All For the A: City Skyline to Shine Dream Blue for Historic WNBA Finals

 

ATLANTA (Oct. 16, 2026) — Atlanta is about to paint the town blue, and this time, it’s all for the Dream!

As the Atlanta Dream prepare to compete in the WNBA Finals for the first time in 13 years, the city is coming together for a special celebration that will transform some of its most recognizable buildings and landmarks into a sea of Dream blue.

On Friday, October 16, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., buildings, businesses, entertainment venues and landmarks throughout Atlanta will illuminate their exteriors in support of the Dream’s historic championship run.

The citywide initiative, appropriately named Light Up ATL, is part of the franchise’s All For Atlanta playoff campaign, celebrating not only the team’s success on the basketball court but also the growing connection between the Dream and the community that has supported them throughout the season.

From downtown Atlanta to surrounding communities, the celebration will showcase the city’s pride as the Dream prepare to face the Golden State Valkyries in pursuit of the franchise’s first WNBA championship.

Among the participating locations are Atlanta City Hall, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Ponce City Market, SkyView Atlanta, Truist Park, the Georgia World Congress Center and the iconic King and Queen Buildings.

Additional buildings and landmarks joining the celebration include 191 Peachtree Tower, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Bobby Dodd Stadium, Carter’s, Georgia State University’s Convocation Center, the Google Building, King & Spalding’s building, Southern Company’s Allen Plaza and the Woodruff Arts Center.

Together, the illuminated landmarks will create a visual tribute to a team that has given Atlanta basketball fans plenty to celebrate this season.

And what a season it has been.

After retaining its core group of players and adding key contributors Angel Reese and DeWanna Bonner, Atlanta tied its franchise record with 30 regular-season victories, positioning itself among the WNBA’s top contenders.

But the Dream didn’t stop there.

Atlanta enters the Finals undefeated in postseason play and riding a 10-game winning streak, having swept its way through the playoffs to earn its fourth championship appearance in franchise history.

The Dream previously reached the Finals in 2010, 2011 and 2013 but came up short each time. Now, a new generation of players has an opportunity to accomplish something that has eluded the franchise since its inaugural season in 2008.

For Dream president and chief operating officer Morgan Shaw Parker, the city’s participation reflects the relationship that has developed between the team and its supporters.

“This team chose Atlanta, and Atlanta has shown up for them every step of the way. Seeing the city light up blue as we head into the Finals is a clear message that we’re all in this together,” Parker said.

That connection has become an important part of the Dream’s identity.

Over the years, the franchise has continued building its presence throughout the metro Atlanta area, drawing passionate supporters who have helped create an electric atmosphere at home games.

Now, with the team returning to the WNBA Finals, that support is extending far beyond the basketball court.

The Light Up ATL celebration provides fans with another opportunity to become part of the championship journey, whether they’re attending games, gathering with friends to watch or simply showing their support from home.

Fans are encouraged to visit participating landmarks, capture photos of the blue-lit buildings and share them on social media by tagging @atlantadream and using #AllForAtlanta.

Those unable to visit participating locations can still join the celebration by illuminating their porch lights, businesses or storefronts in Dream blue.

It’s a simple gesture, but one that represents something much bigger: an entire city standing behind its team.

The timing couldn’t be more fitting.

The Dream will open the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET, with Game 1 airing nationally on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

The championship series will eventually return to Atlanta, where Games 3 and 4 are scheduled to take place at State Farm Arena.

Game 3 is set for Wednesday, October 21, at 8 p.m. ET, while Game 4 will be played Saturday, October 24, at 1 p.m. ET.

The move to State Farm Arena gives the Dream a larger stage for one of the most significant moments in franchise history, while also offering more fans the opportunity to experience championship basketball in the heart of downtown Atlanta.

For a team that has spent more than a decade working toward another Finals appearance, the excitement surrounding this moment is understandable.

But perhaps what makes this celebration especially meaningful is that it extends beyond wins, losses and basketball statistics.

It’s about a city embracing women’s sports, recognizing the accomplishments of its athletes and celebrating a franchise that has continued to grow alongside its community.

On Friday night, Atlanta’s skyline will tell that story without saying a word.

From towering office buildings to iconic entertainment destinations, Dream blue will serve as a reminder that the entire city is part of this championship journey.

And as the Dream prepare to take the floor against Golden State, they’ll do so knowing that Atlanta is behind them.

The lights will shine blue. The city will stand together. And the Dream will take the court with one goal in mind — bringing a WNBA championship home to Atlanta.

Because this postseason, it’s more than just basketball.

It’s ALL FOR ATLANTA!