The WNBA is taking their game outside in a historic professional first. The Liberty will host the Fever at Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.  This in the wake of the NHL’s outdoor events in Buffalo and the announcement of the Wrigley Field game this winter.  The NBA is also planning a game in Arizona Oct 11th for the 2008-09 preseason.

These spectacle games have been a TV rating and business success for the most part. The NHL’s Buffalo game drew the best regular season rating in over a decade.  The unique setting is likely to draw in both regular viewer and expose new fans to the sport.

NEW YORK - Move over, Roger Federer. Venus and Serena Williams, too. The WNBA is taking over center court at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Since opening in 1997, the world’s largest outdoor tennis-only venue has been the main stadium for the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. It’s where the Williams sisters have won two women’s titles each, and Federer the last four men’s championships.

On Saturday night, there will be a different ball bouncing on the court when the New York Liberty host the Indiana Fever in the first outdoor regular-season game in professional basketball history — men’s or women’s. (msnbc)

This is the second time the Liberty have left the friendly confines of Madison Square Garden.  The New York Liberty played some of their 2004 home games at Radio City while Madison Square Garden was renovated for the Republican National Convention. (from answers.com)

Underplayed in the coverage of the event so far is the connection between the site (the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center) and the WNBA.  Women’s professional sports in the US would simply not exist at the level it does today without Billie Jean King and her efforts on and off the court.  I hope the Liberty have some plans to connect Billie Jean King and their event.

–Cudo

Read more about Billie Jean King in the Necessary Spectacle Book Review Blog