The Connecticut Sun made history this past August by selling out TD Garden for their game against the Los Angeles Sparks, marking the first WNBA matchup ever held in the venue's history. This begs the question, should the Sun explore the opportunity to play more games at TD Garden, New England’s largest indoor venue.
With 19,156 tickets sold, the game on August 20 not only highlights the growing interest in women’s basketball but also showcases the Sun’s expanding footprint in the league. Glen Thornborough, President of TD Garden, noted that the sellout reflects Boston’s strong support for women’s sports, echoing the excitement generated earlier this year during the Dunkin’ Women’s Beanpot. This sellout represents the Sun's fifth of the 2024 season and the third highest attendance at a WNBA game this year. It underscores the franchise's ability to draw fans beyond their home market, signaling a significant opportunity for growth. Jen Rizzotti, President of the Connecticut Sun, articulated the importance of this game, emphasizing that it was a pivotal moment for women’s sports and a chance to elevate the Sun brand in a major market. The enthusiasm displayed by Boston fans illustrates a robust appetite for women’s sports, making TD Garden a compelling venue for future Connecticut Sun games.
Hosting the first-ever professional women's basketball game at such a prestigious location not only honors the sport but also sets a precedent for more events that could further engage fans across New England. Given the success of this historic game, the Connecticut Sun should explore regular appearances at TD Garden moving forward.
The arena's rich basketball tradition and the overwhelming local support create a promising environment for the Sun to cultivate a broader fan base and continue the momentum for women’s professional sports in the region. The time is here for the Sun to capitalize off this opportunity and make TD Garden a staple in their future schedules.
