The Atlanta Dream franchise has peaked for the first time in over a decade. After a stellar regular season, they are proving themselves to be the most dominant team during the postseason. It would be safe to say that right now, the Dream are the most successful team in Atlanta. But sadly, it seems like the Dream can’t confirm the venue to host the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA Finals. 

“An Atlanta Dream spokesperson says the team is “finalizing the details around our home venue for the Finals and will share that information with fans as soon as it’s confirmed.” There are events scheduled at State Farm Arena each of the 3 days a WNBA Finals game is set to be in Atlanta,” Justin Felder of Fox 5 Sports reported. 

The State Farm Arena is booked for Oct. 22, 24 and 29, all three dates that the Dream are scheduled to play the Valkyries. Somber is set to perform on Oct. 22 and on the remaining two dates, the Hawks host the Houston Rockets and the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

The Dream usually hosts their games at Gateway Center Arena at College Park, and its schedule is open during October during the WNBA Finals.

However, it would be hard to accommodate the number of fans during the Finals. In the last three seasons, the Dream have sold out all of their games at the Gateway Center Arena, and the State Farm Arena eight times during the same span. The State Farm Arena will be able to adjust to ticket demand with increased capacity, allowing the Dream to host a large number of fans with more ticket options and price points.

Dream sign a crucial deal with State Farm Arena

The Dream would now wish that they had made this decision a year ago. But the good news is that they have decided to move all of their games to State Farm Arena. In light of the exponential growth in their fanbase, they have signed a multi-year deal with the arena. But the deal kicks in next season.

“The move to State Farm Arena reflects the unprecedented growth of the franchise, increasing ticket demand and overall excitement for the entire Dream fan experience,” the Dream said in a press release.

In the last five years, the Dream’s season ticket sales have increased by 400%. With the new deal, the Dream’s ownership is now targeting fans from across the country, and trading for Angel Reese has significantly increased their ticket sales. By percentage, the Dream had the largest year-over-year attendance boost. Their total attendance has increased by nearly 55% since last year. 

“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 Chief Operating Officer Morgan Shaw Parker said. “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.”

This is the fourth straight year that the Dream have reached the playoffs. However, they exited in the first round on all previous three occasions. This is also the first time that they have advanced beyond the first round since 2018. The Dream swept the Washington Mystics in the first round. They also swept Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty in the semifinals before advancing to the Finals.

Can the Dream break the sweep nightmare?

This is the fourth time the Dream have reached the WNBA Finals. During 2010 and 2011, they hosted Game 3 of the Finals at Philips Arena, which was later renamed ‌State Farm Arena. In 2013, the Dream hosted Game 3 at Gas South Arena. In all three WNBA Finals, they were swept. Would it be the same story this WNBA Finals?

So far, their chances of winning it all look promising. After two rounds, they look like the most dominant team in the postseason. They have better defensive and offensive ratings than the Golden State Valkyries, backed by an elite lineup. 

Atlanta features some of the best wing defenders in the league. They have the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and scoring ability against any team. But the regular season doesn’t support their case. The Valkyries swept them 0-3 in their regular-season matchup. Head coach Karl Smesko needs to take his players into the film room if he wants to be the one breaking the nightmare.