Seats For Steve Kerr and 7,000 Of His Closest Friends

Yes, I know we're getting a little women's basketball-y tonight. But it's the first game of the WNBA Finals! See that packed house in Phoenix? Here's a tip: a lot of those people aren't exactly paying customers.

In advance of tonight's Phoenix-Indiana game, GM Steve Kerr purchased the entire upper level, so the first 7,000 fans who wanted them got in for free.

Larry Bird purchased the upper level for the Fever's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Indiana and I want to show the same support for our amazing Mercury," Kerr said in a statement. "Both of us were part of championship teams and understand the importance of a packed house. For anyone who doubts the WNBA level of play, this is an opportunity to see for yourself. I challenge any doubters to come see the talent, skill and intensity on the court."

By the way, this was announced yesterday, so this is less of a goodwill gesture and more of a "let's avoid embarrassing our league" gesture.

So, even with free tickets to this Mercury-Fever game, do Phoenix fans have, er, Mercury Fever? In a poll on the U.S. Airways Center website asking what people are most looking forward to, this series is currently losing to, among other things, "Kristi Yamaguchi & Friends."

Fans Can Score Free Mercury Tickets [Arizona Republic]