The WNBA will once again move a Finals game in Atlanta to a larger venue. Game 6 between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries will be played at State Farm Arena at a new time — 12:30 p.m. on Thursday — league officials confirmed on Monday.
The much smaller Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta was originally slated to host the potentially championship-deciding game at 8 p.m. on Thursday. But the venue can only hold about 3,500 fans.
State Farm Arena, home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, has room for 17,000 spectators.
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The Hawks were originally scheduled to host the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7 p.m. on Thursday. That game will be moved to 8 p.m. to accommodate the WNBA.
“The sellout crowds and extraordinary atmosphere at State Farm arena for Games 3 and 4 were a tremendous success, and we’re excited to give thousands more fans the opportunity to experience Game 6 with a championship on the line,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.
Tickets for Game 6 will go on sale at 4 p.m. on Monday.
Game 7, if necessary, will still be played at San Francisco’s Chase Center on Saturday night.
The WNBA, in partnership with the venue, the Dream, the Valkyries and the Hawks, previously moved Wednesday’s Game 3 and Saturday’s Game 4 to State Farm Arena despite initial scheduling conflicts.
Moving Thursday’s game was an even bigger lift due to the tighter timeline, according to multiple reports.
“We thank the NBA, Dream, Valkyries, Hawks, State Farm Arena and USA Network for the collaboration and flexibility that made this move possible,” Ms. Engelbert said. “We look forward to delivering another unforgettable Finals experience in Atlanta.”
WNBA franchises often move marquee matchups from smaller venues like Gateway Center Arena to larger sites, such as those occupied by NBA teams. The WNBA’s rise in popularity over the past three years has made those moves essential.
The Finals are currently knotted at 2-2 heading into Monday night’s Game 5 in San Francisco.
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