WNBA

Rita Moreno Hit the Drum, the Warriors Filled the Seats, and Ballhalla Sold Out for the 50th Straight Time

Rita Moreno Hit the Drum, the Warriors Filled the Seats, and Ballhalla Sold Out for the 50th Straight Time

Rita Moreno Hit the Drum, the Warriors Filled the Seats, and Ballhalla Sold Out for the 50th Straight Time

The Valkyries' first WNBA Finals home game turned into a Bay Area block party, and Steve Kerr says he can't think of a better start for any expansion team.

The Valkyries' first WNBA Finals home game turned into a Bay Area block party, and Steve Kerr says he can't think of a better start for any expansion team.

A single white baseball with red stitching resting in green grass dotted with small clover flowers

Photo: Caleb Oquendo / Pexels

The Golden State Valkyries' first home Finals game had everything: a legend on the drum, a hometown rapper at halftime and a row of Warriors acting like regular fans.

Singer and actress Rita Moreno hit the drum to start Saturday's Game 1, Bay Area singer Goapele sang the anthem, and rapper Larry June performed at halftime, NBC Bay Area reported. About 18,000 fans packed Chase Center for the team's 50th straight sellout. The Valkyries have sold out every home game in their history.

The Warriors came out in force. Coach Steve Kerr was there with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Moses Moody, Yaxel Lendeborg and Will Richard, per the San Francisco Chronicle. "I can't think of a better unveiling of an expansion franchise," Kerr said on Friday. "To build a championship team in a year and a half is stunning."

The crowd got its happy ending. Golden State won 68-64, and violet streamers rained down at the buzzer. One 11-year-old fan described the scene to NBC Bay Area as "like a purple sea."

What's next: Game 2 is Monday at 8 p.m. ET at Chase Center, with the Valkyries up 1-0. The Warriors open their own season Wednesday against the Lakers.