Dream address WNBA Finals venue mess in open letter to Atlanta

As Game 6 of the WNBA Finals is on the horizon, the Atlanta Dream released an open letter that was addressed to the city over concerns they had about the Hawks playing in a proper-sized venue, as well as playing the same day as the Hawks — who they are currently sharing a stadium with.The Dream will host the Golden State Valkyries at 12:30 p.m.EST at State Farm Arena, the same day the Hawks will play the Cavaliers in an NBA game at 8:00 p.m.

EST.With the venue hosting two teams in a potential series-deciding game that could feature the Valkyries celebrating their first WNBA title in franchise history in Atlanta, Golden State could be forced to celebrate in the Dream’s practice facility.The letter opened with the Dream thanking their fans for all their support this season.“Thank you for your patience, your flexibility, and your willingness to navigate all the hurdles being placed in front of us.This postseason has asked a lot of our fans, our partners, our players, and our city,” the letter read.“Two months ago, when the WNBA finalized playoff dates and times, we raised concerns that the W Finals conflicted with NBA games at State Farm Arena.

As we moved through the playoffs, we reiterated those concerns.Our concerns did not receive the attention, nor the urgency that they deserved.”The letter went on to call out the WNBA’s belief in the Dream reaching the finals.“Perhaps it was assumed that the Dream would not make it this far.

Perhaps our place in the Finals was not accounted for.Whatever the reason, the reality is that we are here.

We earned our place in the Finals, and our city deserves the opportunity to show up for it’s team.“Playing a midday game on a Thursday is not what we would have chosen and not what we fought for.And as much as we have great affection and nostalgia for Gateway Center Arena, we believed that our fans and the city wanted the opportunity to be a part of this historic series, and to see it played on a world-class sta...