The three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury will thank fans for their support and pay tribute to one of the team’s all-time greats, Penny Taylor, during Fan Appreciation Night on Thursday, Sept. 15, when the team hosts the Seattle Storm at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Taylor has announced that 2016 will be her final WNBA season and while the team will host a formal retirement ceremony during the 2017 campaign, on Thursday the Mercury will give fans a chance to say “thank you” during Taylor’s last regular season home game.
Taylor, a three-time WNBA All-Star, two-time Olympic silver medalist (Australia), and franchise leader in career 3-point percentage, not only is one of the most accomplished players in franchise history, but also one of the most beloved by fans. In celebration of Taylor, the arena will be decked out in “Thank you, Penny!” placards, and there will also be special “Thank you, Penny!” shirts available for purchase in the Team Shop. A number of special videos and giveaways will take place throughout the game for Penny and in honor of Fan Appreciation Night, as well as a postgame video tribute.
The Mercury will also recognize the X-Factor, the best fans in the WNBA. The first 2,500 fans will receive an Ann Meyers Drysdale bobblehead, courtesy of Waddell and Reed, the first of its kind for the team executive and broadcaster who assembled championship rosters in 2007 and 2009 as the Mercury’s general manager. A basketball legend, Meyers Drysdale is a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, a member of the first US Women’s National Team at the Olympics in 1976, and the only female to ever sign a free-agent contract with an NBA team. A picture of the bobblehead can be found here.
In addition, fans will be involved in various in-game elements including being announced with the Mercury starting line-up. Fans will also have multiple chances throughout the night to win various prizes including autographed jerseys, basketballs and photos from Taylor.
Tickets for the Mercury’s game on Thursday, September 15 can be purchased by calling 602.252.WNBA or by clicking here.