Seattle Honors Sue Bird with “Sue Bird Court” Near Climate Pledge Arena

Seattle has renamed Thomas Street in Lower Queen Anne Sue Bird Court in tribute to one of its most beloved sports figures. This newly christened street lies southeast of Climate Pledge Arena, where Sue Bird’s number hangs proudly in the rafters. Her number 10 jersey symbolizes her monumental impact on the city and the sport of basketball.

During a small ceremony on Monday morning, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell made the official announcement, unveiling “Sue Bird Court” as a permanent reminder of the former WNBA stars’ incredible contributions to the city. The honor acknowledges Bird’s status as a Seattle icon, owing to her 21-year WNBA career with the Seattle Storm, during which she became one of the city’s greatest athletes.

“Hi everybody. First, I just want to thank everyone for being here today. Of course, a big thank you to mayor [Bruce Harrell]. We really appreciate this. Where do you even begin? The ownership group with the Storm got Lisa Brummel here, Ginny Gilder, and Alicia Valbanis, who are also part of the Storm. See you, Lynn & Leslie. My friends and family who are both here, but also the ones that couldn’t make it—I know they’re with me in spirit. A special thank you to you, Dawn Trudeau, for God putting this all together and for making this happen. I know you’ve been in the weeds of logistics, and that’s a tough place to be. So I’m really just so thankful and appreciative,” said Bird, according to The Seattle Times.

I’ve always loved and cherished playing here in Seattle. When I think back, there’s just so much I can discuss. I won’t be here long, though, I promise. I think that’s what makes this honor—for the city to recognize me in this way—so special because of all those memories. In sports, you often talk about records being made to be broken, and that is true 100%. When I think back on my time, I think about the people I’ve met, the memories we’ve made, the impact our franchise has had off the court, and, of course, the championships that we won on it. Something about those achievements is they don’t come and go. They don’t get broken. They last forever.”

She added, “And I think that’s what makes today so special. I get to add something that will last forever, and Seattle is a part of me, and I am a part of it, part of the fabric. And again, that’s what this represents, and that’s why I’m just so excited about it. The city will forever be a part of me, and to now have a street named after me—I can’t even get it out of my mouth—to now have a street named after me is really just a celebration of that.”

Sue Bird Court pic.twitter.com/Rc2HZAeJyD

— Percy Allen (@PercyAllen206) August 26, 2024

Sue Bird, now 43, is highly regarded for her remarkable longevity in the league, having played 19 seasons and missed two because of injuries, and for her unmatched success. As the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2002, Bird led the Storm to four WNBA championships, establishing herself as a cornerstone of the franchise. Her achievements are impressive, including winning a 13-time WNBA All-Star award, leading the league in assists (3,234) and games played (580), and being the Storm’s franchise leader in points (6,803) and steals (724).

Despite having roots in Syosset, New York, Bird’s connection to Seattle is strong. The city has become her adopted hometown, and she strengthened the bond by joining the Storm’s ownership group in April 2023. Her legacy in Seattle sports is not just a result of her records and championships but also the love and respect she has received from the community.

 

As Bird’s post-retirement accolades grow, she is eligible for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2026. This latest honor stands out as a testament to her lasting influence on Seattle. Sue Bird Court is the latest to receive a street named after Seattle sports legends, including Edgar Martinez from the Mariners and Lenny Wilkens from the Sonics.

 

Bird’s extraordinary career and enduring connection to the city that embraced her as one of its own will always be remembered with the street’s renaming. Seattle’s Sue Bird Court is a tribute to a sports legend who will inspire future generations. Bird’s remarkable career and enduring connection to the city that welcomed her as one of its own will always be commemorated with the street named after her. The ‘Sue Bird Court’ in Seattle is a tribute to a sports legend who will be a source of inspiration for generations to come.