From tip-off to the final buzzer it’s nonstop fun at Valkyries games. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

It’s amazing how exhausting sitting for two hours can be. This wasn’t any ordinary two hours of my life. This was two hours of nonstop fun, entertainment and adrenaline pumping excitement.

This was a Golden State Valkyries game at San Francisco’s Chase Center. Oh, and I wasn’t sitting the whole time because I was on my feet cheering, screaming and throwing my arms in the air.

Women’s basketball is a physical, exciting sport. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

By the end of the night my throat was sore. Honestly. There was that much to cheer about.

It didn’t matter that I don’t understand when a foul necessitates a free throw or that I don’t understand personal vs. team fouls or that I don’t understand every time a foul is committed.

I understand basketball. Shoot, score, run, dribble, pass and a whole lot more.

July 18 was my first time to attend any professional basketball game. Wow! These women were incredible. The athleticism, the teamwork, the prowess.

Thrive City outside Chase Center is an experience in itself. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

Then there were the fans. Oh, my. They know their Valkyries. They know the chants during the play. Defense. GSV. Go Vals.

Purple and black—their colors—were everywhere. It was hard to find a person not representing. And all that sequined garb to go with all those people with purple hair. Fun stuff.

No matter what was going on on the court the whole arena was abuzz. Sure, it helped this was an exciting game, with the score close much of the time. Valkyries prevailed 74-69, which at the time put the team at 19-7.

As an expansion team last year, the Valkyries made it to the playoffs. They are continuing their winning ways this season.

While the San Francisco team is only in year two, this marks the 30th season of the WNBA. Each team plays 44 games between May and October.

Golden State Valkyries celebrate a win on July 18. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

In addition to this being my first professional basketball game, it was also my first time to visit Chase Center. What’s fun is outside the arena is what’s called Thrive City. In this somewhat circular outdoor area are an array of restaurants. Across from the entrance to the center is a shaded amphitheater where people are listening to music. On this particular day the consolation round of World Cup soccer is also on the outdoor Jumbotron. Thrive City is a dynamic venue that hosts an array of events beyond what’s going on inside.

Chase Center opened in 2019 in the 303-acre Mission Bay neighborhood of The City. It was once a large salt marsh and lagoon.

Women’s basketball might be my new sport of choice to watch. I’ll definitely be back. Go, Valkyries!