SEATTLE — Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird took to the court for her final regular-season home game at Climate Pledge Arena on Sunday. Bird is hanging up her jersey after two decades with Seattle's WNBA franchise.
To honor Bird, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell officially deemed August 7 "Sue Bird Day."
“I'm SUE-BIRD excited," said Sawyer, a young Seattle Storm fan.
"She's the greatest basketball player ever, and I'm totally biased, she's the greatest athlete in this town,” said Seattle Storm fan Jamie Williams. “I made this sign because this arena, this street, this whole area should be named after her."
There have been many Seattle sports legends to come before her, but few of them have taken this city by storm quite like Bird. She has been part of 21 of the Storm's 23 years of existence, bringing four WNBA championships to the Emerald City.
"I want to be a part of every second of watching her play and give her every opportunity we can to give her all the applause because she deserves that and more," said fan Tracy Lemon.
Not only is Bird electrifying on the court, but she's also made an impact off of it.
"Inspiring kids to have big dreams and to look up to someone who is just a role model on and off the court,” said Storm fan Megan Heuer. “So, she's been a big inspiration to us at our family."
Even though Sunday marked Bird's final regular home season swan song, there's still more basketball to be played as Bird takes her final flight in the playoffs in hopes of bringing another championship to the city.
“I just gotta say, I love you,” Bird said to a cheering crowd after Sunday’s game. “Thank you so much, and see you in the playoffs.”
The Storm lost to the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday by a final score of 89–81.