Downtown's arena set a new mark for women's basketball in Georgia on Monday, August 26, 2024, when the Atlanta Dream hosted Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena. In all, 17,608 tickets were sold, the most ever for a WNBA game in the state.
The figure edged past the previous high by just 33 tickets. That earlier record was also set by a Fever visit, back in June, which means the Indiana rookie has now drawn both of the Dream's record crowds in a single season. For background on why these matchups land downtown, see our earlier post on the Dream bringing Fever games to State Farm Arena.
The scene outside the arena before tip-off had a game-day feel, with a drumline playing as the line built. Fans waiting to get in wore gear for both teams.
Michelle O'Hegarty wore an Indiana T-shirt. Her daughters play basketball, and she told GPB News that Clark's attitude and skill make her a good ambassador for the women's game and a source of inspiration for young people. Her friend Ramonica Harton of Smyrna came in an Atlanta Dream shirt, and the two said their friendship would hold up no matter which team won.
Linda Northington of Atlanta said she was glad to see so many fans climbing aboard the Clark wave, pointing to the number of young people now showing up at games and the growing interest among women in playing sports of all kinds. Lily Jones, also from Atlanta, attended with her father. She admitted basketball had not held much appeal for her before she watched Clark, and said she now plays, sometimes at home.
The evening doubled as a tribute to the 1996 USA women's Olympic basketball team, which was credited during the celebration with making Atlanta the birthplace of the WNBA. At halftime, Atlanta hip-hop group Goodie Mob took the floor for a performance.
On the court, the result went Indiana's way, 84 to 79. Clark handed out seven assists to lead the Fever. For Atlanta, Tina Charles put up a season-best 28 points along with eight rebounds and an assist.
The two clubs are scheduled to meet again on Sunday, September 8, in Indiana. For downtownATL readers, the bigger takeaway is the attendance line: two record crowds in one season, both drawn to a downtown arena for women's pro basketball.
Original reporting by Peter Biello for GPB News.
