'To us, she is the greatest of all time.' Sue Bird plays final regular game with Seattle Storm

WNBA and Seattle Storm star Sue Bird played her final regular season home game Sunday in front more than 18,000 fans — a sold out crowd at Climate Pledge Arena.

Bird, 41, spent her entire WNBA career with the Seattle Storm. She is a four-time WNBA Champion and five-time Olympic gold medal winner.

On Sunday, the arena was packed with super fans like Olivia Chiong of Seattle, who said that Bird is Seattle Sports.

“Because without her, Seattle Storm would not be where we are right now," Chiong said. "We’re one of the best teams in the league and Sue Bird is leading the way. We wanted to be here and we wanted her to know how much she means to us. And to us, she is the greatest of all time.”

The Seattle Storm lost to the Las Vegas Aces by 8 points Sunday. But after the game, Bird said it was OK, because she lost her first game playing with the Storm, so it's likely a sign that good things are on the way.

Fans cheered after the final buzzer, and some shed tears amid a stadium-wide chant: "Thank you, Sue."

"Love you, thank you guys, and I'll see you at the playoffs," Bird said.

The Seattle Storm will finish off its regular season on the road. The playoffs begin Aug. 17.

Noting her record on the court, championship games with the Storm, and work in the LGBTQ community, Mayor Bruce Harrell proclaimed Sunday, Aug. 7 as "Sue Bird Day" to commemorate the occasion.

“Sue Bird set a new example for what it means to be an athlete and a leader – becoming a fixture not just in the record books, but also in our communities,” Mayor Harrell said in a statement. “Sue’s talent, work ethic, and commitment to teamwork inspire so many Seattle neighbors and fans across the country and globe. She exemplifies the dedication to excellence and partnership that we strive to build in One Seattle. Congratulations to Sue on a fantastic career. Good luck in these final games with the playoffs on the horizon – and go Storm!”