The Atlanta Dream, who have averaged the fewest fans per game during the 2024 WNBA season—just 6,862.24 according to Across The Timeline—experienced a dramatic surge in attendance when the Indiana Fever and their star rookie, Caitlin Clark, came to town. Monday’s matchup at State Farm Arena in Atlanta drew a record-setting crowd of 17,608 fans, a number that quickly sparked conversation among WNBA fans.
After the Dream announced the attendance milestone on X (formerly Twitter), fans were quick to attribute the packed arena to what many are calling the “Caitlin Clark Effect.” The replies were filled with comments like:
“Nah, Caitlin did it lmao”
“The Clark effect”
“Everyone there to see Clark”
“Caitlin Clark did it. Hello!!! Try to check your attendance on your other games and not against Fever”
“At least put her in the graphic ”
“Least you could do is say thank you, Caitlin lol”
We did it! 🔥 17,608 @wnba fans in the building for the BIGGEST game of the season. #atlantadream pic.twitter.com/CX24T9ITJs
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) August 27, 2024
Clark’s star power has undoubtedly had a massive impact on WNBA attendance this season. Last year, the Fever averaged just 5,699.48 fans per game. But with Clark on the roster this season, Indiana is now attracting an average of 16,221.57 fans per game—significantly more than any other team in the league, with no other franchise drawing more than 11,000 per game.
It’s also worth noting that the Dream typically play their home games at the smaller Gateway Center in College Park, which holds just 5,000 fans. However, when the Fever, led by Clark, come to town, the Dream move their games to State Farm Arena, which can accommodate over 19,000 people. This strategic switch highlights the draw that Clark brings to the league, boosting not only her team’s attendance but also influencing how other teams plan their home games when she’s in town.
Caitlin Clark’s presence on the court is proving to be a game-changer, not just in terms of performance but also in her undeniable ability to fill arenas and captivate audiences wherever she plays.
