By Field Level Media
Oct 06 (Field Level Media) – The Atlanta Dream will begin playing all of their home games at State Farm Arena starting next season.
The WNBA team announced a multi-year agreement on Tuesday with the home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.
Since 2021, the Dream have been based at 3,500-capacity Gateway Center Arena in suburban College Park, Ga. They have sold out every game there over the past three seasons.
By comparison, State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta can hold more than 17,000 for basketball games. The Dream have had eight sellouts at the larger arena.
“This is an exciting next chapter for the Atlanta Dream, and a direct reflection of the exciting style of play that is Dream basketball, the passion of our fans and the incredible growth of this franchise,” Dream president and COO Morgan Shaw Parker said in a statement. “Our players and our fans have transformed Gateway Center Arena into the most exciting experience in the WNBA. State Farm Arena gives us the opportunity to welcome thousands of additional fans while creating an even bigger stage for women’s basketball in Atlanta. We look forward to bringing the energy, traditions and spirit of Gateway with us to the heart of our city.”
Over the past five years, the Dream have seen more than a 400% growth in season ticket members, per the team.
Atlanta is currently competing in the WNBA playoff semifinals, holding a 1-0 lead over the New York Liberty in a best-of-five series. The Dream won Game 1 on Sunday at State Farm Arena before a crowd of 9,745.
“We are thrilled that the Atlanta Dream has chosen to make State Farm Arena its new home. The team’s brand and fan base have grown tremendously throughout the city as the Dream has become one of the WNBA’s elite franchises both on and off the court,” said Andrew Saltzman, president of business enterprise and chief commercial officer of the Hawks and State Farm Arena. “The WNBA is experiencing a meteoric rise with rapid growth in attendance and viewership, and this is a great opportunity to elevate the visibility of women’s basketball and bring that excitement to our world-class venue.”
The Dream will play 25 regular-season games at State Farm Arena in 2027 under the league’s expanded 50-game schedule.
(-Field Level Media)
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