WASHINGTON — Thousands of people packed into Capital One Arena Thursday for the Mystics highly anticipated game against the Chicago Sky. This is one of three games that was moved from their arena in Southeast, to a bigger venue in Northwest.
Despite the Mystics falling 79-71 to the Chicago Sky, the energy was high for the women who played. Angel Reese, Aaliyah Edwards and Kamilia Cardoso were the rookies to watch.
Longtime fans of the WNBA, like Donna Parry, are welcoming everyone who’s just catching on to the love of the sport.
“We’ve always been here, but late comers we'll invite you to come onboard too," Parry said. "It’s been a great product since day one. We’re excited about being back."
Parry noted that it's not the first time she's watched Mystics game in the larger arena, but it's the first time since 2019, when the Mystics moved to Entertainment and Sports Arena (ESA) in SE.
"The first 19, 20 something years the mystics played here, and we love the vibe," Parry continued. "ESA is good too, it’s just really exciting to be back.”
The Mystics current venue holds about 4,200 fans but due to high demand, this game was moved to Capital One Arena to be played in front of more than 10,000 fans.
The excitement around the sport reflected in the venue change for the Mystics game the Sky, who recently drafted against Maryland native Angel Reese. Fans of all ages were in attendance, some holding signs and eager to wave and watch these ladies play in person.
“I know so many people are going to come out tonight and enjoy not just our team, not just me, but just being able to know that women’s basketball is going in the right direction," Reese said.
Another group of fans were cheering on her teammate, Prince George’s County native, Lindsay Allen.
“It’s a blessing for us, for our family, to see her live out her dream," brother of Lindsay Allen, Terrell Allen, said.
Terrell Allen said it’s nice to see his sister and other players in the league get the support they’ve always deserved.
“Growing up, she worked so hard to get to where she’s at now," he said. "Watching her play in the WNBA it means a lot."
The meaning runs deeper for younger fans like Emily Sanders, who attended Thursday's game.
“They’re like role models for me," Sanders said. "They’re showing that women can like succeed and play sports that are normally for men."
Sanders said it's special because she gets to see these women put on in-person. Players also said they noticed the dedication and overwhelming support their young fans have for them.
“Oh my gosh, I’m super excited to see all the younger generation come out and show out for us," Mystics Forward, Aaliyah Edwards, said.
So far, the Mystics will play two more games at Capital One Arena this season -- Friday night against the Indiana Fever and again on July 16 against the Phoenix Mercury.