Storm Flag Flies Atop the Space Needle
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Release: Finals-Bound Storm to Raise Flag Atop Space NeedleKevin Pelton, stormbasketball.com | Sept. 10, 2010
Two days away from the start of the 2010 WNBA Finals, the Seattle Storm celebrated its success so far this season in the most visible way possible in the city of Seattle. A 20x30 foot Storm flag, containing the names of more than 6,000 Storm fans, was raised above the Space Needle by players, coaches and members of Force 10 Hoops L.L.C. on Friday morning.
"We are so proud to be representing the city of Seattle as we begin the WNBA Finals Sunday in KeyArena," Storm CEO Karen Bryant said in a statement to media before the flag was raised. "We have established an unprecedented home court advantage. There's no better place for us to raise a flag than the Space Needle. It is the iconic symbol of this great city. Today marks the kickoff of what we hope is the finishing run to sell out the building."
It's the first time the Storm flag has flown from the Space Needle, and players were thrilled with visible symbol of the team's connection with the city and the community.
"When people think of this city, they think of the Needle," said 
Sue Bird. "To have our flag raised, knowing a lot of other sports teams have had that, a lot of other organizations have had their flag up there, it shows that the city is behind us. We can feel that, sense that and it helps us."
"So proud," added 
Lauren Jackson, who did not go all the way to the top because of a fear of heights. "To be honest, when they told us they were doing this, I never thought it would happen. Seattle has embraced us so much. This is a sign."
For the organization as a whole, Friday was a major milestone.
"It's recognition," said Force 10 Chairperson Dawn Trudeau. "This is a great statement by the city, by the community to say the Storm is really doing something special right now. People are talking about the Storm, they're excited about the Storm. It's amazing to see and it's so exciting for us to feel the support we're getting from the greater community and how much joy people are taking from the season we're having."
After today, the Storm flag will fly whenever the team hosts a home game at KeyArena - Sunday for Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, Tuesday for Game 2 and Tuesday, Sept. 21 if a Game 5 is necessary in the series.
Lauren Jackson meets with reporters on the Space Needle observation deck.
Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE/Getty Images
Sue Bird meets with reporters on the Space Needle observation deck.
Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE/Getty Images
Dawn Trudeau, Ginny Gilder, and Anne Levinson from Force 10 Hoops L.L.C. raise the flag.
Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE/Getty Images
Players raise the flag.
Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE/Getty Images
 Le’coe Willingham does her part. Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE/Getty Images |
 The Storm flag flies above Seattle. Rod Mar/ Storm Photos |
Svetlana Abrosimova, Swin Cash, and Sue Bird pose atop the Space Needle.
Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE/Getty Images
Swin Cash, Le’coe Willingham, Svetlana Abrosimova, Camille Little, and Ashley Robinson pose.
Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE/Getty Images
 Doppler celebrates the flag being raised. Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE/Getty Images |
 The Storm flag flies above Seattle. Rod Mar/ Storm Photos |
 Storm players and coaches pose for a group portrait under the flag. Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE/Getty Images |
 The Storm flag flies high. Rod Mar/ Storm Photos |
