Let's Go Storm
The four of us attended the last home game of the
Seattle Storm this afternoon.
Berkeley seems to really enjoy the games (provided we remember to
bring ear plugs for him), and will chant and clap in unison with
the crowd (he especially likes to cheer "Let's - Go - Storm!").
Eliana isn't really to the point where she will actually sit and
watch an entire half (like Berkeley does), but she does watch in fits
and spurts. Despite the need to constantly provide Eliana with some
form of secondary entertainment, we really enjoy attending the games
as an entire family unit.
The WNBA game is a clean game; both from a "basketball
fundamental" point of view, and from a "game atmosphere" point of view.
Make no mistake, the WNBA game is not the above-the-rim high-flying
me-me-me game that the NBA game is; instead there is a lot more ball
movement and team involvement. It is not uncommon to see every player
on the team get a touch before a shot is attempted. Where the NBA is
very much a sport about individual performance, the WNBA is very much a
sport about team performance. The WNBA-style is how the game should be
played in my very humble opinion (i.e. how the NBA game used to be
played).
Furthermore, the "game atmosphere" at WNBA contests is much more family
friendly. Noticably lacking from WNBA games is the abundance of alcohol
(and the bombardment of alhohol-related advertisements), the scantily
clad female "cheerleaders", and the obscenities yelled by fans seated in
the immediate vicinity. The NBA game is no longer a game for the kids;
and that is a great loss as I have many fond memories of attending Utah
Jazz games with my brothers and my Dad at the old Salt Palace.
By contrast (and by virtue of how the WNBA markets itself),
the majority of the folks attending the WNBA games are not the
beer-drinking profanity-yelling adult males you find at NBA games.
Instead you find that the majority of the fans at WNBA games are kids
(and their parents). I find this thoroughly refreshing for a
professional sport. Also, consider the Seattle Storm Promotions for
the month of August:
Aug. 27: Fan Appreciation Day
Sponsored by Peter Pan (as in Peter Pan Peanut Butter)
Aug. 25: Back to School Night
Sponsored by Dora the Explorer
Aug. 9: Faith & Family Night
The Storm invites all local church groups out for Faith & Family Night.
During a post-game event, Storm players will give personal testimonials
about how their faith has positively impacted their lives and athletic
careers.
Enough said.
The Storm WNBA games are the best value for your family sporting
entertainment dollar in the Seattle area. Nothing else even comes
close.
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