PHX Perspective

Phoenix Mercury Fans Gather at Sky Harbor to Cheer On Their Home Team

“It’s just so awesome,” was the sentiment echoed by many fans on the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 8, as fans gathered in Terminal 3 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to welcome home the Phoenix Mercury team who on Friday became WNBA Champions for the second time. And, visitors to PHX Sky Harbor could feel the energy and excitement in the air as fans across the Valley gathered with pom-poms, purple and white t-shirts, and “Break the Fever” signs. Occasionally, fans would let out a cheer or a squeal to build the excitement for the home team arrival. And, as the Phoenix Mercury players came out of the gate area from their American Airlines flight arriving from Indiana and headed toward the escalators, the crowd erupted into applause and cheers.

“This has just been so awesome,” said Phoenix native Lydia Varela. “I’ve been a fan from the beginning and was here at the Airport in 2007 to welcome them back. It’s awesome that they get to play the championship game here in town and I’m so proud of our girls.”

Fans continued to have their excitement build. “It’s amazing,” said Jennifer Scholtes of Phoenix, a fan for the past 8-10 years and also a first year season-ticket holder. “You could tell from the first pre-season game that something special was happening.”

Teresa Damme, also of Phoenix and a first year season ticket holder, agreed and said that she really feels like she is part of the Phoenix Mercury family. “The whole organization has been almost like family,” Damme said. “We’re not just fans, it is different. Everyone in the Mercury organization makes you feel like you are part of the family. This (championship) is just icing on the cake and we feel like we are friends with the players.”

Fans also wore autographed cowboy hats and brought basketballs some with autographs and some without for their favorite players to sign. Varela said that she treasures a picture and shirt she has that Diana Taurasi signed back in 2007.

On Friday, the Western Conference Champions, the Phoenix Mercury, played their final game against Eastern Conference Champions, the Indiana Fever. Going into the final, both teams were 2-2, but the Phoenix Mercury, who were the 2007 Champions, again captured the title defeating the Indiana Fever 94-86.

“It is great to see the City and other area sports teams getting behind the Mercury and supporting them,” said Scholtes.

Congratulations to the Phoenix Mercury on their outstanding achievement!