Opening Night presented by Swedish set for May 20 vs. Phoenix, first 3,000 receive Bird bobblehead
SEATTLE – The Seattle Storm today announced the 2018 regular season schedule, featuring Opening Night presented by Swedish on May 20 at KeyArena, with tipoff set for 6 p.m. The Storm will celebrate Sue Bird, who became the WNBA’s all-time leader in assists on Sept. 1, 2017, with a commemorative bobblehead for the first 3,000 in attendance.
Fans will also be able to take a photo with Bird’s game-worn jersey and shoes from the record-breaking moment in WNBA history before the memorabilia is sent to the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame. Doors will open at 5 p.m. but due to expected attendance, fans are encouraged to arrive early.
The 2017 first-round playoff re-match with Phoenix on May 20 will feature the league’s all-time leading scorer in Diana Taurasi (7,867 points) taking on Bird, the league’s all-time assists leader. The game will also highlight the league’s top two regular-season scorers, Brittney Griner (21.9 points per game) and Breanna Stewart (19.9 points per game).
The 2018 slate features exciting match-ups and additional bobblehead giveaways, highlighted below:
• Opening Night presented by Swedish will be on Sunday, May 20 at 6 p.m. vs. Phoenix and the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a Sue Bird commemorative bobblehead.
• University of Washington graduate and the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, Kelsey Plum and the Las Vegas Aces take on the Storm at KeyArena on Thursday, May 31 at 7 p.m. and again on Tuesday, June 19 at 7 p.m.
• Fans are invited to celebrate Dads and Daughters with the Storm before Fathers Day, on Friday, June 15 at 7 p.m. against the Connecticut Sun. The first 3,000 fans will receive a Jewell Loyd bobblehead.
• Tip off Seattle Pride weekend on Friday, June 22 at KeyArena as the Storm welcomes the Indiana Fever at 7 p.m.
• Seattle will host Candace Parker, 2016 WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike and the 2016 WNBA Champion Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday, June 28 with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m. in front of a national TV audience on ESPN2. Los Angeles will return to Seattle for Kids Day on Tuesday, July 10 at Noon.
• The first 3,000 fans will receive a Breanna Stewart bobblehead on Celebrate Seattle Basketball Night, set for Sunday, July 8 at 4 p.m. against the Washington Mystics.
• In honor of Breast Health Awareness Night, Seattle will take on Minnesota, Friday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m.
• StormFit Night presented by Kaiser Permanente will be on Friday, Aug. 17 vs. Tina Charles and the New York Liberty at 7 p.m.
• Fan Appreciation Night is set for Sunday, Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. vs. the Dallas Wings.
In addition to Sue Bird, Seattle will welcome back its core, including 2017 WNBA All-Star Breanna Stewart, the league’s second-leading scorer last season at 19.9 points per game, and guard Jewell Loyd, who averaged a career high 17.7 points per game in 2017. The team announced that Dan Hughes will take over head coaching responsibilities in October. Hughes is the all-time leader in WNBA games coached and third-winningest coach in league history.
Seattle will again host the ‘Summer Fun Zone’ on the West Plaza two hours prior to every Saturday and Sunday game. The ‘Summer Fun Zone’ is free and open to the public, and will feature face painters, music, inflatables and other outdoor activities for kids.
Seattle will be featured on two ESPN telecasts, including Thursday, June 7 at Los Angeles, with a 7 p.m. tipoff at STAPLES Center, and again vs. the Sparks at KeyArena on Thursday, June 28, at 6 p.m. Seattle’s local broadcast and preseason schedules will be announced at a later date.
Single game tickets will go on sale in April. Secure the best seats in the house with Storm 360 Memberships, available now, starting at $180, available online or by calling (206) 217-WNBA (9622). For package and group rates, please call 206-217-WNBA (9622).