Hundreds of Golden State Valkyries fans defied the early morning hour to gather at Rikki’s Women’s Sports Bar in southwest San Francisco, demonstrating unwavering support for their two-year-old franchise. With the WNBA Finals Game 6 scheduled for a 12:30 p.m. local tip-off in Atlanta—equivalent to 9:30 a.m. in the Bay Area—dedicated supporters arrived as early as 7:00 a.m., three hours before the bar officially opened at 8:30 a.m. The commitment was so intense that many fans requested paid time off, swapped shifts, or called in sick to witness the potential championship-clinching moment, with one attendee admitting they avoided media interviews to prevent their employer from discovering why they skipped work.
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The atmosphere inside the mid-sized venue, which brands itself as “Mini Ballhalla,” was electric despite the lack of a final victory. The room was filled with purple and black Valkyries apparel, while fans shared an oddly purple-colored white rum drink and cheered off the purple-painted walls. This grassroots gathering highlighted the unique community bond forming around the franchise, which is fighting for its first title after a grueling season. The energy was palpable, with chants and breakfast orders mixing to create a scene rarely seen in professional sports at such an early hour.
However, the celebration was cut short as the Atlanta Dream secured an 80-69 victory over the Valkyries, tying the WNBA Finals series at 3-3. This result forces the decisive Game 7 back to San Francisco, giving the local fanbase another chance to witness the climax of the series. The early morning watch party served as a testament to the franchise’s growing popularity and the fierce loyalty of its supporters, who are now preparing for the ultimate showdown to determine the league’s champion.
Source: Yahoo Sports
