Jump to content

Fiserv Forum

Coordinates: 43°2′42.1″N 87°55′5.4″W / 43.045028°N 87.918167°W / 43.045028; -87.918167
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 74.87.102.3 (talk) at 18:18, 26 July 2018 (→Naming rights). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center
File:Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center.jpg
The WESC on 15 July 2018
Map
Address901 N 4th St
LocationMilwaukee, Wisconsin
Coordinates43°2′42.1″N 87°55′5.4″W / 43.045028°N 87.918167°W / 43.045028; -87.918167
OwnerWisconsin Center District
OperatorMilwaukee Bucks
TypeArena
Capacity17,500
Construction
Broke groundJune 18, 2016
OpenedAugust 26, 2018 (planned)[1]
Construction cost$524 million
($665 million in 2023 dollars[2])
ArchitectPopulous
HNTB
Eppstein Uhen Architects
Project managerICON Venue Group[3]
Structural engineerHNTB ZS, LLC[4]
Services engineerM–E Engineers, Inc.[5]
General contractorMortenson Construction[6]
Tenants
Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) (2018–present)
Marquette Golden Eagles (NCAA) (2018–present)
Website
wisconsinesc.com

The Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center is a $524 million multi-purpose arena in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Groundbreaking and construction began on June 18, 2016, and the arena received its certificate of occupancy on June 5, 2018.[7][8][9] It is the home of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s Milwaukee Bucks and the Marquette Golden Eagles men's basketball team.[10][11] The arena is scheduled to open on August 26, 2018.[1]

History

Despite being one of the premier NBA facilities when completed in 1988, the BMO Harris Bradley Center was one of the oldest active NBA arenas by the end of the Bucks' tenancy in 2018. Only Manhattan's Madison Square Garden and Oakland's Oracle Arena were older the Bradley Center; however, both Madison Square Garden and Oracle Arena were substantially renovated during their lifetimes, although Oracle Arena is scheduled to be replaced by the new Chase Center in San Francisco by 2019. The BMO Harris Bradley Center was donated by the family of longtime broadcaster Lloyd Pettit without any provision for the building's long-term capital needs or annual operating expenses. Although the facility was self-sufficient, the BMO Harris Bradley Center tenants, such as the Bucks, were at a disadvantage compared with other NBA teams because of the arrangement.[12]

Building a new downtown arena was proposed by former Bucks owner and former U.S. Senator Herb Kohl. There was considerable discussion in the region about the idea of a publicly funded arena and ultimately no resolution was reached. In 2009, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle included a provision in the state's capital budget seeking $5 million in state bonding support to renovate the Bradley Center. The Bradley Center's board of directors told state officials that the building needed $23 million in renovations, so they reportedly agreed to raise the remaining $18 million on their own.[13]

On September 18, 2013, then-deputy NBA commissioner Adam Silver toured the arena and said it was a few thousand square feet short of NBA standards, and also lacked numerous amenities.[14] On April 16, 2014, Kohl announced an agreement to sell the franchise to New York City hedge-fund investors Marc Lasry and Wesley Edens. The deal included provisions for $100 million each from Kohl and the new ownership group, for a total of $200 million, toward the construction of a new downtown arena.[15] Soon afterward, the NBA gave the Bucks an ultimatum—get a new arena, or be close to completing a new arena, by the start of the 2017–18 season. If not, the league would buy the franchise from Lasry and Edens and sell the Bucks to one of two prospecting ownership groups; one in Las Vegas and the other in Seattle, which would have meant the certain departure of the Bucks from Milwaukee. On July 15, 2015, the Wisconsin Senate approved funding for the new arena by a 21–10 margin, and on July 28, 2015, the Wisconsin State Assembly approved funding by a 52-34 margin.[16] On August 12, 2015, Governor Scott Walker signed the arena spending plan at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wisconsin.[17]

The Milwaukee city council voted 12-3 on September 22, 2015, to approve the plan. The city's Plan Commission gave unanimous conditional approval to the Bucks' general development plans for land in the Park East Corridor on November 23, while acknowledging possible parking problems in the area.[18]

