Valkyries fever sweeps Bay Area ahead of WNBA Finals opener

The Bay Area is buzzing as the Golden State Valkyries prepare for the biggest game in franchise history.

The countdown is on to Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, and after one final practice, the Valkyries say they're eager to take the court Saturday at Ballhalla against the Atlanta Dream.

With the anticipation building by the hour, head coach Natalie Nakase says her team is more than ready for the moment.

"We feel like caged animals, ready to get there into Ballhalla and play our best four quarters of defense," Nakase said.

The Valkyries have stormed into the Finals just two years after joining the league, a remarkable accomplishment that has captured the attention of basketball fans across the country.

Guard Veronica Burton says the excitement is impossible to ignore.

"The anticipation is building, but we're ready to play," Burton said.

Nakase credits the team's chemistry and selfless mindset for its rapid rise.

"Our players have big hearts. They always want success for their teammates more than for themselves. I think that's rare," she said.

Forward Gabby Williams believes staying composed under the bright lights of the championship stage will be key.

"Whoever stays the most composed will win," Williams said.

The Valkyries are expected to get a major boost from their home crowd.

Ballhalla has become one of the toughest venues in the league, with fans creating an electric atmosphere every game.

"We want to use Ballhalla to our advantage and get a good start," Williams said.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream know exactly what they're walking into.

"It's going to be loud in there. There's a lot of excitement, probably some nerves, but I'm excited to be there," Dream guard Naz Hillmon said.

With the WNBA championship on the line and the Bay Area basketball spotlight shining bright, all eyes now turn to Ballhalla, where the Valkyries will look to take the first step toward a title on Saturday night.

Fans across the city are embracing the moment, from bars filled with supporters to elaborate neighborhood displays dedicated to the team.

One of the most visible tributes is "Boohalla," a Halloween-themed Valkyries display in the Inner Richmond District near Third Avenue and Clement Street.

Visitor Laura Louie said she was impressed by the attention to detail.

"It's amazing," Louie said. "They have everything. They have the flag. They have the whole roster with their Halloween dedicated names."

The display was created by San Francisco residents Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, both season ticket holders and longtime supporters of the Valkyries.

"We just love the fan base and the culture of the valkyries," Swig said. "To get to see people walking down the street and get to chit chat with people who are also Val fans has been really fun."

Rossitto highlighted one of her favorite parts of the installation.

"My favorite is, Natalie. I think we've recreated here as Natalie nacauldron," Rossitto said. "For boohalla and she's really cooking up some strategic plays."

The display also includes references to the Valkyries' playoff run.

"The sweeping with the aces card is really fun," Swig said.

Across town at Mother Bar in the Mission District, fans expressed excitement about the growing visibility of women's sports and the Valkyries' success.

"I'm so glad we're finally in an era where women's sports are getting the recognition they deserve. We're so excited," one fan said.

Another supporter cheered, "Ballhalla yeah. Valkyries yeah..."

Season ticket holder Miki Nakamura said she has been waiting years for a WNBA team in San Francisco.

"I've been waiting for a wnba team to be here in San Francisco. I'm beyond excited," Nakamura said.

As the Valkyries prepare for their first Finals game, supporters say the team's success has created a strong sense of community throughout the Bay Area.

Rossitto and Swig said they plan to be at Chase Center for Game 1.

"We'll be at the real Ballhalla," they said.

The Valkyries will host the Atlanta Dream on Saturday afternoon at Chase Center. Fans expect the sold-out crowd at "Ballhalla" to provide a significant home-court advantage as the franchise pursues its first WNBA championship.

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