The Golden State Valkyries are absolutely running through their first postseason, and they’ve turned San Francisco’s Chase Center into THE celebrity hotspot of the Bay Area. This isn’t just about winning games, it’s about pulling in some massive names, showing everyone the WNBA is where it’s at right now.
Ballhalla is the Place to Be
You won’t believe who’s showing up. We’re talking “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, the hilarious comedian Ali Wong, legendary rapper E-40, and Grammy Award-winning singer Kehlani. These are just some of the local stars who’ve been spotted at Chase Center, or “Ballhalla” as they’re calling it, cheering on the Valkyries over the weekend. Kehlani, the “Folded” singer, was actually in the Bay Area to wrap up her tour. She made her Valkyries debut on Sunday, October 4, for Game 1 of the WNBA Semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces. She even said, “Actually, it’s my first time and that’s not my fault, I’m a busy girl. But I would love to come all the time and I’m so thoroughly impressed and so proud that we have a team.” She took selfies with the mascot, Violet, and some players, and even posed on the court with DJ Noodles. Meanwhile, Ali Wong, a San Francisco native, took a break from her own comedy tour to hit the ceremonial drum before Sunday’s game. Unlike Kehlani, Wong has been a regular, seen at multiple Valkyries games since the team launched last year. The Valkyries absolutely handled the Aces in that Game 1, winning 71-60. On Sunday, Olympic swimmer Natalia Coughlin, Meena Harris (niece of former Vice President Kamala Harris), and content creator Brittany Hampton were also in the building. This team is building something special.
From Dallas to Vegas, The Stars Keep Coming
It’s not just the semifinals drawing the crowds. Before the Sunday celebrity-fest, Friday, October 2, saw its own big names for Game 3 of the Valkyries’ first-round playoff series against the Dallas Wings. George Lucas, in a rare public appearance, was there with his wife, Mellody Hobson. They just opened the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, so for him to be courtside says a lot. The Valkyries secured their spot in the semifinals that night, winning 77-73. Vallejo rapper E-40, who’s usually at Golden State Warriors games, also showed up on Friday. And it gets even better: fellow Bay Area rapper Too Short was at the franchise’s *first-ever* home playoff game, Game 1 of the first round against the Wings back on September 27, and he even performed at halftime! The Valkyries are making a statement, both on the court and with the sheer star power they’re attracting.
The Valkyries are back at it for Game 2 of the semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday, October 6, at Chase Center. These women are playing for the championship trophy, with the WNBA Finals scheduled to kick off on October 17. You can bet Ballhalla will be packed with even more familiar faces as this incredible run continues.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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