"When Otis Watson closes his eyes, he can still see the San Jose Event Center awash in green and black jerseys. He can hear the sound of chants and rallies bouncing off the dimly lit gym, loud enough to wake the San Jose State students in neighboring Washburn Hall. It was here where Watson knew he could snag a decent bag of popcorn and what he recalls as the best white wine in the Bay."
"There were always sizable, enthusiastic crowds back in the day, Watson recalled of the Lasers games he used to attend. I remember the crowd used to give awards to who were the rowdiest fans in their sections. They really caught your attention. Sitting courtside, Watson couldn't help but notice a young owner named Joe Lacob, bouncing out of his seat, living and dying with every possession."
"Nearly 30 years after owning the San Jose Lasers, Lacob is returning women's professional basketball to San Jose. On Wednesday, the Valkyries will play their first-ever home playoff game in San Jose, hosting the Minnesota Lynx for Game 2 of the first round at SAP Center, just a few miles from where the Lasers once called home. For Lacob, it's more than just a venue change forced by the Laver Cup tennis tournament taking over Chase Center this week."
Otis Watson remembers the San Jose Event Center filled with green and black jerseys, chants, popcorn and white wine during San Jose Lasers games. Season-ticket crowds rewarded rowdy fans and created lively atmospheres. Watson noticed a young owner, Joe Lacob, intensely invested in games. Nearly 30 years after the Lasers, Lacob is bringing women's professional basketball back to San Jose. The Valkyries will play their first home playoff game at SAP Center against the Minnesota Lynx as Chase Center hosts the Laver Cup. Lacob calls the return a full-circle moment and believes San Jose has long had appetite for women's basketball.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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