Caitlin Clark’s return to Iowa produced one of the most anticipated preseason games in recent memory.

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On Sunday, Clark led the Indiana Fever into Carver-Hawkeye Arena for an exhibition matchup against Brazil’s national team. A sold-out crowd packed the arena to welcome back the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer.

The game gained enough buzz for ESPN to televise Clark’s homecoming nationally. As a result, fans outside of Iowa City witnessed the raucous atmosphere.

Watching the pre-game intros, the Fever feel like the natural home team at Iowa. Fans especially went wild when hearing Clark’s name announced during the pre-game introductions:

Sunday’s game certainly drew more interest than the typical preseason slate. KCCI’s Scott Reister showed a massive line of fans, many wearing Clark’s No. 22 shirt or jersey for the Fever or Hawkeyes, waiting to enter the venue.

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Once they got into the arena, many fans swarmed Clark as she signed autographs before tipoff.

When the game started, Clark immediately gave everyone a reason to cheer. Fans erupted after the women’s all-time college leader in three-pointers fittingly produced the first points by draining a pull-up three.

Clark opened the first half with 13 points and five rebounds in 12 minutes. The Fever are already up 70-24, so fans probably shouldn’t expect the reigning Rookie of the Year to play much after intermission.

Caitlin Clark against the Phoenix Mercury.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 16: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to making a 3 point shot against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Fans nevertheless got another glimpse of the superstar who led Iowa to consecutive National Championship Games before turning pro as last year’s No. 1 pick. Clark was eager for Sunday’s return.

“I just love to compete at the end of the day,” Clark told reporters before Sunday’s game. “But also, this is a building I’m very comfortable playing in. Fan base I love playing in front of.”

Clark appreciated how much Hawkeyes fans have supported the Fever.

“I told my teammates, they’re going to be here cheering for me, but they’re also going to be here cheering for you and our entire team,” Clark said. “And I think that’s what’s so great about these fans is, they really rally around the entire team.”