San Francisco and proud fans preparing celebrations for Valkyries' championship parade
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco is getting dressed in violet as the city prepares to celebrate the Golden State Valkyries' historic WNBA championship with a victory parade along the waterfront on Wednesday.
Barricades are going up along The Embarcadero, championship banners are appearing on streetlights, and even Waymo vehicles are joining the festivities as excitement builds for the city's newest champions.
The celebration comes after the Valkyries' dramatic Halloween night victory over Atlanta in Game 7 at Ballhalla, clinching the franchise's first WNBA title and capping a dream inaugural season.
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"It was absolute cinema, and what a comeback. It was amazing," said Valkyries fan Sylvin Ganad.
The thrilling finish left fans celebrating across the Bay Area.
"Very unbelievable. It was so electric, even at home watching the game with my kids. It was a historic moment," said fan Courtney Escanio.
Mayor Daniel Lurie invited fans to join the festivities, posting a social media video encouraging supporters to line the parade route and celebrate the champions.
The victory parade begins at noon Wednesday at the Ferry Building and will travel south on The Embarcadero before ending at Second and King streets. The event is expected to run until 2 p.m.
MORE: Golden State Valkyries win its 1st WNBA title, beating Atlanta Dream 68-63
Fans like Shalana Johnson are already making plans.
"It's going to be insane," Johnson said. "Hopefully a lot of people show up, all those 20,000 fans show we get excited for the Valks."
When asked whether she planned to attend, Johnson didn't hesitate.
"Oh yes. Noon, lining up at Ferry Building," she said.
Ahead of the celebration, supporters are stocking up on championship gear. The Golden State Shop at Thrive City was packed Sunday as fans snapped up newly released merchandise.
"Got a sweatshirt, new hat, waiting for more to come out," Escanio said.
At Ballhalla, congratulatory messages for the champions continue flashing across the jumbotron as fans reflect on a season to remember.
"Congrats, so proud of you," said fan Susana.
"This is a bright future for the Bay Area and all the women paving the way for women's sports," Escanio said. "Love it."
City leaders are encouraging parade-goers to arrive early and use public transportation whenever possible. Parking is expected to be limited along the route. BART plans to add extra trains to accommodate the crowds, while SFPD will increase security along the parade route.
Thousands of fans are expected to line the waterfront Wednesday to celebrate the Valkyries and mark a championship moment that has energized the Bay Area.
