Local

Dream-Fever set new attendance record for WNBA game in Georgia

By Courtney Martinez, WSBTV.com

Indiana Fever v Atlanta Dream ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 26: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream handles the ball as Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever plays defense during the game against the Indiana Fever on August 26, 2024 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) (Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

By Courtney Martinez, WSBTV.com

ATLANTA — A new attendance record has been set for a WNBA game played in Georgia.

The Atlanta Dream hosted the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena with 17,608 in attendance to set the record. The last game between the Dream and Fever drew 17,575 for the previous record.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Channel 2′s Bryan Mims spoke with women’s basketball fans before tipoff on Monday. The fans expressed their excitement to see not only the young talent, like Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, but also the All-Star talent for the Dream.

“I’m here for both,” Betsy Ballard said. “I live in Atlanta, but I also love to watch Caitlin Clark and all her teammates. I’m here to see both the teams, Allisha Gray, all of them. It’s just amazing.”

The Dream fell behind 52-38 at halftime, but rallied in the second half behind Tina Charles and Rhyne Howard.

Atlanta pulled within three with a minute left. The Dream grabbed a few offensive rebounds, but they couldn’t get the shots to drop. Kelsey Mitchell, who led the Fever with 29 points, sealed the 84-79 win at the free throw line with five seconds left. Clark finished with 19 points.

Charles led the Dream with 28 points and Howard added 16 points.

TRENDING STORIES:

The crowd wasn’t just treated to a nail biter, but there was also basketball royalty in the house. The franchise honored members of the USA Women’s Basketball team that won the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The team is credited with popularizing WNBA.

Atlanta hip-hop icons Goodie Mob performed at halftime.

The Dream hit the west coast for the next week with games against the Seattle Storm, Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury. Atlanta returns home on Sept. 6 against the Dallas Wings at Gateway Center Arena in College Park.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS

The College Football Hall of Fame is celebrating its 10th anniversary (WSB-TV)

©2024 Cox Media Group

0

Most Read