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What to Know When Attending a 2026 Valkyries Game at Chase Center

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Jhunehl Fortaleza, left, dressed as a Valkyrie, dances outside of Chase Center, following the WNBA game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Los Angeles Sparks on May 16, 2025. It’s the Valkyries’ second-ever season as a professional women’s basketball team. Here’s how to attend a game in San Francisco.  (Gina Castro/KQED)

This spring, San Francisco’s Chase Center will once again morph into Ballhalla, the home of the Golden State Valkyries — who are beginning their second year in the Women’s National Basketball Association.

During the team’s inaugural year, fans enthusiastically welcomed the Valkyries to the Bay Area sports scene. Home games consistently sold out and were so loud that even opposing players and their fans have taken notice on social media.

This year, the Valkyries are back with new players, new teams to play against and another chance to make it to the WNBA playoffs once again.

And if you’re a newer fan, keep reading for our guide to how to attend a home game at Chase Center, including information about where to get tickets, parking and public transportation.

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And if you missed out on the Valkyries hype last year altogether, jump in this month by using KQED’s 2025 guide on WNBA fandom and culture to help you prepare. (Just keep in mind that some aspects of the guide may be outdated, like the team’s roster.)

What is the Valkyries’ 2026 schedule?

The current 2026 schedule for home games is as follows:

  • (Pre-season game) Saturday, April 25, at 5:30 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm
  • Sunday, May 10, at 5:30 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Phoenix Mercury
  • Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky 
  • Monday, May 25, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Connecticut Sun
  • Thursday, May 28, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever
  • Sunday, May 31, at 12:30 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces
  • Tuesday, June 2, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Portland Fire
  • Tuesday, June 9, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Phoenix Mercury
  • Monday, June 15, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks
  • Wednesday, June 17, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings
  • Friday, June 19, at 7 p.m: Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx
  • Wednesday, June 24, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream
  • Friday, June 26, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream
  • Sunday, June 28, at 4 p.m.: Valkyries vs New York Liberty
  • Saturday, July 18, at 5:30 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics
  • Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics
  • Sunday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Toronto Tempo
  • Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Toronto Tempo
  • Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky
  • Monday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings
  • Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx
  • Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Portland Fire
  • Saturday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm
Fans cheer as the Golden State Valkyries score during their WNBA season opener on May 16, 2025. (Gina Castro/KQED)

Home games usually have halftime shows featuring performances by local acts, including a Bollywood dance group. Vallejo rapper E-40 notably performed at the inaugural game last year against the Los Angeles Sparks.

The Valkyries’ away games are as scheduled:

  • Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm
  • Thursday, May 21, at 5 p.m.: Valkyries vs. New York Liberty
  • Friday, May 22, at 4:30 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever
  • Thursday, June 4, at 6 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx
  • Saturday, June 6, at 12 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces
  • Friday, June 12, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm
  • Sunday, June 21, at 1 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces
  • Saturday, July 4, at 10 a.m.: Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream
  • Monday, July 6, at 4:30 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics
  • Wednesday, July 8, at 4 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Toronto Tempo
  • Friday, July 10, at 4:30 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Connecticut Sun
  • Wednesday, July 15, at 5 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever
  • Wednesday, July 29, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Phoenix Mercury
  • Friday, Aug. 7, at 6:30 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings
  • Sunday, Aug. 9, at 4 p.m: Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks
  • Friday, Aug. 21, at 4:30 p.m: Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky
  • Monday, Aug. 24, at 5 p.m: Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx
  • Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 5 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Connecticut Sun
  • Thursday, Aug. 27, at 5 p.m.: Valkyries vs New York Liberty
  • Sunday, Aug. 30, at 4 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Portland Fire
  • Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Portland Fire
  • Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m.: Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks

You can keep an eye on the broadcast schedule on the Valkyries’ website to see your options for streaming or live TV.

How can I get tickets to a Valkyries game?

You can get tickets for home games at the Valkyries’ official website, where options include mini-plans for multiple games or season tickets.

