The expectations have never been higher for the Atlanta Dream. With a new head coach and big name arrivals in Brittney Griner and Briona Jones, everything points toward a promising upcoming WNBA season. “We made it clear we want to compete for a championship. We wanted to bring in people who were talented, and I think we’re well on the way. It has the makings for a very special team, and that is the expectation,” said head coach Smesko, who is ready for the challenge. But the Dream aren’t stopping there–they’re aiming big and looking to cash in on the Caitlin Clark effect.
According to Colin Salao, the Atlanta Dream are exploring options for a new arena, including the possibility of building their own venue with a seating capacity of up to 14,000. They’re also moving their first home game of the season against the Indiana Fever to State Farm Arena.
“The excitement around the Atlanta Dream has never been higher, and we can’t wait to open this season in front of a packed house at State Farm Arena,” said Dream President and COO Morgan Shaw Parker. “There’s no doubt our home opener on May 22nd will be electric!” There are clear reasons for this change.
The Atlanta Dream generally play their home games at Gateway Center Arena, which has a capacity of just 3,500. However, with superstar Caitlin Clark driving a 48% rise in ticket sales last year, the Dream don’t want to miss out on the potential financial benefits. That’s why they’re moving to State Farm Arena, which can hold 14,000 fans. Andy Froemel on X had this to say.
Syndication: The Indianapolis Star Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark 22 rushes up the court Thursday, June 13, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream, 91-84. Indianapolis , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGracexHollars/IndyStarx USATSI_23541921
The Dream are coming off back-to-back playoff appearances and have sold out season tickets for the second straight year. Moving to a bigger arena to meet the rising demand makes perfect sense. But the Dream aren’t the only team making waves this season. Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever have also made some big moves this offseason and will be a team to watch alongside Atlanta.
Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever a team to watch out for
The Atlanta Dream made some big offseason moves, bringing in 10x All-Star Brittney Griner and 3x All-Star Brionna Jones. But the Indiana Fever weren’t far behind. They added 6x All-Star DeWanna Bonner and 2x All-Star Natasha Howard to their squad.
The Fever also strengthened their guard depth by signing Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham. New head coach Stephanie White was thrilled with the additions. “We’ve surrounded our big three with great veteran players who complement them, and I think we’ve done that. We were fortunate to do both (free agency and adding depth). It puts us in a position to compete.”
With key roster upgrades and growing fan interest, both the Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever are set for serious playoff runs this season. The stage is set for an exciting showdown when they face off back-to-back–first at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, then at State Farm Arena. Stay tuned for more updates!
The post Atlanta Dreams Bigger as They Change Plans to Host Caitlin Clark & Co. appeared first on EssentiallySports.
