ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — WNBA fans packed Jolene Jolene, a women’s sports bar in Atlanta’s Kirkwood neighborhood, on Sunday to watch the Atlanta Dream open the playoffs against the Washington Mystics.
The Dream beat the Mystics 92-77 in Game 1 of the best-of-three first-round series. Game 2 is Wednesday in Washington.
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“I just love how everyone is really watching women’s sports and giving them the attention that it needs,” said Josie Blumentritt, a Mystics fan.
For Dream fans, the postseason appearance marked a turnaround from last season.
“As a first playoff game, thinking about where we were last year and how we finished to this year, it’s motivational,” said Dream fan Melanie Ramsey.
Mystics fans said they are eager to see the team’s younger players take the next step.
“Really looking forward to the young talent stepping up for the Mystics,” fan Brittani Powell said.
Blumentritt said she was excited to see Washington back in the postseason after missing the playoffs last year.
“I’m very excited because they didn’t make it last year, and it’s very exciting this year,” she said.
Dream supporters filled the bar, wearing team gear and watching closely as Atlanta took an early series lead.
“I’ve been here since I was 5, so I’m an Atlanta die-hard fan,” Ramsey said. “Anything Atlanta — the Atlanta Dream — if they can win this and take it home.”
Jolene Jolene bar manager Britney Carr said the atmosphere has drawn her into the game.
“That’s why I’m so into the game now,” Carr said. “I’m looking forward to a win, period. I feel like we are going to take it all the way.”
Fans from both teams said they are hoping for a deep playoff run.
“Go Mystics,” Powell said. “Let’s take it home.”
“I’m looking forward to Atlanta getting to the championship game and bringing it home,” Ramsey said.
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