Tickets for the Golden State Valkyries’ playoff games went on sale Friday. The first-year WNBA team has a passionate fanbase in the Bay Area, and businesses think that passion will translate into more local spending.

The Valkyries are making history as the first WNBA expansion team to make it to the playoffs in their first season. Due to a scheduling conflict at Chase Center where the Valkyries play their home games, the team’s “home” playoff game against the Minnesota Lynx will be held at San Jose’s SAP Center on Wednesday evening.

Businesses in downtown San Jose, in places like San Pedro Square and Little Italy, are expecting an economic ripple effect from the game.

“Businesses are prepping themselves; they’ve got increased staff members and food and beverage offerings and promotions,

See Full Page