Fans packed VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for the Waves’ historic inaugural game. The debut highlights the growing popularity of women’s athletics nationwide.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville officially welcomed professional women’s basketball Friday night as the Jacksonville Waves tipped off their inaugural home opener against the Charlotte Crown in front of a sold-out crowd at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
Fans packed the downtown arena for the opening night of the new Upshot League franchise, creating an electric atmosphere as the city celebrated a historic moment in Jacksonville sports.
From youth basketball teams traveling in from out of town to longtime local sports fans eager to support the new franchise, excitement filled the arena hours before tipoff.
“This is lit. Duval is Duval. We gonna show up. We gonna show out,” fan Brian Whipple said.
The Waves’ debut drew support from fans across the region, including Trinity Elite, a girls travel basketball team from Gainesville.
“I’m ready to see them ball out,” one Trinity Elite player said before the game.
Fans said the addition of a professional women’s basketball team is an important step for the city and for women’s sports.
“Watching a women’s basketball league come here, that’s something that’s great for the city and great for the community,” fan William Lyle said.
The inaugural game also highlighted the growing popularity and visibility of women’s athletics nationwide.
“The dominance of women’s sports has always been in the shadow, and just to bring it to light in a city like Jacksonville is really going to be the step up to us getting bigger and better teams in town,” fan Andi Dann said.
Sisters Shealena Stewart and Jeanne Buckholtz said the team brings new energy and opportunity to Jacksonville’s sports scene.
“Of course we’re used to having the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it’s time for the Waves,” Stewart said. “It’s good for the city.”
“I’m loving the atmosphere,” Buckholtz added. “Jacksonville Waves — come on, we have this here in Jacksonville.”
Even furry fans joined the celebration, with one fan bringing a dog dressed for the occasion.
As the Waves took the court for the first time, many fans said they hope the team’s debut is only the beginning of a long future for professional women’s basketball on the First Coast.
“I’m really excited,” Whipple said. “Being able to have some type of professional basketball team in the city, bringing the attention and bringing the excitement — I’m all for it.”
The Waves’ season is just getting started. Fans can view the team’s schedule and purchase tickets for upcoming games at Waves Upshot.