7,932 showed up for the Dream's exhibition against the Sparks.

Although the veteran Los Angeles Sparks won 86-80, the Dream sparked its own fire under fans with a feverish finish.

"I've been saying for years that if a professional team would come here, I would support it," said Karen Race, who sat in the first row wearing an Atlanta Dream T-shirt. "I don't care if the economy's tight, I don't care if I have any money, we're supporting them."