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Sue Bird’s Latest Honor? A Seattle City Street.
City renames part of Second Avenue North ‘Sue Bird Court’
By Rob Smith August 26, 2024
![Rapinoe-Bird-2000x1125-min Megan Rapinoe, left, and Sue Bird.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai2/q_lossy+ret_img+to_webp/seattlebusinessmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Rapinoe-Bird-2000x1125-min.jpg)
You can now go from Lenny Wilkens Way to Sue Bird Court.
The city of Seattle has renamed a portion of Second Avenue North adjacent to Climate Pledge Arena “Sue Bird Court” in recognition of Bird’s contributions on and off the court.
Mayor Bruce Harrell said in a ceremony that Bird is as much a part of Seattle as the Space Needle or Starbucks.
“Bird is more than a basketball legend. Her legacy transcends the game as a symbol of excellence, determination, and the power of sports to inspire and uplift communities,” Harrell said. “Sue’s name is synonymous with Seattle — a true icon whose impact on our city’s cultural fabric and the world of sports will be felt for generations.”
Bird led Seattle to four WNBA championships during her 19-year career, and retired in 2022 as the league’s all-time assist leader. She has also become an entrepreneur and social activist, and is a cofounder of Seattle-based Togethxr, a social media and e-commerce company focused on equality and diversity. Bird and her fiancée, soccer legend Megan Rapinoe, were recently named as two of Seattle magazine’s Most Influential people of 2024.
“When I think back on my time with the Storm — the people I’ve met, the memories I’ve made, the impact this franchise has had off the court, and of course, the championships we’ve won on the court — I’m reminded that some achievements don’t come and go, they don’t get broken, they last forever,” Bird said. “That’s what makes today so special is that I get to add to that list with something that is going to last forever.”
The city renamed a portion of Thomas Street for NBA and Sonics legend Wilkens three years ago.