Atlanta Dream Figure Out Arena Problem for WNBA Finals

The Atlanta Dream have secured their place in the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013, but faced a hurdle in their hosting plans. State Farm Arena, their home arena starting next year, was unavailable on the dates needed for the Finals due to scheduled Atlanta Hawks games and a concert. The WNBA games were set to be played on Thursday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 24. The Thursday night game was to be headlined by pop artist Sombr, while the Saturday home opener for the Hawks was scheduled at 8:30 p.m. ET.

WNBA fans expressed concerns that the Dream might have to play their Games 3 and 4 at Gateway Center Arena, which has a much smaller capacity of 3,500 fans compared to State Farm Arena's 17,000+. However, the league made necessary adjustments to the scheduling on Tuesday to alleviate any doubts about the Dream's hosting arrangements.

Game 3, originally scheduled for Thursday, will now take place on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at State Farm Arena. Additionally, Game 4's tip-off has been moved up to 1 p.m. ET, allowing both the Dream and the Hawks to play at the arena on the same day. This solution is a positive outcome for the Dream, who aim to win their first WNBA title by defeating the Golden State Valkyries.

The Valkyries' games will be held at Chase Center, where no scheduling conflicts arise due to the Golden State Warriors' absence or any concerts. The WNBA Finals are scheduled to kick off on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 3:30 p.m. ET.