The Golden State Valkyries have the Bay Area's attention and more
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Photo by Connor Buestad - Section925
By Connor Buestad - connor@Section925.com
The positive energy outside of Chase Center for a Golden State Valkyries game is palpable. Upon arrival, you’re met with brand new soft-purple Valks merchandise on fans young and old. Basketball heads eager for a “Great Time Out” like the days at the Arena in Oakland when the Warriors were lovably horrible line the streets on the way toward the arena. The fan base is simultaneously familiar and foreign. The majority clearly come from the same family tree as Oakland Dubs fans, while others seem to be stumbling in to just see what this new team with a unique name is all about.
When you enter the state-of-the art NBA arena to see the 29th season of WNBA basketball (now featuring it’s 15th team), it’s hard not to notice the behemoth jumbotron hanging out over in front of you, daring you to watch its ultra-HD contents. (Even the game itself is hard to avoid watching on-screen vs the real life players on the hardwood). In-arena host Ari Waller is already hard at work promoting the roving DJ, along with a slew of modern distractions designed to get the new fan base lathered up for top level women’s hoops. Everything about the atmosphere feels like a regular season Warriors game. Nothing about it is second rate.
As tipoff approaches, the Valkyries let you know more than a few times that you’re actually in a fictional world called “Ballhalla.” To clarify, this is an ode to Nordic mythologies of the ancient Scandinavians. “Valhalla” was once ruled over by an ancient god who welcomed female warriors who have died in battle. A valkyrie itself was a female who decided who would die in battle. “Valkyrie” translates directly to "chooser of the slain." On this given Saturday at Chase Center, the Las Vegas Aces (owned by both Tom Brady and Mark Davis) died in battle at the hands of the Valkyries in an upset blowout. Brady was absent from the festivities, but yes, Davis and his Lloyd Christmas haircut were prominent in the front row throughout.
Natalie Nakase serves as the head coach of the Valkyries, this being her first head coaching gig in the WNBA. Across from her perch on the sideline is Jess Smith, the fearless president of the expansion squad, wearing a power suit and giving off the same type of aura as Joe Lacob does most nights for the Warriors. The gameplan to slow down superstar A’ja Wilson only slightly works, but the Valkyries counter her 17 points by going an impressive 17 of 18 from the charity stripe. Meanwhile, from beyond the arc, Kayla Thornton erupted for 22 points and hit four of the teams 10 threes. By the end of the third quarter, the Valkyries remained in full control and the arena was repeatedly erupting into a standing ovation. By game’s end, Chase Center had turned into a party and no dunks were needed. The people were sufficiently entertained.
Filing out of the arena, smiles abounded from both young and old, male and female. The score and outcome helped, sure, but above all, the fans seemed more thrilled with the fact that the Valkyries were here in The Bay and easily selling out the city’s biggest arena, night after night. The WNBA is on a heater right now, with no signs of slowing down. Just the other day, three more future expansion teams were announced, which will bump up the league total to 18 teams after Cleveland, Detroit and Philly jump into the booming business of women’s basketball.
For now, the Golden State Valkyries clearly have next and they are not shy about enjoying their moment in the spotlight. The ladies in purple are thriving and Ballhalla is creating a must-see atmosphere by The Bay. Do yourself a favor and see for yourself.
