Today, we’re diving into the best landmarks across the United States to visit for women’s basketball fans. Whether you’re hoping to surround yourself with like-minded WNBA and college basketball enthusiasts or want to deepen your appreciation for the game through historic locations, this list is your new sidekick.
Let’s make sure you know about these 9 must-visit women’s basketball locations!
1. Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle Storm)
The Seattle Storm arguably has the best fanbase in the WNBA, so hitting up the team’s Climate Pledge Arena for a home game is a must.
This newly renovated arena offers a modern, clean, and eco-friendly experience for the thousands of fans who pack the joint every game. There are no bad seats and cool features like palm payment make lines for food, drinks, and merch move fast.
The venue has witnessed multiple championship runs and remains a central hub for women’s basketball in the Pacific Northwest. In 2024, you can watch great players like Jewell Loyd, Nneka Ogwumike, and Skylar Diggins-Smith.
2. Target Center (Minnesota Lynx)
The Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the home of the Minnesota Lynx, one of the most successful teams in WNBA history. This venue has been home to multiple WNBA Finals, the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game, and the 2022 NCAA Women’s Final Four, creating an electric and historic atmosphere.
With its state-of-the-art facilities and passionate Lynx fan base, the Target Center is a must-visit for any women’s basketball fan. Catch a Lynx game there now, and you can marvel at the skills of greats like Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride.
3. Thompson-Boling Arena (University of Tennessee)
Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee, is synonymous with women’s basketball history. As the home of the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers, this venue has witnessed numerous championship seasons with Vols legends like Chamique Holdsclaw, Tamika Catchings, and Candace Parker. The court is named “The Summitt” after legendary coach Pat Summitt.
There’s a historic feel to the place, and the arena’s capacity and atmosphere make it a premier location to watch high-level college basketball. While there, make sure to check out the Pat Summitt statue honoring Summitt outside the arena.
4. Sue Bird Mural (Seattle, Washington)
In Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, a vibrant mural celebrates the legacy of Sue Bird, one of the most iconic players in WNBA history. Completed by artist Craig Cundiff, the mural captures Bird’s impact on the Seattle Storm and her contributions to the Seattle Storm.
It’s a must-see for fans and a testament to her long, incredible career in the WNBA. You can find it in the parking lot at 2030 1st Avenue.
5. Holcombe Rucker Park (Harlem, New York)
Holcombe Rucker Park in Harlem is legendary in the basketball world, known for its rich history and iconic streetball games.
Greats like Chamique Holdsclaw and Nancy Lieberman, and young stars like Hannah Hidalgo, have played here, honing their skills and gaining recognition. Visiting this park is a nod to the grassroots level of the sport and its deep cultural roots.
6. A’ja Wilson Statue (University of South Carolina)
The statue of A’ja Wilson outside Colonial Life Arena at the University of South Carolina in Columbia honors one of the most impactful players in today’s women’s basketball. Crafted by artist Julie Amrany and unveiled in 2021, the roughly 11-foot bronze statue features Wilson in the act of shooting.
Before becoming a WNBA MVP and champion, Wilson led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA Championship in 2017. She’s been a trailblazer for the sport, and visiting her statue is a tribute to her achievements.
7. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (Springfield, Massachusetts)
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s West Hall features exhibits dedicated to the legends of women’s basketball.
From players and coaches to pivotal moments in the sport’s history, this hall celebrates the contributions and milestones of women in basketball. It’s a can’t-miss for fans to appreciate the broader history of the game.
8. Brittney Griner Mural Project (Washington, DC)
The Brittney Griner Mural Project in Washington, D.C., honors the WNBA star while raising awareness about wrongful detentions globally. This mural, located in the bustling Georgetown neighborhood, was created by artist Isaac Campbell. It was initiated by Washington Mystics players Elizabeth Williams and Natasha Cloud while Griner was wrongfully detained in Russia.
The supersized black-and-white mural features Griner, as well as 17 other Americans wrongfully detailed. Because it was made using wheat pasting, the mural peels as it degrades over time and won’t last forever. It’s a significant site for fans to visit and reflect on the broader issues highlighted by Griner’s story.
9. Georgia Dome Marker (Atlanta, Georgia)
The Georgia Dome Marker in Atlanta stands where the Georgia Dome once did, honoring many events that took place there, including a pivotal moment in women’s basketball history.
This historical marker commemorates the location where the 1996 USA Women’s Basketball Team, with players like Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Ruthie Bolton, and Dawn Staley, won gold in the Olympics. It was an achievement that significantly contributed to the founding of the WNBA. Dream On, one of the best women’s basketball documentaries, tells the story of the team’s impact.
Conclusion
There you have it: the best locations for deepening your appreciation for women’s basketball. Each offers history, excitement, and inspiration for any fan. Plan your next visit!
