WNBA Legend Sue Bird to Receive Statue Outside Storm's Climate Pledge Arena
The Seattle Storm announced that it will honor franchise legend Sue Bird, a four-time WNBA champion, 13-time WNBA All-Star and eight-time All-WNBA player, with a statue outside its home stadium (Climate Pledge Arena).
That statue will be unveiled in a ceremony on August 17, when the Storm host the Phoenix Mercury. It will be located on the stadium’s west plaza, where a statue honoring Seattle SuperSonics legend Lenny Wilkens was revealed on Saturday.
“Lenny Wilkens’ legacy in this city is undeniable — he helped lay the foundation for Seattle’s deep love of the game,” Storm President and CEO Alisha Valavanis said in a statement, per Percy Allen of the Seattle Times. “Both Lenny and Sue have brought home championships, inspired generations and helped shape Seattle into the incredible basketball city that it is today.
“The Storm are honored to be part of this monumental moment for Lenny, and we can’t wait to celebrate Sue and all that she’s meant to our city when we unveil her statue later this summer.”
Bird starred at UConn, winning national championships in 1999-2000 and 2001-02 and earning national player of the year honors in the latter season, before the Storm selected her with the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA draft. That no-brainer pick paid great dividends for the Storm, who saw Bird run the point in town for 19 seasons.
This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.