I went to the Lynx game vs the Detroit Shock Friday night with a buddy whom I’ve been trying to convince that the WNBA doesn’t suck. I got him to agree by making a most excellent Kevin Garnett/Katie Smith/salary cap analogy (he’s a big T-Wolves fan). He admitted to still being skeptical but was surprised to find that he really did enjoy himself. The Lynx played Detroit mostly even, but had a bad second quarter and weren’t able to get back in it. Detroit played dirty as hell, and the refereeing was horrific.

So the game was enjoyable, but a little disappointing. We decided to go to NBA City afterward to eat.

This is obviously not anyone’s independent venture, but it is one of only two NBA City restaurants (the other is in Orlando) and it’s kind of neat to have something exclusive like that. Nicole Ohlde and Ruth Riley were officially signing autographs, and it looked like half the team (and the two Detroit players who used to play here) were there after the game. These players were gracious enough to walk around, take some photos and also sign some autographs, but I think they mostly disappeared in some special back room.

The restaurant itself looks like a cross between a Chipotle and an Ikea bathroom mockup. That’s not as bad as it sounds. It’s got the court-style hardwood floors (and wood all over everywhere, actually), and some glass and recessed lighting.

I was expecting it to be a little expensive. Two tall beers and two dinners plus tip cost $40. About what I’d expected, since you are downtown, you are attached to the Target Center, and you are paying for the “experience” of NBA City. I had some bleu cheese chicken pasta dish that was pretty good, but not worth $17 in my opinion.

Not a bad “experience.” Good for every once in a while. I wouldn’t do it frequently. Had I not seen all the players show up afterward, I would have had a less favorable impression. Although I suppose that’s more a reflection on the team than on the restaurant. I wonder if any Timberwolves do the same after their games. I wonder if they could get away with it.

Related posts:

1. Katie Smith Traded
2. No basketball at NBA City?
3. No, really. The Lynx are fun to watch!
4. Lynx Stage Huge Comeback
5. KG: A Red Sox Fan?