The San Francisco sports landscape is buzzing with excitement as the Golden State Valkyries prepare for their first-ever playoff series. Mayor Daniel Lurie recently declared San Francisco the “sports mecca of the country,” and it’s hard to argue with his assessment.

In a spirited flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, Mayor Lurie highlighted the Valkyries’ incredible inaugural season, noting their remarkable achievement of selling out every single game. The team has brought a renewed sense of energy to the city during a time when community spirit is more important than ever.

The Valkyries are set to face off against the Minnesota Lynx in their first-round playoff series, with the first game scheduled for Sunday at 10 a.m. at Target Center in Minneapolis. The team’s home court, affectionately nicknamed “Ballhalla” at Chase Center, has been electric with fan support.

Lurie’s enthusiasm extends beyond the Valkyries, pointing to a packed sports calendar that includes the Laver Cup, the Giants’ playoff hopes, the 49ers’ season, the upcoming Super Bowl 60, and future World Cup matches. The NBA recently reported that February’s All-Star Game weekend generated an impressive $429.3 million for the Bay Area economy, further cementing the region’s sports prominence.

Valkyries team president Jess Smith expressed excitement about the team’s playoff journey, emphasizing their commitment to bringing “Ballhalla everywhere” and confident that fans will show up in force.

With Mayor Lurie boldly predicting a nail-biting 81-80 victory at the buzzer, the Valkyries are poised to make their mark in their debut playoff appearance. Game 2 will take place on Wednesday, September 17th at the SAP Center in San Jose, promising another thrilling matchup for Bay Area sports fans.

As the Valkyries continue their playoff run, they’re not just playing a game – they’re bringing a community together and showcasing the vibrant sports culture that makes San Francisco truly special.