Mystikal

The Washington Mystics first preseason home match of the 2011 season was at 11:30 this past Thursday morning at the Verizon Center. 11:30 am on a weekday is a strange start time for a professional athletic event but the unusual scheduling transforms the stadium into a wonderland for little kids.

My daughter chose to skip daycare to join me for the game and we sat behind the Chicago Sky's bench. Outside of one run to grab food during the second quarter, there was enough happening on the court and in the stands to keep a two-year old's attention for the entire game.



The Mystics franchise does a terrific job creating a kid friendly environment for these early weekday games. And while that may not be what many look for in a sporting event, the basketball itself is worth the price of admission.

The Mystics' returning nucleus of Alana Beard and former Terps Crystal Langhorne and Marissa Coleman showed well in the game, although Coleman struggled from the floor.



Based on the little one's favorable response to the game, I'm guessing that we'll be able to add Mystics games to our schedule this summer.