Seattle’s love for Sue Bird showed no signs of fading when the Storm legend returned to Climate Pledge Arena during their recent matchup against the Indiana Fever. The arena erupted as fans welcomed Bird with the same passion they showed throughout her legendary career, proving that retirement hasn’t dimmed their appreciation for what she meant to this franchise.
How Did Sue Bird’s Appearance Steal the Show During the Seattle Storm vs. Indiana Fever Game?
The jumbotron lit up in the middle of the game as everyone’s eyes turned to Bird’s face. The crowd kept her at the center of the franchise’s identity, in the middle of what turned into a thriller between the Storm and Fever. Indiana won 78-74.
Even though she no longer plays, her presence remains palpable whenever the Storm takes the floor, especially in Seattle. The game and the heartwarming welcome felt like a mini tribute of sorts. It was a true testament to her career that transcended stats, box scores, and championship banners.
Sue Bird is in the house, as expected, and gets the largest cheer of the night.
CC will be on the next episode of her podcast, Bird’s Eye View, out Aug. 8. pic.twitter.com/UUQAE7A9hg
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) August 3, 2025
Bird is one athlete who helped spark a WNBA legacy that includes slogans and rallying cries, phrases that reflect her tenacious and competitive spirit on the court and her deep connection to the city.
What Historic Honor Will Sue Bird Receive From the Storm?
The reaction Bird drew from the entire fanbase felt like a massive thank you. In 2025, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame and will soon be ready to unveil her statue.
Bird is getting a permanent place in Seattle, right outside Climate Pledge Arena. According to ESPN, the retired star will be the first player in the league to have a statue erected in her honor.
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The statue will be unveiled on August 17, 2025, right ahead of the Storm’s matchup against the Phoenix Mercury at 10:00 a.m., along with city officials, franchise leaders, and other WNBA players. The game is said to be called the “Forever Sue Game.”
Interestingly, Seattle SuperSonics icon Lenny Wilkens’ statue was previously unveiled in the same spot.
“Sue’s legacy isn’t just written in championships–it’s woven into the fabric of Seattle. Her leadership transcended basketball and helped shape a cultural shift, one that expanded who gets to lead, who gets seen, and who gets celebrated,” CEO and president of the Seattle Storm Alisha Valavanis said.
In response to the honor bestowed upon her, Bird was filled with gratitude. In a press release, she stated, “For over two decades, the city of Seattle supported me, both on and off the court. It’s because of this community that Seattle will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
She also thanked everyone for graciously believing in her. “This statue isn’t just for me, it’s for anyone out there hoping to one day pursue their passions and live out their dreams. I’m thankful to the Storm and Seattle for this honor, and can’t wait to celebrate with my family, friends, and our amazing fans this August.”
The Storm selected Bird as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft. Throughout her 21-season career, she made the city proud with her passionate performances, winning four WNBA championships (2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020) in Seattle.
