The Atlanta Dream are scrambling to find a venue for their WNBA Finals home games against the Golden State Valkyries after scheduling conflicts ruled out State Farm Arena. The Dream are scheduled to host Games 3 and 4 of the best-of-seven series on 22 and 24 October, along with Game 6 on 29 October if necessary. But State Farm Arena, the 17,044-seat downtown home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, is unavailable on all three dates.
Why State Farm Arena Is Unavailable
The arena is hosting a concert by singer Sombr on 22 October and Hawks regular-season games on 24 and 29 October. Atlanta’s regular home venue, Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, holds just 3,500 spectators for basketball. The Dream have been exploring larger alternatives, including the 13,000-seat Gas South Arena in Duluth and Georgia Tech’s 8,600-seat McCamish Pavilion, but have yet to secure an agreement, USA Today reported.
Dream president and chief operating officer Morgan Shaw Parker said last week that the team were “finalizing details on their home venue and where we will be playing”. The team and the WNBA had not announced a decision as of Sunday night.
Potential Venues for the WNBA Finals
Atlanta played six of their 22 regular-season home games at State Farm Arena this season and hosted all three of their previous home playoff games there, averaging 9,695 fans. The Dream announced last week that they will move to State Farm Arena full-time beginning in 2026, making the current situation a temporary but significant hurdle.
Here’s a look at the potential venues under consideration:
| Venue | Location | Capacity | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm Arena | Atlanta, GA | 17,044 | Unavailable (concerts, Hawks games) |
| Gas South Arena | Duluth, GA | 13,000 | Under consideration |
| McCamish Pavilion | Atlanta, GA | 8,600 | Under consideration |
| Gateway Center Arena | College Park, GA | 3,500 | Regular home venue |
Key Takeaways
- The Atlanta Dream are without a confirmed venue for WNBA Finals home games.
- State Farm Arena is booked for a concert and Hawks games on the required dates.
- Gas South Arena and McCamish Pavilion are being explored but no deals are finalized.
- The team is set to move to State Farm Arena full-time in 2026.
- A decision is expected soon as the Finals approach.
What This Means for the Dream and Their Fans
The uncertainty surrounding the venue could impact home-court advantage for the Dream, who are aiming for their first WNBA title. Playing in a smaller or alternative arena might reduce the crowd size and atmosphere compared to State Farm Arena, where they averaged nearly 10,000 fans in the playoffs. The team is working diligently to secure a suitable location that can accommodate their growing fanbase.
As the clock ticks down, the Dream and the WNBA are expected to announce a decision shortly. Fans are advised to keep an eye on official channels for updates on where the games will be played.
FAQ
Why can't the Atlanta Dream play at State Farm Arena?
State Farm Arena is unavailable on the scheduled dates due to a concert by Sombr on 22 October and Atlanta Hawks games on 24 and 29 October.
What are the alternative venues for the WNBA Finals?
The Dream are considering Gas South Arena in Duluth (13,000 capacity) and Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion (8,600 capacity).
When will the venue be announced?
The team and the WNBA have not announced a decision yet, but an announcement is expected soon as the Finals approach.