San Francisco and the wider Bay Area are preparing for an unusually early basketball occasion as bars, restaurants and fan venues get ready to show Game 6 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream.
The game will begin at 9.30am local time on Thursday, October 29, turning a potential championship-clinching fixture into a breakfast-time event for supporters in California.
Golden State lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 after beating Atlanta 64-55 in Game 5 at Chase Center on Monday. Victory in Atlanta would secure the Valkyries’ first WNBA title in only their second season.
Hospitality businesses around the Bay Area have been adjusting their plans for the early start, with breakfast menus, coffee and morning watch parties replacing the usual evening sports-bar routine.
Golden State Valkyries fans prepare for Game 6 watch parties
The Valkyries are also staging an official viewing event at Thrive City, outside Chase Center in San Francisco. Doors are due to open at 8.30am, allowing supporters to gather before the action begins.
The unusual timing follows a decision by the WNBA to move the game from its original evening slot. Game 6 will be played at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena at 12.30pm Eastern Time, before the Atlanta Hawks face the Cleveland Cavaliers there later on Thursday.
The WNBA said the change would allow the Finals to be held at the larger arena, after sell-out crowds attended Games 3 and 4 in Atlanta. The Hawks’ game was subsequently moved back to an 8pm start.
For Bay Area fans, the scheduling has brought an unexpected test of loyalty, with some venues opening early and serving breakfast as supporters gather to watch the Valkyries attempt to finish the series.
