The Connecticut Sun mascot donned a Celtics jersey for the Sun’s sold out game against the Indiana Fever at TD Garden in Boston on Tuesday night. (Photo: Holden Barnes | The Podium Finish)
BOSTON — If there any lingering doubts about the popularity boom of the WNBA – particularly in New England – those doubts were put to rest on Tuesday night, as the Connecticut Sun filled TD Garden in Boston with a sell out crowd for their game against the Indiana Fever.
Although the Sun lost a close contest with the Fever, 85-79, the capacity crowd in the iconic Boston venue was into it from the opening jump to the waning moments. It was a playoff-like atmosphere as the Caitlin Clark led Fever came to town for just the second WNBA game to ever be contested at TD Garden when Connecticut defeated the Los Angeles Sparks last season in their first game in Beantown.
“All the energy and excitement for the crowd, and how they showed up for us [was the best part of playing here last year],” said Olivia Nelson-Ododa, who played in both games in Boston. “I think I’m most excited to be back in this arena, in front of a sold out crowd again.”
After a recent win over Seattle, Connecticut’s hopes were high to earn a win in front of the new audience, but they came up just short, despite a strong defensive effort, dropping their second straight close game.
Fans Bring Energy in Boston
Sun coach Rachid Meziane said the reception in Boston was exciting, and the fans brought energy to the arena.
“It was a crazy experience to play this game in TD Garden,” he said. “Thank you to all the fans here. We are sad we lost this game, but we are close.”
Tina Charles, who has played in NBA arenas in the past, said she still appreciates these opportunities, not only for herself, but for her younger teammates as well.
“It’s an amazing experience,” Charles said. “I’m very excited for my teammates to have this experience. I don’t know how often my teammates watch the NBA, but I’m a history buff, so to see the banners up, and knowing the NBA players who were able to grace this floor, and the history here. I’m very thankful that I was able to have this experience this late in my career.”
Nelson-Ododa said that she and her teammates were surprised by the outpouring of support in Boston last season, so to see a packed house again on Tuesday was not surprising. She noted that Boston sports fans are passionate about sports. That passion came through in the crowd on Tuesday night.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Nelson-Ododa said. “I don’t think any of us were expecting this type of turnout last year, so for it to happen again this year, and to be playing a great opponent at the same time is a special feeling. The City of Boston has really welcomed us with open arms, and been so supportive of our team, and receptive to our team and what we bring.”
Connecticut Sun’s Olivia Nelson-Ododa said selling out Boston’s TD Garden in back to back years was a fun experience for herself and her Sun teammates. (Photo: Holden Barnes | The Podium Finish
Crowd Engagement Stayed High in Boston
Though some of the cheers were for Indiana superstars, Clark and Aliyah Boston, the later of whom has Boston area ties, fans of both teams made their presence felt throughout the night, with every near miss, every big play and every lead change.
“The energy is different here,” Nelson-Ododa said. “That was the first thing I noticed last year. I just keep going back to the energy. It’s an incredible atmosphere to play in front of, and they bring it every day.”
Sun guard Jacy Sheldon said she was excited for the chance to play at TD Garden, and was just trying to take in the moment and appreciate the opportunity.
“It’s amazing,” she said prior to Tuesday’s game. “I’ve never been in this arena. At shootaround. we were a little star struck. But it’s awesome. I think it’s going to be a great environment, so I’m excited.”
Is Boston Ready for a WNBA Team?
When asked about a WNBA team in Boston, either by moving there or league expansion, Charles said she thinks the city would be ready to support it.
“(Boston is) more than ready,” Charles said. “For me, I was fortunate to always see that, playing at Madison Square Garden.”
One of the fans in attendance on Tuesday night was Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, and Charles said it is nice when WNBA teams get support from the NBA players like that.
“When Kobe Bryant was around, he was the first one to be an NBA player really supporting women’s basketball,” Charles said. “Then other NBA players started to come out and support us too. So I look forward to the teams that are able to be in NBA cities being able to have their support. It really goes a long way.”
Fans filled the seats, and filled the air with excitement for Tuesday night’s Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever WNBA contest held at TD Garden in Boston. (Photo: Holden Barnes | The Podium Finish)
