PHOENIX – The three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury begin their title defense on Friday, June 5 with the Fry’s Food Stores Home Opener, and the team will celebrate its 2014 championship prior to the game in a special ceremony. Phoenix hosts the San Antonio Stars at US Airways Center with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m., doors scheduled to open at 5:30 p.m.

Prior to tip-off, the Mercury will honor its 2014 WNBA Championship team with a special celebration beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m., which will include presentation of championship rings to players and coaches, as well as the unveiling of the 2014 championship banner in the arena rafters.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as the first 10,000 Mercury fans in attendance will receive finger lights to help illuminate US Airways Center during the ceremony, similar to what has been used in past Super Bowl halftime shows. In addition, Fry’s Food Stores will present the first 3,000 fans with a voucher to receive individual replica championship rings and the first 10,000 fans will receive a commemorative Mercury t-shirt.

Fans will also have the opportunity to view the 2007 and 2009 WNBA Champion banners and the 2007, 2009 and 2014 trophies in the Casino Arizona Pavilion prior to the game.

Sandy Brondello, 2014 WNBA Coach of the Year, leads 2014 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Brittney Griner, All-Star Candice Dupree and three-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year DeWanna Bonner as the Mercury open defense of their title on Friday, June 5 at 7 p.m. against the San Antonio Stars at US Airways Center. That night, the Mercury will unveil the 2014 WNBA Championship banner and have a pregame championship ring ceremony. Tickets are available by calling 602-252-WNBA or by visiting PhoenixMercury.com.