As the organization looks to add an in-arena host, it remains dedicated to providing fans with a great experience with every game as it maintains one of the best home court advantages in the WNBA.
With every WNBA season, the Minnesota Lynx strive to not only showcase a championship-level team on the court, but the organization also aims to provide a championship-level experience for its fans at every game that occurs in Minneapolis.
Ask any WNBA player the toughest arenas and atmospheres they’ve played in at the professional level, and odds are they will mention Target Center and playing in front of Lynx fans. That’s a testament to the constant talent that is on the court, but also speaks to the organization as a whole and the experience it provides its fans with to empower them to cheer on their squad.
In 2025, Minnesota once again plans to be competitive on the court, and it also aims to take the in-arena and fan experience to another level for the Lynx faithful.
“We want fans to enjoy the game and leave wanting more,” Lynx Game Presentation Manager Arianna Karsky told Canis Hoopus. “The game itself obviously plays a large part in that, but we want to make sure everything else from the moment they walk into Target Center leaves a large impression.”
Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images
So how does the organization make sure fans “leave wanting more” after every home game this summer? By providing a sense of belonging to Lynx fans and an electric atmosphere from opening tip-off to the final buzzer.
“Everyone who attends a Lynx game should feel like they are part of the magic. We have a very loyal fan base and we want to make sure we are providing them with a great show every time they come to Target Center,” Karsky said. “Before tip-off even happens, there’s a buzz and anticipation inside Target Center that you can feel from the moment you walk in. The team feeds off the energy of our fans and the appreciation across the board between the fans and players is so apparent.”
Hosts Bringing the Hype
Whenever you attend a sporting event, you quickly become used to seeing familiar faces who aren’t actually on the court playing: the in-arena hosts.
That is especially the case for Lynx fans, who are used to seeing Jon Berry (who also hosts Wolves games) hyping up the crowd before and during each home game. In-arena hosts like Berry are an important aspect to the overall fan experience, oftentimes leading the charge on getting fans up and cheering en route creating the best home court advantage possible.
In 2025, that will remain the same for the Lynx. But it will be with an additional person alongside Berry as the organization seeks applications for an additional in-arena host for before the season arrives.
“We’re looking for someone who can come in and make an immediate impact on our game days in addition to what we are already doing with Jon,” Karsky said. “Someone the fans can connect with and someone who can create memorable moments for fans.”
Photo by Pamela Costello/NBAE via Getty Images
Those interested in applying for the open in-arena host position and becoming one of the next voices of the Lynx can do so online, with applications being accepted through the month of March.
“Having a second in-arena host provides us with more opportunity to enhance the environment and get fans involved from courtside to the last row,” Karsky added “It also allows for more conversation and banter between hosts to add variety to our show.”
As much as it is important for the Lynx to put a top-tier team on the hardwood each season, it is equally as important for the organization to provide an incredible atmosphere inside of Target Center, from the in-arena host to other in-game entertainment and more.
That’s the type of atmosphere that has made Target Center and the Lynx fanbase what it is with the reputation it has. And in return, it helps give a boost to the players on the court in pursuit of a WNBA title.
“As the WNBA continues to grow and gain new fans, it’s important to put emphasis on our game nights,” Karsky said. “Having the investment as an organization to make sure we have the best in-arena hosts is a testament to how much we want to provide a great fan experience and keep them coming back.”