season.
COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — Atlanta Dream players boarded their team bus to cheers from local supporters before heading to San Francisco for a winner-take-all matchup with Golden State and a chance to reach the WNBA Finals.
The send-off took place at Gateway Center Arena, where the Dream have played in College Park. City officials, police and fire department members, and representatives of the Destination Must Visit Tourism Alliance gathered to recognize the team’s postseason run and its connection to the community.
The Dream are scheduled to move to State Farm Arena next season, making the gathering a farewell to the College Park home the team has shared with local fans.
Amber Batchelor, co-founder and president of the tourism alliance, said the event was organized collaboratively as a way for College Park to show its affection for the team. Players received individual send-offs as they left for the airport.
Coach Karl Smesko said the team had shown its quality in the postseason after a strong regular season, but emphasized that playoff success has to be earned on the court. He said he hoped the players could complete their run with a championship.
The game against Golden State will determine whether Atlanta advances to the WNBA Finals.