The Golden State Valkyries won 68 to 64 against the Atlanta Dream on Saturday afternoon during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. The game took place in San Francisco, at the Valkyries’ home, Chase Center, which the team and fans refer to as “Ballhalla.”
The game was close and had the 18,000 fans in attendance standing and cheering the whole way through. The Ballhalla fans, known for being extremely loud, somehow seemed even louder under the pressure and excitement of the league finals.
Fans screamed with pure elation and danced in their seats at the final buzzer as violet streamers rained down on Chase Center.
It is a day that will go down in Bay Area sports history because the Valkyries not only played their first WNBA Finals game, but also secured their first WNBA Finals win. In the Valkyries’ first season, they became the first WNBA expansion team to make the playoffs in their inaugural season. Now in season two, their playoff run has stretched even farther, and the team continues attaining major milestones.
Saturday was the team’s 50th consecutive sold-out crowd. The team has sold out every single home game in its history so far.
Valkyries fans said they got bit stressed by the end of the game, but were overjoyed to see their team lock in a win.
“My blood pressure was way up during the game, especially during the fourth quarter,” said Rolinda Wang of San Francisco. “I knew they were going to pull it off, I just felt it. And I am so excited for them, and us.”
Many fans, like 11-year-old Abigail Pulter of San Francisco, said the fans at this game seemed even louder and more energized than usual.
“It’s such a great atmosphere, it’s amazing, especially for women’s sports,” Pulter said. “It’s a big hit and our first finals.”
Pulter also described the visual of the crowd at the game all in Valkyries violet as “like a purple sea.”
There were some big names in the crowd watching the Valkyries make history at Ballhalla.
Bay Area singer Goapele performed the national anthem.
Singer and actress Rita Moreno hit the drum to mark the start of the game.
Bay Area rapper Larry June performed at halftime.
A variety of members of the Golden State Warriors organization past and present also showed up to support the Valkyries, including Warriors Coach Steve Kerr, point guard Steph Curry, and forward Draymond Green.
Fans spoke proudly about why they feel the Bay Area and the Valkyries team work so well together.
“It’s a loving community all around, this is the spirit of the Bay, this is where we live, it represents the best of all of us,” said Nathan Good, who has befriended many people through Valkyries games.
Game two of the Finals will be at Chase Center again on Monday evening. Fans said they are making plans to head to Ballhalla, Thrive City, or their favorite sports bars to watch.
