The Golden State Valkyries are on the cusp of winning their first WNBA title, and fans who want to see the potentially historic event Thursday should pay close attention to the clock.
There won’t be much time to pre-game, because Game 6 against the Atlanta Dream starts at 9:30 a.m. PT. The unusually early tipoff was a necessary compromise to play the game at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, which has an NBA game scheduled for the night.
So figure out your best excuse for ditching your 9-to-5, don your violet, and sneak off to one of these Valkyrie-friendly venues for a coffee — or something stronger — while cheering for Gabby Williams and Co.
Official Finals watch party, Thrive City, 1 Warriors Way, Mission Bay
Gather outside the Chase Center starting at 8:30 to see if the team makes history. Restaurants and bars around the plaza will be open. Space is limited, and the team warns that entrance is not guaranteed with registration. Click here (opens in new tab) for details.
‘Bounce’ watch party (opens in new tab), Tickets: Free (donation suggested), KALW Public Media Events Space, 220 Montgomery St., Financial District
Head to the radio station’s event space to watch with complimentary coffee, tea, and doughnuts and alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Be sure to RSVP. The event, hosted by the women’s pro sports podcast “Bounce,” is free, with suggested donations between $10 and $20. The pre-party starts at 9 a.m.
It’ll likely be chilly, so bring a Valkyries-branded jacket and beanie to stay warm. The Salesforce Park’s main plaza has been hosting all of the Valkyries’ Finals games. Admission is free.
Doors open at 8 a.m. at this sports bar. Reserve a table or get there early, since the Women’s Sports Lounge is first come, first served. Drinks start flowing at 8 a.m.; the kitchen opens at 9.
The women’s sports bar will open at 8:30 a.m. for fans of all ages. It’s first come, first served, even if you RSVP. Breakfast and drink specials will start your day off right.
Fans cheer during a watch party for the WNBA semifinals game three at Rikki’s. | Source: Heather Diehl for The Standard
After posting an Instagram poll to see if people would come, Mother, the hyena-themed queer bar, will open at 9:15 a.m. for fans 21 and older. The bar will have a Violet Vibe drink special and coffee.
Open at 9 a.m., this spacious taproom will be ready to welcome the work-from-homers and anyone taking a faux sick day.
This worker-owned cafe and restaurant in the Fruitvale neighborhood will open at 9 a.m. Since it’s a coworking space with fast Wi-Fi, this is the perfect place to “work” while watching the game. There’ll be Valkyries-themed food and drinks as well as a big projector and other screens. The full kitchen and bar will be open.
The bar, which celebrates its first anniversary this weekend, will open at 9 a.m., with breakfast sausages and hot dogs for sale and the big screens ready to go. The watch party is 21 and up, and outside food is welcome.
Standard Deviant’s 14th St. location will open at 9 a.m. There will be free pancakes with any other purchase.
Starting at 9 a.m., diners age 21 and up can order from the brunch menu, complete with an Irish breakfast or berry-topped French toast.