Due to increased ticket demand, the Los Angeles Sparks moved their game versus the Indiana Fever back to Crytpo.com Arena.
On Dec. 18, 2023, the Sparks announced their first five home games would be played at Long Beach State in the Walter Pyramid, a venue that holds 5,000 people but has reached 6,912 in attendance with additional seating.
The reasoning for the temporary move from Crypto.com Arena to Walter Pyramid was explained in a Sparks PR email.
From the Sparks’ release:
“Due to phase three of a three-year renovation project and upgrades at Crypto.com Arena, the Sparks will play their first five home games of the 2024 regular season at Long Beach State, before returning to Crypto.com Arena for the final 15 home games. The Sparks are excited to showcase WNBA basketball to the Long Beach community.”
This was all before the college basketball season ended, the WNBA Draft Lottery and Caitlin Clark’s arrival as the top pick for the Indiana Fever.
With her getting drafted by the Fever and the sole game between Los Angeles and Indiana in Southern California falling in this first-five-game window, it seemed the only time she’d be playing here would be at a very small college venue instead of the professional one she and the Sparks are used to.
Well, that’s no longer the case.
The Sparks officially moved their May 24 matchup between the Fever from Walter Pyramid on the Long Beach State campus back to Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.
They will also play their upcoming games against the Dallas Wings on May 26 and the Minnesota Lynx on Jun. 5 at Crypto.com Arena instead of the Walter Pyramid.
VENUE CHANGE!
The Sparks are coming back to @cryptocomarena sooner!
Single-game tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, May 9th at 8 AM PT. https://t.co/ZNCfjUSGZM pic.twitter.com/agW3fbWkwQ
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) May 7, 2024
This is a surprising move mainly due to its suddenness. The Sparks didn’t mention any consideration regarding moving this event during training camp or media day and given how close we are to the start of the WNBA season, it seemed unlikely to happen.
So what changed? Does Crypto.com Arena suddenly not need renovations? Did an opportunity open up with the Lakers, Clippers and Kings all done playing?
“We appreciate the partnership that we have built with Long Beach State and are excited to open our 2024 season in front of the Long Beach community,” said Sparks President Christine Monjer. “Women’s basketball is experiencing unprecedented viewership and attendance numbers so moving these games back to Crypto.com Arena provides us the ability to have more fans in the stands and have our players back to competing on their home floor.”
It sounds like this is another example of the Caitlin Clark effect along with the general growth of the women’s game.
The Las Vegas Aces and Washington Mystics have both moved their games against the Fever to bigger venues and now the Sparks are added to that list.
Prices for the Sparks game against the Fever were ridiculous on the secondary market, with some tickets being sold for over $400 compared to tickets selling against the Aces for as low as $35.
Looking up Sparks tickets
Sparks vs Fever Sparks vs Aces
@ Long Beach @ Crypto ($35)
Pyramid($400+) pic.twitter.com/RFa7SXhCip— LakersGuru (@GuruLakers) April 19, 2024
Seeing the league move mountains for Clark is one of those “do you see the glass half full or half empty situations.”
On the one hand, it’s good that the Sparks can play more games in the stadium they’ve called home since 2001. On the other hand, it’s frustrating to see that it takes a player of Clark’s stature to get things like larger venues and better accommodations that should be automatic for these athletes.
Ultimately, this move is positive and should allow more people to enjoy Women’s basketball this summer. However, the fact that they were in such a small venue, to begin with, is an example of the work that still needs to be done in the league.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.