Valkyries to play first playoff game in San Jose due to arena conflict
SAN FRANCISCO — The Valkyries will not play their first playoff game in franchise history in San Francisco.
Instead, the expansion franchise will have its game moved to SAP Center in downtown San Jose, the team announced in a press release on Thursday after punching its ticket to the postseason with an 84-80 victory over Dallas.
The game will be played on Sept. 16 or 17.
Chase Center, where the Valkyries have sold out all 21 of their home games, had been booked years in advance for the Laver Cup tennis tournament.
“(It) was booked at Chase Center in 2023 before the Bay Area was awarded a WNBA team,” the press release read. “The organization explored every possible option to host its first round Playoff game at Chase Center, but SAP Center emerged as the right fit for this historic event. Golden State vetted several venues, including Oakland Arena which had a scheduling conflict due to a property-wide private event, and is thrilled to partner with SAP Center.”
The Sharks play their NHL games at SAP Center.
Veronica Burton, the Valkyries’ leader, said neither she nor the team is phased by having to play its postseason home game in the South Bay.
“That’s obviously above us, so we can’t control it,” Burton said. “We have faith in our fans that they’re going to continue to show out for us. And wherever we play, we’re going to bring our basketball. So we’re confident, we’re excited, and it’s another opportunity to compete. So regardless of where we’re at, we’re going to show up.”
Fans head in to the arena for game three of the Western Conference Finals between the San Jose Sharks and the St. Louis Blues during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on May 19, 2016 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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