A section of 2nd Avenue North will now be called “Sue Bird Court”
A stretch of Seattle will forever bear Sue Bird’s name. On Monday, the city held a ceremony to rename a portion of Second North Ave to “Sue Bird Court” in honor of the legendary point guard. The location is next to Climate Pledge Arena, between Lenny Wilkens Way and Denny Way.
“Sue 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,” Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said. “Like the Space Needle or Starbucks, 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. Renaming this street in her honor is a testament to the lasting impact she has had on our city, an impact that will always be a celebrated part of Seattle’s history.”
“I’ve always loved and cherished playing here in Seattle. This city will forever be a part of me and that’s why I am so thankful and honored today,” Bird said. “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. 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 street will be permanently re-named for Bird as opposed to being given a honorary designation that doesn’t change the postal address. It’s the first street in Seattle to have its name changed by ordinance since 2021.
Jersey retirement one day and a street named after you the next. That’s couple goals pic.twitter.com/M4wMtBlvpN
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 26, 2024
Bird, whose number 10 is retired by the team, spent the entirety of her 19-year WNBA career with the Seattle Storm, winning four championships along the way. She’s the league’s all-time assists leader and set up 27.5 percent of the Storm’s baskets in franchise history through 2022.
In addition to her WNBA accolades, Bird won two national championships at UConn and earned both national player of the year and All-American honors as a senior in 2002. At the international level, she claimed five Olympic gold medals — second-most of any basketball player behind only Diana Taurasi — and four FIBA World Cup titles.
Bird retired following the 2022 WNBA season.