SAN FRANCISCO – On a vibrant Thursday morning, Sika Lopez decided to take her 11-year-old daughter Kendra out of school for a memorable experience at the early watch party outside Chase Center, where fans gathered to cheer on the Golden State Valkyries. With several thousand fans filling the plaza at Thrive City, the atmosphere was electric as everyone united to support the Valkyries in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta.
Lopez, who grew up in Los Angeles idolizing basketball legends like Lisa Leslie, believes that attending such events can significantly influence Kendra’s aspirations. “This is such a monumental moment. The Valkyries have worked so hard. When I was her age, this wasn’t even possible,” Sika remarked, her enthusiasm palpable as she clapped along with the crowd.
Indeed, the energy was infectious. Hundreds of fans raised their hands when energetic in-arena host Ari Waller inquired if they had taken a day off work or school for the occasion. Kendra, donning her favorite player Kayla Thornton’s jersey, proudly missed a day of sixth grade in the East Bay to support the Valkyries. “It makes a big difference because the Valkyries are such a young team, and to be able to support them so early means something to me,” she expressed.
Joshua Padilla from Santa Clara echoed similar sentiments, bringing his two daughters, 15-year-old Mariah and 10-year-old Malia, to the event. Both girls creatively informed their teachers they had doctor appointments, a suggestion inspired by point guard Veronica Burton’s cheeky advice after Game 5: “Call in sick, I recommend it.”
“It’s just really special. I’m happy to be here with my sister and my dad; we never really get the quality time,” Mariah said. “I think this is a great way, something we all connect with, and we love the Valkyries.” Despite the early start time of 9:30 a.m. PDT, the fans, dubbed “Ballhalla,” braved traffic to witness the game on the massive 74-foot by 42-foot screen. Although the Valkyries trailed 46-26 at halftime, the significance of the gathering transcended the score.
Padilla emphasized the importance of exposing his daughters to strong, athletic women and the diverse fan base supporting the Valkyries. “That’s exactly why I wanted to have them come out here. Women’s sports are thriving right now, and it’s becoming bigger,” he stated. With four daughters, he felt that bringing two of them to support women’s sports was a vital lesson about the growing opportunities for women in athletics.
The watch party not only showcased the excitement surrounding the Valkyries but also highlighted the increasing visibility of women’s sports. As families and fans came together, it became clear that moments like these resonate deeply, fostering connections that extend beyond the basketball court.
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