The fresh batch of WNBA 2024 rookies brought with them a host of NCAA fans. This has helped the WNBA garner many admirers with their games being complete sell-outs on numerous occasions. On Friday, the Connecticut Sun too joined the list of popular franchises such as Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky to record a sell-out at TD Garden. But, why is the Uncasville-based franchise playing in Boston?

Let us have a look at their latest press release and the reason for the changing venues. Popular WNBA writer Myles Ehrlich tweeted on X that the Sun game against the Los Angeles Sparks that is scheduled to take place on Tuesday has been a sellout, as per the franchise’s release.

Connecticut Sun announces sold-out game

“the Sun announced that its game against the Sparks on August 20 at 7p has officially sold out. This game will make history as the first WNBA game to be held at the storied TD Garden,” Ehrlich tweeted. Looking at the seating capacity at the TD Gardens, Sun’s 19,156 tickets are the most in their franchise history. But, this isn’t the only sellout game for the Sun.

The Sun made a record when they had a sellout in their opening home game in May this year. The matchup against the Indiana Fever much due to the Caitlin Clark effect as speculated by many, at Mohegan Sun Arena recorded a sale of 8,910 tickets. Thus, this game was the first inaugural game after the 2003 WNBA Sun’s opener against the Los Angeles Sparks that showed such immense promise.

Even the fever gripped viewers as it became the most-watched Sun game on the ESPN platforms. Almost 2.1 million viewers tuned in to enjoy the game and it peaked at 2.3 million viewers. Thus, the Sun has a loyal fan following and when combined with Clark’s fans it gave exceptional results. This TV viewership might explain why the Sun is hosting a game at the TD Garden.

Sun President Jen Rizzotti shares the reason for hosting a game at TD Garden

Last year in December, the Sun officials decided to host a game at the TD Gardens. This was done to acquire a new fan base and also reach out to the admirers of their brother team, Boston Celtics. The Sun President Jen Rizzotti had shared this was done to provide “access” to so many fans across the country especially the Boston area keeping in mind that they “get a lot of individual ticket buyers from the Boston area.”

Plus, it was also a step to “come up here and showcase professional athletes and a high level of basketball in TD Garden and continue to celebrate and embrace the momentum the WNBA is creating,” Rizzotti shared, as per Boston Globe. The Sun showed their mettle during the 2023 WNBA season finishing with a 27–13 record. They went ahead to reach the semifinals against the New York Liberty where they were defeated by a 1-3 margin.

This time the Sun has the second-best season record in the W with an 18-6 tally and will be a great opportunity for Paris Olympics gold winner Alyssa Thomas to form a bond with her fanbase. Hopefully, the Sun will not disappoint their Boston fans on Tuesday and Thomas too will win hearts with her competitiveness.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.