Baltimore had its first taste of the WNBA and the experience did not disappoint.
Despite the unseasonably cold weather and Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark out of Wednesday’s lineup due to injury, the arena was nearly full of fans looking for their first opportunity for a live WNBA game in Charm City.
Fans got to see a young Washington Mystics team that has been recharged by their rookies and DMV native Shakira Austin, as well as Fever’s DeWanna Bonner, the third all-time leading scorer, alongside teammate Aliyah Boston, the Fever’s 2023 #1 overall pick. Wednesday night’s game was one of two games that will be played at CFG Arena this season between the Fever and the Mystics.
Despite the Mystics being the home team, there were a healthy amount of Clark fans that came to the game — Clark’s jersey was seen often throughout the crowd. Clark even came out and took pics with young fans and signed autographs.
Tom from Bel Air told Baltimore Beat he is a Fever fan who got into the WNBA thanks to his young daughter. “My daughter really got into basketball over the past couple of years and through her excitement, it really brings joy to me to see her enjoy the game so much,” he said. Tom also loved the fact that he didn’t have to drive to DC to get to the game and acknowledged that the drive to Baltimore was more convenient for his daughter to try and see her favorite player.
There were a lot of Mystics fans representing their squad as well. Anastasia from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has been a Mystics fan for a few years, and was happy to ride down I-83 to see the team. “It’s pretty cool to have it in this big [arena],” she said. “There’s a lot more fans, it’s a lot more exciting.”
When in Baltimore, you must do Baltimore things. So of course, you have to play “Bring In The Katz.” The t-shirt giveaway became a dance party when the famous club song anchored by 92 Q’s Porkchop came on, causing everyone to get up off their feet and cut a rug.
Mystics house DJ, DJ Heat, played a lot of Baltimore Club music during TV timeouts, and the halftime show included local artists Tate Kobang, YBS Skola and Bandhunta Izzy, while local dance groups were on the floor doing Baltimore’s favorite tew steps such as the Park Heights Strut and the SpongeBob.
Erin Blaine, fan experience manager at Monumental Sports, created a special ticket offer called Shot Clock Social, a VIP-type area where she curated a space for Baltimore influencers and content creators to be a part of (and post about) Wednesday’s inaugural event. The event had a culture shift theme, geared towards Baltimore culture. Those that were invited took pictures at the photo booth, a sneaker wall, received crafty cocktails from their own bar as well as catered food. Blaine said that they wanted to do a “remake of the city of Baltimore” with the space and they succeeded.
Pax the Panda, the Mystics mascot, hung out with the crowd and twerked his way around the arena, bringing the fun to kids and adults alike, while the Mystics dancers did their routines to today’s hip hop.
As the game grew on, the crowd got more into the game and Mystics fans cheered louder, helping the Mystics secure their win over the Fever, 83-77.
If you’re someone like me who remembers the days of the Washington Bullets having games in Charm City, this brought back some nostalgic memories. The vibes were equally high and the support was just as strong. The Mystics definitely have a market in Baltimore.
For those who missed the opportunity to see the Mystics and/or Clark, there’s a second chance. They play again at CFG Bank Arena on Sunday, September 7, at 3 p.m. This is the perfect time, as it doesn’t conflict with the Ravens game Sunday night. Don’t miss the experience. I promise it is well worth it!