Latest news with #ClimatePledgeArena
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Basketball great Sue Bird to be honored
This story was originally published on Final preparations are being made to honor one of professional basketball's — and Seattle's — finest. A video posted on X by the WNBA Seattle Storm shows Sue Bird checking out a statue made in her likeness. The Storm said the team is the first in the WNBA to dedicate a statue to a former player. 'Looks great,' Bird says, as she talks with sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany. The video does not actually show the statue, which is expected to be revealed during a 10 a.m. news conference outside Climate Pledge Arena on Sunday, August 17. According to a previously released statement, the WNBA Storm said a free community fan fest will start at noon, followed by a 'Forever Sue' game at 3 p.m. The Storm are set to play the Phoenix Mercury. '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,' Bird said. Sue Bird's basketball career Bird played her entire career of 21 seasons in Seattle. The stellar point guard won four WNBA Championships, is a five-time Olympic gold medalist, and was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame earlier this year. Bird is now a member of the Seattle Storm ownership team. 'Her leadership transcended basketball,' Seattle Storm President and CEO Alisha Valavanis said. 'We celebrate not just Sue's illustrious career, but the future she helped pave for the next generation of athletes.' Mayor Bruce Harrell described Bird as a 'transformative figure' in Seattle's history and a 'symbol of what it means to lead with purpose, courage, and heart.' Read more of Heather Bosch's stories here.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Seattle Kraken announces 2025-26 regular-season schedule
The Seattle Kraken released their regular season schedule for the 2025-2026 season on Wednesday: It'll be the team's fifth season. They'll open on Thursday, Oct. 9, with a divisional matchup against Anaheim at Climate Pledge Arena at 7 p.m. The Kraken will host 31 different opponents this season. Of the 41 games at Climate Pledge Arena, 14 will be held on the weekend— 10 on Saturdays and four on Sundays. All ticket options will be available at
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Congratulations Are Pouring In For WNBA Legend Sue Bird
Congratulations Are Pouring In For WNBA Legend Sue Bird originally appeared on The Spun. Sue Bird's playing days are long gone, but she's dominating the headlines in the WNBA this Wednesday. Bird spent her entire WNBA career with the Seattle Storm, averaging 11.7 points and 5.6 assists per game. She was a 13-time All-Star, four-time WNBA champion and three-time assists leader. The UConn legend was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame this year. Advertisement With that said, Seattle will honor Bird on Aug. 17 with her very own statue outside Climate Pledge Arena. That day has been dubbed the "Forever Sue" game. "For over two decades, the city of Seattle supported me, both on and off the court," Bird said in a statement. "It's because of this community that Seattle will forever hold a special place in my heart. 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 in August." SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 06: Megan Rapinoe and partner Sue Bird watch during the second quarter between the Seattle Storm and the Los Angeles Sparks at Climate Pledge Arena on June 06, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by)As you'd imagine, WNBA fans are applauding Bird for this incredible honor. She was the heart and soul of the Storm for two decades, so it's only fitting she receives her own statue. Advertisement "The Storm is the first franchise in the W to dedicate a statue to a former player, well done," Niko Tamurian of KOMO News said. "We cannot wait. So deserving. Congrats Sue," one fan wrote. "So deserving! Go Sue," an Instagram user wrote. "She deserves this," another fan commented. Tickets for the Storm's game on Aug. 17 are already available. Hopefully, there'll be a packed crowd in attendance. Regardless, Bird deserves a standing ovation from the fans in Seattle. Related: WNBA All-Star Accused Of Taking 'Cheap Shot' At Caitlin Clark Congratulations Are Pouring In For WNBA Legend Sue Bird first appeared on The Spun on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Caitlin Clark Had One Word After WNBA Legend Sue Bird Receives Big News
Caitlin Clark Had One Word After WNBA Legend Sue Bird Receives Big News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Caitlin Clark is in the headlines once again, this time, not for her play on the court but for her reaction to a major announcement about a WNBA icon. Advertisement While Clark is set to be sidelined for a fourth straight game due to a lingering groin injury, the Indiana Fever are still finding success. On Tuesday night, they won the Commissioner's Cup championship with a victory over the Minnesota Lynx. The team returns to action Thursday against the Las Vegas Aces. Amid her recovery and limited practice activity, Clark took a moment to celebrate a milestone involving a WNBA legend: Sue Bird. When news broke that Bird would become the first player in WNBA history to receive a statue from the franchise she played for, Clark had a one-word reaction: "duh." Caitlin Clark reacted to the news of WNBA legend Sue Bird getting statue from the Seattle Clark, Instagram The statue will be unveiled on August 17 outside Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena, home of the Storm. The team officially announced the tribute on Wednesday, and Clark didn't miss the opportunity to acknowledge it. Advertisement Bird retired from the WNBA in 2022 after a remarkable 20-season career, all with Seattle. Drafted first overall in 2002, she led the Storm to four WNBA championships and was selected to 13 All-Star Games. United States guard Sue Bird (6).Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images In addition to her WNBA legacy, Bird represented the United States in five Olympic Games, winning gold in each one. She also won two national championships while playing college basketball under Geno Auriemma at UConn. Clark, now in her second WNBA season, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft. She won Rookie of the Year last season and has been selected as an All-Star in both of her first two years. This year, she'll serve as an All-Star captain alongside Napheesa Collier of the Lynx. Advertisement Related: Ranking the 25 Best WNBA Players of All Time Related: Aliyah Boston Comments on Caitlin Clark's Clear Change in Physical Appearance This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Al Arabiya
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
Lenny Wilkens has statue unveiled outside Seattle arena where he led SuperSonics to NBA title
Lenny Wilkens couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he gazed at a bronze statue of himself at the site of his greatest coaching triumph. On Saturday, the former Seattle SuperSonics player and coach became the first person to have a statue unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena. Wilkens led the Sonics to the 1979 NBA title. But the 6-foot, 700-pound statue sculpted by Chicago-based Lou Cella depicts Wilkens as a player. Cella also produced statues of University of Washington football coach Don James and Seattle Mariners greats Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez. 'I've been blessed,' the 87-year-old Wilkens said. 'I'll be the first to tell you.' For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app. A point guard, Wilkens played 15 NBA seasons, including four for Seattle, and was a nine-time All-Star. He averaged 16.7 points and 6.5 assists. Climate Pledge Arena, home to the WNBA's Seattle Storm and NHL's Seattle Kraken, has never hosted an NBA game in its current incarnation. Known as KeyArena when the Sonics played there, it reopened in 2021 after a $1.15 billion renovation. The Sonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 and became the Thunder; that franchise won the NBA title this month. Wilkens' statue won't stand alone for long. Longtime Storm point guard and four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird will have a statue unveiled outside the arena on Aug. 17. 'Lenny Wilkens' legacy in this city is undeniable – he helped lay the foundation for Seattle's deep love of the game. Both Lenny and Sue have brought home championships, inspired generations and helped shape Seattle into the incredible basketball city that it is today,' Storm president and CEO Alisha Valavanis said in a statement. '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.' Wilkens, a three-time inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, was joined by SuperSonics greats including Spencer Haywood, Jack Sikma, Detlef Schrempf, Nate McMillan, and coach George Karl. McMillan said Wilkens' impact on the Sonics was similar to that of Jerry West on the Los Angeles Lakers and Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls. Wilkens is third in career wins by an NBA coach at 1,332, trailing only Gregg Popovich and Don Nelson. 'He's one of the greatest leaders the NBA has ever seen,' McMillan said.