Single-game tickets currently start at relatively affordable prices. As of publication, for example, tickets for the April 25 game start at around $33 but run to over $248. (Fans have noted that tickets have gotten more expensive as the hype for the team has grown.)

The Golden State Valkyries at their home opener at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. (Gina Castro/KQED)

Some fans who have season tickets may sell individual games to other people. You may be able to find these offers on social media sites like Facebook groups. Valqueeries organizer Megan Doherty-Baker said in 2025 that fan groups like hers may also have a quick connection to people who are looking to sell or just generously give out their tickets.

(But be careful, and verify the person before sending any money — ticket scams have been common in recent years.)

What time should I arrive at Chase Center?

Doors are scheduled to open at least 90 minutes before a game starts.

If you are new to the sport, like this reporter was last year, know that basketball games move fast, and it is best to be in your seat at tip-off. Games, which are split into quarters, are around two to two-and-a-half hours long and it can be easy to miss something once play gets started (unlike, for example, baseball).

Where can I find Golden State Valkyries merch?

Some select games and themed nights at Chase Center may have promotions or complimentary merch for all fans or people who arrive early.

For example, on April 25, attendees will get a free Valkyries shirt that says, “Born in the Bay.” On July 20, the team will distribute a very cute plushie of Hello Kitty wearing Valkyries merch. Another special night to keep note of: June 28 is the 30th anniversary of the WNBA.

If you are on the hunt for merchthe Valkyries have plenty in the team’s signature pop-girl purple — check out the stands at Portals 10, 21, 41, 42, 47 and 59.

Fans pose for a photo outside of Chase Center, following the WNBA game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Los Angeles Sparks on May 16, 2025. (Gina Castro/KQED)

The Golden State Shop right outside Chase Center, which stays open late after games, also sells merch. Keep in mind: The line after a game will be long.

Some merch can also be found online, including at the official Valkyries shop, the WNBA store, local brands like Oaklandish and retailers like Homage and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

In this reporter’s experience, Bay Area designers unveil their own specialized fan merch around WNBA season and can be found on Instagram and at block parties and street festivals. They are unofficial — and unaffiliated with the WNBA — but some designs may be worth keeping an eye on.

What is the Chase Center bag policy for Valkyries games?

Backpacks (except for single-compartment drawstring bags) of any kind are prohibited from entering the arena.

Any other bag, including diaper bags, must be smaller than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches.

Attendees with bags that do not meet the requirements can check them at 16th Street & Terry Francois Boulevard for $10. Bag check opens an hour before doors open and closes an hour after the event ends.

Golden State Valkyries guard Julie Vanloo (35) advances toward the basket at the Valkyries’ home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. (Gina Castro/KQED)

Here are some more things you cannot bring into Chase Center:

  • Reusable bottles and cans
  • Refillable water bottles or cups
  • Signs over 11 x 17 inches or attached to any pole or stick
  • Masks that cover the whole face (Face coverings to lower your risks of catching — or spreading — COVID-19, like N95 masks, are allowed. Limited face paint is acceptable.)
  • Lights, tripods and professional recording equipment
  • Noise-making devices, such as air horns, whistles or cowbells
  • Weapons and self-defense items of any kind, including mace, knives and tasers
  • Selfie sticks
  • Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, bicycles and helmets

You can bring:

Is food available at Chase Center?

Outside food and drink are not permitted into the Chase Center. There are a lot of food stalls and bars within the center, with drink stands scattered throughout.

You can find a list of restaurants on the Chase Center website, although in this reporter’s experience, not all of them will be open on the day of a game. But there will be reliable game-day bites, like chicken tenders and fries.

Where can I find parking near Chase Center?

Chase Center has a guide to its parking garage on 99 Warriors Way, including what to do during event days.

According to the Chase Center website, event parking begins two hours before the start time, and the rate “is an additional $75, on top of any accrued public parking fees.” You can try reserving parking on Ticketmaster.

A fan cheers after the Golden State Valkyries scored during their home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. (Gina Castro/KQED)

You can also book a spot using the third-party parking website SpotHero, which may have cheaper parking options farther away.

You can take a chance on street parking in the area by using this guide from SFMTA, but be sure to be careful of parking tickets.

