Caitlin Clark Immortalized: Statue to Be Unveiled at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, United States — In a moment that cements her place not only in the annals of women’s basketball but also in Indiana sports history, Caitlin Clark, the electric rookie point guard for the Indiana Fever, will be honored with a statue at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Fever and the NBA’s Indiana Pacers.

The announcement came just days after Clark’s record-breaking performance against the Las Vegas Aces, when she notched a triple-double that solidified her as one of the most transformational rookies in WNBA history. Now, her legend will quite literally be set in stone — or bronze — as the city and franchise prepare to immortalize the player who has already reshaped the sport.

“Caitlin Clark isn’t just a basketball player,” said Indiana Fever President Allison Barber. “She’s a movement, a cultural icon, and a force who has forever changed women’s sports. This statue is our way of honoring not just her greatness on the court but the wave of inspiration she has sparked for generations.”

A Statue Fit for a Phenomenon

According to the Fever’s official press release, the statue will be unveiled outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse in a prominent location, alongside the venue’s “Legends Plaza.” The sculpture is currently in progress, being crafted by renowned sports artist Brian Hanlon, whose work includes statues of Pat Summitt, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The piece will depict Clark in her signature shooting form — the deep three-pointer pose that became her trademark during her historic collegiate career at Iowa and now with the Fever. Her eyes will gaze forward in steely focus, ball mid-flight, capturing the essence of her basketball artistry.

“It’s the shot that inspired millions,” Hanlon said in an interview. “That long-range jumper, the confidence, the poise — it’s all there. We wanted to capture not just her image, but her impact.”

From Iowa Hero to Indiana Legend

Caitlin Clark arrived in Indianapolis with more fanfare than perhaps any women’s basketball player in history. The 2024 WNBA No. 1 overall draft pick, Clark had already etched her name into history books at the University of Iowa, where she became:

• The NCAA’s all-time leading scorer (men’s or women’s)
• A three-time unanimous All-American
• The first women’s player to record multiple 40-point triple-doubles
• The face of a sport that saw unprecedented television ratings and sold-out arenas

She was named the 2024 Wooden Award and Naismith Player of the Year, and her influence reached far beyond the box scores. She inspired sold-out crowds, record-breaking jersey sales, and a national dialogue about women’s sports, equity, and visibility.

By the time she arrived in Indianapolis, Gainbridge Fieldhouse was sold out for her Fever debut, and Clark fever had officially swept through the Midwest.

“She brought an energy to the Fever that hadn’t been felt in years,” said longtime Indiana sports columnist Dana Hunsinger Benbow. “She’s Magic Johnson meets Steph Curry — the vision of a point guard with the unlimited range of a shooter. But more than that, she’s a leader. A star. And now she’s an icon.”

More Than Just a Rookie

In just her first season with the Indiana Fever, Clark has already shattered rookie records, including:

• Most points through a player’s first 10 WNBA games
• Most assists by a rookie in franchise history
• Fastest to reach 150 points and 50 assists

But beyond the numbers, Clark’s impact is felt in the energy of the crowd, the young girls holding up handmade signs, and the sold-out arenas on the road. Her jersey is the top seller in the WNBA. Ticket sales have skyrocketed. And the Fever, who had languished at the bottom of league standings for years, are now a national storyline every single night.

“She’s not just playing — she’s saving franchises,” said ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo. “She’s selling out buildings, driving up TV deals, bringing in new fans — she’s what we’ve been waiting for.”

The statue, while stunning in its symbolism, isn’t a vanity piece — it’s a recognition of a rare athlete who is changing the very business model of the league.

Gainbridge Fieldhouse: A Stage Worthy of Greatness

Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, Gainbridge Fieldhouse has long been one of the premier basketball venues in the country. Home to both the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever, the arena is a beacon for a city that prides itself on its basketball legacy.

Adding a statue of Caitlin Clark outside the arena places her in the company of Indiana basketball royalty — players like Reggie Miller, Tamika Catchings, and Larry Bird, all of whom left indelible marks on the Hoosier State.

But even among those legends, Clark’s presence feels different. She didn’t grow up in Indiana, nor did she play for Indiana University or Purdue. But her arrival here has revitalized the city’s love for the women’s game, and she has been embraced with the same fervor as a native daughter.

