SAN JOSE — The Golden State Valkyries weren’t exactly right at home on Wednesday in San Jose.

Displaced from Chase Center after the arena was double-booked for the Valkyries’ first-ever home playoff game, Golden State instead commuted down the Peninsula to the South Bay, attempting to export the Ballhalla mystique to SAP Center. 

For the fans who made the trip, things felt pretty similar. But not quite the same. 

Either way, they weren’t going to miss the chance to be a part of a historic occasion.

Golden State Valkyries fan Angelica Villanueva, cheers along with fellow fans as they dance during a block party outside the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., before Game 2 of the WNBA playoff game against the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 

“I’m a season-ticket member, and I wasn’t going to miss our last game of the first round,” said Marci Glass, who lives in San Francisco. “We had our one playoff game here, I was absolutely going to come down for it.”

The Valkyries threw a block party on Barack Obama Blvd. and brought plentiful black and violet decorations down to San Jose in an attempt to create Ballhalla South. The vibe wasn’t identical to what a fan would find in San Francisco, but it was pretty close. 

Other things were definitely a bit different. 

“It’s definitely less wind,” said Dani Jimenez, also a season-ticket holder. “But I love this block party. It’s amazing. I definitely came out early for it. I love all the booths, the setup, DJ’s spinnin’. This is great. It’s really cool.”

Golden State Valkyries fans Gioia Garner, left, Deani Jimenez, right, have a good time as they head to the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., for Game 2 of the WNBA playoff game against the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 

The new location provided an opportunity for South Bay fans to experience the Valkyries in their own backyard for the first time, evoking memories of when the San Jose Lasers sometimes called SAP Center home from 1996-98. 

But this was a different level, an elevated environment befitting the first-ever WNBA playoff game in the Bay Area. 

“I live in this area, and she invited me to join her,” said Jane Krejci, Glass’ aunt, who lives in Monte Sereno and tagged along to her first Valkyries game. “It’s a great game and lots of enthusiasm and support for these young women who are just excelling. It’s thrilling. As an old woman, that’s great to see.”

Not everything was perfect. Though SAP Center’s capacity is very similar to Chase Center, seats had to be assigned in different locations. 

Valkyries’ Monique Billings (25) warms up before playing against the Minnesota Lynx during Game 2 of the WNBA playoffs at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group) 

“My seats are pretty close to where they would be in Chase,” Glass said. “I’m about eight rows behind the visitors bench in Chase, and that’s true here too. Some of my friends who have season tickets, their ticket people are all spread out in various places. I think it was a bit of a mess, honestly, trying to get it adjusted. But mine are pretty good.”

Different didn’t always mean worse. Some seats had better sightlines at SAP. 

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“We’re actually usually right behind the hoop, so we’re just a little bit off (this time),” Jimenez said. “So it’s actually a little bit of an improvement. I’m excited.”

The main theme was making the best of an imperfect situation, which the Valkyries have excelled at on the court this year. Despite losing All-Star Kayla Thornton to a season-ending injury and having a number of other players miss significant time, Golden State rallied to become the first expansion team to make the playoffs. 

Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) walks onto the court during warmups before playing against the Minnesota Lynx during Game 2 of the WNBA playoffs at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group) 

When the front office had to pivot to San Jose, they were thrust into a similar scenario. The ultimate result seemed to pass the fans’ test. 

“Throwing this block party, having the seats – they worked with us,” Jimenez said. “I saw that there was a group where they were doing a bus ride down. I know that was organized separately. And I know that my partner worked with her rep to figure out things. 

“I love a good party. That’s definitely a perk. It’s a good time, so I’m happy.”

Golden State Valkyries fan Angelica Villanueva, along with fellow fans, dances during a block party outside the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., before Game 2 of the WNBA playoff game against the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)