What should I know about rideshare services like Uber, Lyft and Waymo at Chase Center?

Getting to Chase Center using a rideshare service will likely be pretty smooth — it’s getting out of the area after a game that is almost certainly going to be a challenge. And due to surge pricing, it will also be far more expensive to get an Uber or Lyft as you exit the venue.

There are multiple designated pickup and drop-off zones located around Chase Center, including:

  • Warriors Way & Terry Francois Boulevard
  • Mission Bay Boulevard (South)
  • Fourth Street & Campus Way
  • Zone 1 and 2: Pier 52
  • Zone 3 and 4: Mission Rock Resort

What are my public transit options at Chase Center?

Public transit schedules are always subject to change, so check the timetable for your route on the day of the event, and be cognizant of when service ends so you don’t get stuck far from home.

A map of public transit options can be found on the Valkyries’ website.

SF Muni

Any Chase Center patron who shows their event ticket at Muni turnstiles and boarding platforms can ride Muni without charge. (This offer expires at 2 a.m.)

There is a Muni Metro rail stop serving the venue on the T Third Street line, which connects Chinatown and Sunnydale. See the Muni Metro schedule.

Couple Cesar and Corrine Cueva pose for a photo, holding a sign that Cesar made, ahead of the Golden State Valkyries’ home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. (Gina Castro/KQED)

BART

Several BART stations offer convenient connections to get to the venue.

Muni Route 22 connects to the 16th Street and Mission BART station. The closest stop is located on Third Street and Gene Friend Way.

Muni Route 15 serves as a connection to the Montgomery Street BART station. The closest stop is located on Third Street and Warriors Way.

You can transfer to the new Union Square Muni Metro rail station from Powell BART station via the underground corridor to take the T Third Street line or S Shuttle Mission Bay line to the UCSF/Chase Center stop.

You can find more information and schedules on the BART website.

Caltrain

If you take Caltrain to San Francisco, you can walk 15–20 minutes along Fourth Street and turn left on Gene Friend Way to Chase Center.

You can also transfer from the San Francisco Caltrain station to the Muni Metro T Third Street platform, which is located across the street, and take Muni to the UCSF/Chase Center stop.

If you are attending a weekend game, be sure to check Caltrain’s weekend schedule to make sure you know when the last train leaves.

Riders 18 and under can ride for $1 one-way or buy a day pass for $2.

Biking

Chase Center offers guests free bike valet for up to 300 bikes beginning an hour before start time. The valet is available along 16th Street, on the south side of Chase Center.

There is also a Lyft/Bay Wheels bike share station on Warriors Way.

What should I know about accessibility at Chase Center?

Chase Center addresses questions about accessibility in its online A-to-Z Guide, which includes information about accessible parking, hearing assistance, ADA-compliant restrooms and service animals. For more questions, fans can contact guestexperiences@warriors.com.

According to the guide, all entrances are wheelchair accessible.

Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) attempts to make a basket during the first quarter at the Valkyries’ home opener at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. (Gina Castro/KQED)

The venue said guests can request complimentary wheelchair escorts by visiting the kiosks located at Portal 13 and Portal 53, or by texting 833-CC4-FANS. Wheelchairs are not available for rent.

Accessible parking in the parking garage is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

According to the guide, “disabled and accessible seating is available at Chase Center in all ticket price categories, based on availability.” Guests buying these seats “may purchase companion seating as well. Chase Center will attempt to reasonably accommodate any concern regarding guests with disabilities.”

I didn’t get tickets. Are there any Valkyries watch parties in the Bay Area?

There will definitely be more watch parties popping up throughout the WNBA season (including at a Marin women’s sports bar scheduled to open this summer), but spots that have aired Valkyries games or hosted viewing parties before include:

  • Thrive City (the venue connected to Chase Center) may show away games on a large screen outside the arena
  • Rikki’s in San Francisco
  • George & Walt’s in Oakland
  • Line 51 Brewing in Oakland
  • Xingones Cantina in Oakland
  • OUB Taproom in Oakland
  • San Pedro Street in San José

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