“It feels like she’s ours now,” said Fever season ticket holder Martha Jones. “She might be from Iowa, but the way she plays — the toughness, the grit, the fire — that’s Indiana basketball.”

The Economic Impact of Caitlin Clark

Beyond basketball, Caitlin Clark’s influence can be measured in dollars. Since her arrival:

• Fever home games have averaged 95% capacity, up from 42% the previous season
• Local bars and restaurants near Gainbridge Fieldhouse have reported 20–30% increases in game-day revenue
• The team’s social media following has more than tripled
• The WNBA’s national TV ratings have increased by over 50%

Even businesses that never associated with women’s sports are taking notice. Nike, Gatorade, State Farm, and Buick are among Clark’s growing portfolio of endorsement deals — a sign that brands see her not just as an athlete but as a household name.

“Caitlin Clark has become a marketing juggernaut,” said sports business analyst Darren Rovell. “We haven’t seen this kind of cross-platform appeal from a rookie in any sport — male or female — in decades.”

The statue, in this context, becomes more than a monument. It’s a tourist destination, a potential rallying point for fans, and a catalyst for community engagement and civic pride.

The Future of the Fever

With Clark leading the charge, the Indiana Fever are no longer rebuilding — they’re rebranding. The narrative around the team has shifted from perennial underdogs to must-see TV.

And it’s not just Clark. The team is building around a talented young core, including:

• Aliyah Boston, the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year
• NaLyssa Smith, a versatile forward with All-Star potential
• Kelsey Mitchell, one of the league’s most underrated scorers

Together, they form a nucleus that promises to make the Fever contenders for years to come.

“We’re not just building a statue,” said Fever GM Lin Dunn. “We’re building a dynasty. Caitlin Clark is the foundation, and this city is going to witness something special.”

The Cultural Moment

Statues are typically reserved for the end of a career — a reflection of a body of work. But Caitlin Clark’s statue, being unveiled just months into her WNBA journey, flips that script.

In many ways, it mirrors the cultural shift she represents. Women’s sports are no longer playing catch-up. They’re leading conversations, generating revenue, and demanding equal visibility. Clark is both a beneficiary of that movement and one of its primary architects.

“This statue isn’t just for Caitlin,” said activist and former WNBA star Maya Moore. “It’s for every girl who picked up a ball and believed she could be the headline, the hero, the legend. And now they have proof.”

Clark Reacts

In her signature humble style, Clark responded to the news with gratitude.

“I’m overwhelmed, honestly,” Clark said during a press conference. “I don’t play the game for statues or awards. I play because I love it, and I want to inspire people. If this statue does that — if it makes one kid dream bigger — then I’m honored beyond words.”

She added that she hopes the statue serves as a reminder that greatness has no limits, and that basketball can be both a platform and a purpose.

“To all the young girls out there — keep shooting. Keep dreaming. If they tell you no, turn it into fuel. And when they say you can’t, remember this statue and know that you absolutely can.”

Looking Ahead

The statue will be unveiled in a public ceremony later this season, with Clark’s family, Fever teammates, league officials, and WNBA fans in attendance. A time capsule will also be placed at the base of the sculpture, filled with memorabilia from Clark’s rookie year, fan letters, and photos from her Iowa days — a nod to the journey that brought her here.

City officials also confirmed plans to name a portion of Georgia Street near the arena “Caitlin Clark Way”, further underscoring her impact on Indianapolis.

And while the statue is already making headlines, Clark is laser-focused on one thing: winning.

“I’m honored, and I’m thankful. But the statue’s not the goal,” she said. “The goal is banners. The goal is titles. And I think we can get there — together.”

A Legacy in the Making

Caitlin Clark’s statue is more than just bronze and concrete — it’s a symbol of possibility, a celebration of progress, and a tribute to one of the most transformative athletes of our time.

Still early in her WNBA career, Clark has already changed how we talk about women’s sports. She’s shattered records, redefined expectations, and lit a path for the next generation to follow.

Now, in the heart of basketball country, her likeness will stand tall — forever reaching, forever inspiring, forever Caitlin.