WNBA Phoenix Mercury

Griner, Mercury to Tip-Off Season in Fry's Food Stores Welcome Home Opener this Sunday

Published on May 17, 2023 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Phoenix Mercury News Release


PHOENIX - Brittney Griner will play her first regular-season game at Footprint Center in 610 days (Sept. 19, 2021 - May 21, 2023) when the three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury host the Fry's Food Stores Welcome Home Opener this Sunday against the Chicago Sky. Griner, who played last Friday in the team's home preseason game, last played a non-exhibition game in Phoenix in Game 2 of the 2021 WNBA Finals on Oct. 13, 2021.

The Sunday matinee celebrating BG's return and the tip-off of the team's 27th season will be one of the most memorable games in franchise history. Tip-off is 1 p.m., doors will open at 11 a.m. and ESPN will broadcast the game exclusively.

The first 10,000 fans attending the homecoming celebration will receive a special giveaway t-shirt, courtesy of Fry's Food Stores, and a light-up bracelet branded with the Bring Our Families Home campaign. The team will introduce the complete 2023 Mercury roster including team mainstays Griner, Sophie Cunningham, Brianna Turner and the GOAT herself, Diana Taurasi.

Moments before tipoff, local artist Jay Tatum and the Mercury Hip Hop Squad will perform a powerful spoken-word performance on the reuniting of the team and joy of the Mercury family being back together.

In partnership with Anagram Studios ("The Sum"), the Mercury will host special performances by multi-platinum recording artist and three-time Grammy Award winner Wyclef Jean. Wyclef, along with 200 of his superfans on the court, will sing Bob Marley's hit phenomenon, "One Love" and he will also perform a special five-song postgame concert in the COURTyard. Wyclef Jean's halftime performance is on behalf of The Sum, a new music platform and series created by Anagram Studios.

Sunday's game will debut an all-new intro video on the scoreboard and in-game entertainment by the Hip Hop Squad and the WNBA's favorite mascot, Scorch. Singer and musician Rayvon Owen , a top-four finalist on American Idol Season 14 will perform the national anthem and fans can enjoy photo opportunities, new apparel options and games in the Mercury COURTyard sponsored by Bally Bet. Scorch will be taking photos with fans from noon to 12:15 prior to the game.

With a deep connection to its fans and local community, the Mercury is focused on elevating the game day experience for fans this season and utilizing its platform on and off the court to champion the betterment of those in need.

Last month, Griner and the Mercury announced a partnership with Bring Our Families Home to raise awareness and support those impacted by wrongful detainment in other nations. During the Opener and every Mercury regular season home game this summer, the team will host letter-writing stations in the arena pavilion for fans to draft handwritten notes of hope and encouragement to those detained and calls for action to elected officials to bring individuals home.

Fans are also encouraged to visit a mural that was unveiled last month on Footprint Center's west side. The 30-foot-wide painting features a QR code that directs to www.BringOurFamiliesHome.org where fans can learn more and get involved in the cause.

Additionally, the Mercury is continuing BG's Heart & Sole Shoe Drive all season long in partnership with the Phoenix Rescue Mission to collect new and gently used shoes for unhoused individuals in the community.

Sunday's fun begins upon arrival where fans will be greeted with a live DJ in the pavilion, photo stations and new merchandise in the Team Shop.

The Mercury, who typically sell reserved seats only in the arena's lower level, experienced the team's earliest lower-level sellout since the late 1990s. Great upper-level tickets are still available at Mercury.WNBA.com/Tickets.

The Mercury tip off their season on May 19 against the Los Angeles Sparks at 7 p.m. on ESPN. Download the new Mercury app for free access to watch all non-exclusive regular season home games for free this season, view the schedule, purchase tickets and more. Available for iOS and Android.

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