Atlanta Dream to Return to State Farm Arena for Caitlin Clark Matchups

The Atlanta Dream will host two games against the Indiana Fever featuring top WNBA draft pick Caitlin Clark at State Farm Arena due to high demand.

The Atlanta Dream have announced that they will host two games against the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena, their former home court, on June 21 and August 26. The move comes in response to the high demand expected for games featuring WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark.

Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, has captivated fans with her exceptional talent. She led the Iowa Hawkeyes to back-to-back national championship game appearances and finished her college career as the NCAA Division I's all-time leading scorer.

The Dream's current home, Gateway Center Arena, has a capacity of approximately 3,500 fans, while State Farm Arena can accommodate over 17,000. The franchise believes that the move will allow more fans to witness the excitement of Clark's WNBA debut.

"Atlanta Dream fans are the best in the WNBA," said Dream President and COO Morgan Shaw Parker. "Their passion and excitement have created a demand for tickets that far outpaces the supply inside our current arena."

State Farm Arena was the Dream's home court from their inception in 2008 until 2021. The team moved to Gateway Center Arena in 2021 to reduce operating costs and provide a more intimate atmosphere for fans.

However, the demand for tickets to see Clark play has prompted the Dream to return to their former arena. The team has sold out its season ticket allotment, becoming only the second team in league history to do so.

"We are excited to welcome our loyal Dream fan base, along with new fans, to State Farm Arena," said Dream coach Tanisha Wright. "We want to create the ultimate home court advantage and pack the house with red and blue."

The Dream's matchup with the Fever will also feature two other top WNBA draft picks: Aliyah Boston, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, and Rhyne Howard, the No. 1 overall pick in 2022.

The Dream are hoping that the return to State Farm Arena will give them an edge in their playoff push. The team has made the playoffs in four of the past five seasons, but they have yet to advance to the WNBA Finals.

With the addition of Clark, Howard, and Boston, the Dream believe they have the talent to compete for a championship this season. The return to State Farm Arena will provide them with a much-needed boost in fan support as they pursue their ultimate goal.