The Las Vegas Aces return to Michelob ULTRA Arena on Friday, Oct. 9, for Game 3 of their WNBA semifinal series against the Golden State Valkyries. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Las Vegas time. It is the Aces’ first home game of the series, and a second home date is on the calendar for Sunday, Oct. 11, if the best-of-five matchup requires a fourth game.
The schedule gives Las Vegas fans a postseason date to circle, but this is not a full month of confirmed home games. The Aces opened the series on the road and lost Game 1, 71-60, on Oct. 4. They visit Golden State again on Wednesday, Oct. 7, before the series shifts to Las Vegas. As of Monday, Oct. 5, the Valkyries lead 1-0.
That makes Friday’s matchup a pivotal one for the Aces. They need to answer on their home floor and even the series before the teams meet again. In a playoff series, there is no room to sleepwalk into the next quarter. Every possession carries weight.
What’s ahead in the Aces-Valkyries series?
The WNBA’s Game 3 listing confirms the Oct. 9 matchup at Michelob ULTRA Arena, with a 9:30 p.m. Eastern tip, or 6:30 p.m. in Las Vegas. The league lists the game on Peacock and NBC Sports Network. Game 2 is scheduled for Oct. 7 at Chase Center in San Francisco.
If the series extends beyond three games, Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 11, at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Its start time is listed as to be determined. A fifth game, if needed, is scheduled for Oct. 14 at Chase Center. The format sets up a tight window: road game, home game, then a possible quick turnaround back at home.
One home date is set, another depends on the series
For fans planning around the schedule, the distinction matters. Oct. 9 is the confirmed home game. Oct. 11 only happens if the series reaches Game 4. The Aces’ official schedule is the place to check for any updates to game details as the matchup develops.
The Aces need to win at home to keep the series moving toward that possible second Las Vegas date. The Oct. 4 opener ended with Golden State ahead by 11. The result puts pressure on the Aces to respond, but it does not settle the series. A playoff matchup is a longer fight than one night’s score.
Planning for game night at Michelob ULTRA Arena
Michelob ULTRA Arena is inside Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino at 3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South. The arena is the Aces’ home court, and the team’s venue information includes directions, entry policies and parking guidance. The Aces recommend that fans review event-day details before heading out.
Tickets and game information are available through the Aces’ official ticket page. Fans should confirm the date and current ticket details there before making plans. The arena advises downloading tickets in the AXS app. Its posted bag policy allows small personal bags no larger than 9 by 5 by 2 inches, with listed exceptions subject to inspection.
Parking is another detail worth handling before tipoff. The team’s arena page recommends purchasing parking in advance and directs fans to check the event list for the correct game date. With a postseason matchup on the calendar, getting the basics squared away early leaves less to manage when it is time to head inside.
The next step is clear: Game 2 in San Francisco, then the series comes to Las Vegas on Oct. 9. For the Aces, the home crowd can bring the noise, but the work still starts between the lines. Win Friday, and the series stays alive for another night at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Oct. 11.
