What a series. Minutes ago, the Sacramento Monarchs ended their title run with a 5 point loss to the Detroit Shock. From a huge win in Game One that shattered numerous WNBA Finals records for offensive numbers, the Monarchs were up 2-1 in the series before losing the final two in the best of five between the two teams. Monarchs star Yolanda Griffith announced a likely retirement from basketball following the conclusion of the series.

From the standpoint of Valley development, the WNBA Championship Series took on a number of other story lines beyond the season climax for the Monarchs. As seen in the graphic, the impending vote in Sacramento County loomed over games in Arco Arena, and will likely take center stage when the Kings begin pre-season games and their home opener prior to the November vote. Maloof Sports and Entertainment campaigned openly for the measures prior to Game 3, with a press conference/rally for fans that featured among others Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo and former Monarchs star Ruthie Bolton. There was no mention of the political measure during Game 3 inside the arena, but staff were notably pushing voter registration on the Arco concourse.

The Sacramento County measures also received attention in ESPN2 national playoff coverage by commentators, who indicated this could be the last season for the Monarchs in Sacramento if the vote went down in defeat. The Maloofs will not comment on this possibility, instead focusing on winning the votes. Still, the speculation regarding the loss of the Kings and Monarchs franchises, as well as Arco Arena, seems likely.

In today's game, the Monarchs played a Shock team in Joe Louis Arena, due to scheduling conflicts at their normal home in Auburn Hills. So, here was a Monarchs team that plays in an arena in the suburbs while coveting a downtown facility, playing a Shock team in a large downtown Detroit arena, who wished they were at home in the suburbs. Joe Louis Arena is normally home to the Detroit Red Wings, and has hosted basketball events in the past, including playoff games by the Pistons. Notably absent are luxury suites, unless they are at the very top of the bowl seating structure. One great thing to see about the Joe is it is available if a conflict exists. If Arco was scheduled for some other event, the Monarchs would be in a real jam. Whether or not the new arena is built, it is likely Arco will be demolished.

In ValleyVue's assessment, an arena is necessary for such a large population base. Regardless of whether or not an individual voter plans to attend a Kings game, there are so many other events that would require an arena-sized venue. Where will they go without an arena in Sacramento? Smaller events can go to the Stockton Arena, but the next largest arena in Sacramento is the 3800 seat Memorial Auditorium. It is incomprehensible to think all of California north of San Jose will only have one professional level indoor sports venue. ValleyVue endorses measures Q and R as necessary for the Sacramento region.