Indianapolis, IN – The city of Indianapolis is set to honor one of its brightest sports stars, Caitlin Clark, with a statue unveiling at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in 2025. The Indiana Fever, the WNBA team Clark has transformed since being drafted first overall in 2024, announced the tribute to celebrate her meteoric rise and undeniable impact on basketball and the local community. The statue will immortalize Clark’s legacy as a record-breaking athlete and cultural icon, cementing her place in Indiana’s sports history.
Caitlin Clark, the 23-year-old phenom from Iowa, burst onto the professional scene after a historic college career at the University of Iowa, where she became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer. Her transition to the WNBA was nothing short of spectacular. In her rookie season with the Fever, Clark shattered records, including the WNBA’s single-season assist record and the most three-pointers made by a rookie. Her electrifying style—marked by logo-range threes and pinpoint passes—drew sellout crowds to Gainbridge Fieldhouse and boosted the Fever’s visibility, helping the team return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
The decision to erect a statue came swiftly, reflecting Clark’s profound influence. Fever President Allison Barber stated, “Caitlin’s contributions extend beyond statistics. She’s inspired a new generation of fans and elevated women’s basketball in Indiana and beyond.” The statue, designed by local sculptor Jane DeDecker, will depict Clark in her signature shooting pose, capturing her intensity and flair. It will stand outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, joining tributes to other Indiana sports legends like Reggie Miller.
The unveiling ceremony, scheduled for June 2025, is expected to draw thousands, including fans, teammates, and dignitaries. Clark expressed gratitude, saying, “Indianapolis has embraced me, and this honor is surreal. I’m just focused on playing and giving back to this community.” The event will coincide with a Fever home game, with festivities including a fan festival and a highlight reel of Clark’s career projected on the arena’s jumbotron.
Clark’s impact transcends the court. Her presence has spiked local business, with restaurants and shops near Gainbridge reporting increased foot traffic on game days. She’s also championed youth programs, partnering with Indianapolis nonprofits to provide basketball clinics for underserved kids. “Caitlin’s a role model who shows hard work pays off,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett, who will attend the unveiling. “This statue symbolizes her legacy and our city’s pride.”
Skeptics might argue it’s premature to honor a player so early in her career, but Clark’s achievements and cultural resonance are undeniable. Her games have averaged over 17,000 fans at Gainbridge, and her jersey is the WNBA’s top seller. The statue, funded by private donations and Fever ownership, reflects a collective belief in her enduring influence.
As Indianapolis prepares to unveil this tribute, Caitlin Clark continues to redefine what’s possible in women’s basketball. The statue will stand as a testament to her talent, tenacity, and the unbreakable bond she’s forged with the city she now calls home
