Atlanta’s skyline turned Dream blue Friday night as the city rallied behind the Atlanta Dream’s first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013, bringing the team’s championship run into the streets, businesses and landmarks across the city.
The Light Up ATL campaign, organized by the Dream with help from Atlanta-based creative firm Ideas United and the City of Atlanta, invited businesses, residents and landmarks to illuminate the city in the team’s signature blue from 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 16.
The citywide display was part of the Dream’s “All For Atlanta” playoff campaign, giving fans a way to show their support as the team pursued its first WNBA championship. The Dream tied a franchise record with 30 wins during the regular season before sweeping its first two playoff series to reach the Finals.
Participating locations included Atlanta City Hall, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Ponce City Market, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Truist Park, the Woodruff Arts Center and the Georgia World Congress Center.
“The Dream has given Atlanta something to rally around, and we wanted to help turn that pride into something people could be part of,” said David Roemer, CEO and co-founder of Ideas United.
“With Light Up ATL, every building, business, and fan who joins in adds to a message the team can see: Atlanta is with you,” Roemer said.
Ideas United worked with the Dream and the city to organize and promote the initiative, turning support for the team into a shared experience across Atlanta, from downtown landmarks to neighborhood storefronts and front porches.
Fans were also encouraged to photograph buildings illuminated in Dream blue and share their pictures on social media using #AllForAtlanta and tagging @atlantadream.
The campaign came as Atlanta entered the Finals on a 10-game winning streak overall, including an undefeated postseason run. But the Golden State Valkyries halted that momentum Saturday, defeating the Dream 68-64 in Game 1 at Chase Center in San Francisco.
Atlanta led 56-51 entering the fourth quarter but struggled to find its shot down the stretch. Allisha Gray, returning after a hand injury sidelined her for part of the semifinals, led Atlanta with 19 points. Angel Reese added 14 points and Rhyne Howard scored 12. Golden State’s Gabby Williams led all scorers with 26 points.
The Dream had a chance to send the game into overtime in the final seconds, but a missed 3-pointer helped seal the defeat. The loss snapped Atlanta’s five-game postseason winning streak.
The best-of-seven series now moves toward two games in Atlanta. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19, in San Francisco before the teams travel to State Farm Arena for Game 3 on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m.
The home games will give Atlanta fans another opportunity to rally behind the team as it competes for its first championship. The Dream previously reached the Finals in 2010, 2011 and 2013 but have yet to win a game in the championship series.
Although the opening game ended in a loss, Light Up ATL offered a way for Atlanta to show its support beyond the scoreboard.Through storefronts across Atlanta, the campaign invited the city to make its allegiance visible as the Dream pursued their first WNBA championship.
