In-Game Atmosphere Makes For Memorable Event
By: Jameelah Johnson
“I know when I do the Dream, I can be myself. My true, unapologetic, ATLien self.” For Atlanta Dream in-arena host Bria Janelle, Atlanta Dream games are more than a game, they’re an experience. Janelle can be heard on the microphone during games boosting fan engagement. She’s getting the crowd to sing along to songs, participate in dance battles, represent their favorite groups/players, and more.
The Atlanta Dream recorded their 11th sell-out of the season for their game against the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday which also coincided with D9 Night. They have sold out 11 of their 16 home games and lead the WNBA in sellouts, the Washington Mystics are next with eight. The Dream long surpassed their own eight sellouts from the 2022 season.
Janelle has been involved with the team in various capacities since 2008 and recognizes what the Dream are doing to make their games enjoyable for fans of all ages. They’ve played in Philips Arena (now known as State Farm Arena), McCamish Pavilion (Georgia Tech University’s basketball gym), and Gateway Center Arena in College Park, which is their current home.
“I think we’ve created stability for fans. I think it’s the only venue in the city where there’s not a bad seat in the house.” Janelle believes the popularity of the games for fans coincides with not only the team but also the family-like atmosphere that she and the other in-game operations staff have helped to curate. “My personal mission and goal has been to make this multi-hyphenated type of event. So when I say that, meaning it’s something where you can bring your kid, it’s an event where you can bring a date to, you can come solo, it’s a family affair.”
Janelle credits the Dream front office and leadership with being willing to “lean into Atlanta culture” and give the in-game staff the agency to propose entertainment they feel will enhance the experience. They’ve had Yung Joc, Canton Jones, Baby Tate, 112, Goldyard, Victor Jackson, Roscoe Dash, and more perform during different halftimes. D9 night featured Crime Mob as its halftime performance and showcased the Black Greek Letter Organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
“I think last year was just the spark of it all. Shoutout to the fans even last year. I think last year they did an amazing job of coming in. May not have been as many sell outs but the energy in the building was still high level,” The Dream’s head coach Tanisha Wright praised the fanbase for showing up and showing out last season, giving them credit for laying the foundation for this season’s attendance success. “I think the excitement that they had about our team last year has carried over into this year. And now, we’re at a place where people want to come, people want to watch, people want to be there and be a part of the experience that we’re providing out there.”
“I have a lot of gratitude just because I have been here so many seasons and that has not always been the case of us selling out arenas,” the Dream’s Monique Billings reacted to the news of Atlanta’s 11th sold-out game. She has played on the team since 2018 and has seen the various arenas they’ve called home prior to Gateway Center. “So it’s definitely exciting, you want to put on a show, it makes you want to go harder for the fans and just keep going and keep building so people will continue to come.”
The Dream are ready to do it all again on HBCU night on Tuesday, August 29th! Tickets are limited so make sure to get them now. Get Tickets Here