Hours before Game 6 tipoff of the WNBA Finals, Babe’s Sports Bar in Logan Square adjusted its operating hours. A temporary sign reading “Babe’s Cafe. Fueled by caffeine. And rage.” adorned the entrance. This reflected a quick shift in schedule to accommodate the 11:30 a.m. start for the Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries match.
Unanticipated Schedule Change
The game time was moved from its original 7 p.m. to facilitate a venue change. The Dream’s home court, Gateway Center Arena, seats 3,500, while the larger State Farm Arena accommodates about 17,000 fans. The adjustment allowed a switch because the Atlanta Hawks had an evening game at the larger venue.
The sudden change drew criticism from women’s sports fans, who felt it diminished viewing opportunities. Babe’s owner, Nora McConnell-Johnson, learned about the rescheduling through a Slack group chat with other women’s sports bar owners. Previously, four of her top sales days coincided with WNBA Finals games. The new schedule compromised these profit opportunities. Despite financial stability, McConnell-Johnson acknowledged that these finals lacked the impact expected in terms of sales.
Community Support and Response
The decision to open Babe’s early was straightforward for McConnell-Johnson. Her staff was on board, with every available bartender volunteering for an extra shift. Additionally, Meagan Shamberger and the Babe’s street team prepared breakfast for donations, cooking up bacon and pancakes on Blackstone grills.
Despite the timing, fans turned out in droves. Within 30 minutes of opening, the bar was buzzing. Many patronized the venue to work remotely while waiting for tipoff. Lauren Simington and Emmicia Swartz were among those setting up workspaces at the bar. Simington was determined to watch, despite the inconvenient schedule.
A Call for Action and Advocacy
The abrupt schedule raised questions among patrons. Suggestions included moving Game 6 to a different day or venue. While practical reasons were given for not rescheduling the NBA game, WNBA fans were frustrated by long-standing challenges including inadequate venues and broadcasts.
The packed bar reflected support for women’s sports. Fans expressed hope that growing popularity would lead to better decisions by league officials. They want broader advocacy for women’s sports beyond the dedicated communities formed by venues like Babe’s.
A Rising Tide for Women’s Sports
Despite frustrations, the occasion turned into a celebration. The Dream’s victory ensured a Game 7, selling out State Farm Arena. Meanwhile, women’s sports bars in the area experienced significant traffic. McConnell-Johnson viewed her bar’s success as proof of the WNBA’s lucrative potential, emphasizing missed opportunities due to poor planning by decision-makers.
“Women’s sports is good business,” McConnell-Johnson asserted, criticizing decision-makers for overlooking the value of proper investment and alignment with the league’s growth. She stressed the economic missteps made by not providing ideal access to major games as poor business practices.
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