Mayor Frey, City of Minneapolis celebrate Lynx WNBA playoff run

In honor of the Minnesota Lynx making it into the Western Conference Playoffs, Mayor Frey, City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis downtown council, Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District, Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce and Meet Minneapolis are celebrating by painting First Avenue downtown and temporarily changing street signs to honor the Lynx.  

At midnight, the City's Public Works crews began painting the words "Go Lynx!" on First Avenue North between Fifth and Sixth streets North. The 19-foot-tall letters are painted in Lynx blue and green.  

"The Wolves made a run, the Lynx are on fire-Minneapolis is a basketball town!" said Mayor Jacob Frey. "We've cheered on the Lynx all season, and now we're taking that energy to the streets. Literally. Our city stands behind our champions and thanks to our Public Works team, we're going to make sure everyone knows it. We're ready for another playoff run. Let's bring home some more hardware, Lynx!"

On Wednesday morning, Mayor Frey joined City crews to put up temporary street signs with the Lynx logo and team colors. The signs are at the intersections of First Avenue and Sixth Street and at First Avenue and Seventh Street.  

"Team Public Works is always at the ready to support our Lynx," said Public Works Director Tim Sexton. "Thanks to our crews who worked overnight to paint the encouraging words - and touched up crosswalks in the area while they were at it. This is Minneapolis at its finest. Go Lynx!" 

"On behalf of the entire downtown community, we wish the Minnesota Lynx the best of luck as they pursue their 5th WNBA championship," said Adam Duininck, President & CEO of MplsDowntown Council and MplsDowntown Improvement District. "The inspiring energy the Lynx have brought to downtown throughout their successful regular season has been remarkable. We encourage fans to come downtown to cheer for the Lynx, whether inside Target Center or at the surrounding bars and restaurants. Let's rally together in downtown and show our support for the Lynx throughout their playoff journey."

The Minnesota Lynx face the Phoenix Mercury in game two of the Western Conference Playoffs on Wednesday, September 25, at Target Center. 

The signs and street painting will remain in place throughout the series.