On April 13, 2016, the Bucks signed a 30-year lease to play in the new arena. In addition Marquette University has agreed to lease the arena for its home games, beginning in 2018.[19]

The official groundbreaking was during the 2nd annual Bucks Block Party on June 18, 2016.[7][20]

On May 2, 2017, Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin stated that construction of the arena remains on schedule and on budget. Feigin's announcement was from the site of the new arena, after the first roof truss was installed and bolted into place. The roof was officially topped off on August 24, 2017. The first live event in the WESC will be Kevin Hart: The Irresponsible Tour on September 13, 2018. [21]

The arena is expected to be ready for the start of the 2018–19 NBA season.[22] The Bucks will play their first game at the WESC in October 2018, at the opening of the 2018–19 NBA season.

Construction progress as of July 15, 2018 - Exterior work essentially complete

Naming rights

Local companies including Johnson Controls, Miller Brewing, Harley-Davidson, and BMO Harris Bank have agreed to be partners with the Bucks, but not for naming rights.[23][24] On July 26, 2018, the Bucks agreed to a 25-year naming rights deal with Fiserv. The new arena will be named the 'Fiserv Forum'.

Concerts and Events

Date Artist Opening act(s) / Guests Tour / Concert name Attendance Revenue Notes
September 13, 2018 Kevin Hart TBD The Irresponsible Tour TBA / TBA N/A First event in arena[21]
September 16, 2018 Maroon 5 Julia Michaels Red Pill Blues Tour TBA / TBA N/A [25]
September 21, 2018 Justin Timberlake TBD Man of the Woods Tour TBA / TBA N/A [26]
September 22, 2018 Jim Gaffigan Ted Alexandro Jim Gaffigan: The Fixer Upper TBA / TBA N/A [27]
October 11, 2018 J Balvin TBD J Balvin: Vibras Tour TBA / TBA N/A [28]
October 16, 2018 Metallica Jim Breuer WorldWired Tour TBA / TBA N/A [29]
October 17, 2018 Foo Fighters TBD Concrete and Gold Tour TBA / TBA N/A [30]
October 18, 2018 The Eagles TBD An Evening With The Eagles TBA / TBA N/A [31]
October 20, 2018 Twenty One Pilots TBD Bandito tour TBA / TBA N/A [32]
October 26, 2018 Chris Young Dan and Shay Losing Sleep World Tour TBA / TBA N/A [citation needed]
October 28, 2018 Fleetwood Mac TBD An Evening with Fleetwood Mac TBA / TBA N/A [33]
November 3, 2018 Josh Groban Idina Menzel Bridges Tour TBA / TBA N/A [34]
February 19, 2019 Elton John TBD Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour TBA / TBA N/A [35]
May 2, 2019 P!nk TBD Beautiful Trauma World Tour TBA / TBA N/A [36]

Planning and design

The Milwaukee Bucks released the first images[37] and details of their vision for the development of a new multi-purpose arena and sports and entertainment district to revitalize downtown Milwaukee on April 8, 2015. The images depict early conceptual drawings of a new multi-purpose venue and entertainment district that anchor an ambitious new development vision activated by sports, entertainment, residential and office uses. The proposed site, which primarily sits between 4th Street and 6th Street from State Street to McKinley Avenue, will seamlessly link with active development on all sides, including Old World Third Street, Schlitz Park, The Brewery, the Milwaukee riverfront, Water Street and the Wisconsin Center.

Populous and HNTB, two firms from Kansas City, are leading the arena design team with participation from Milwaukee firm Eppstein Uhen.[38] The arena is intended to be the focal point of a "live block" zone that includes public space surrounded by both commercial and residential development.[39] Initial renderings of the arena show a transparent facade and a curved roof and side meant to evoke the water forms of nearby Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River.[40]

The WESC is planned to hold 17,500 people and will have fewer luxury suites, but more club seating than the BMO Harris Bradley Center.[41]

It will also feature a layout and equipment for an NHL/NCAA-regulation ice hockey rink and ice shows such as Disney on Ice, thus it still will be able to host the NCAA Frozen Four as the BMO Harris Bradley Center did in the past in 1993, 1997 and 2006. However, the American Hockey League's Milwaukee Admirals returned to the UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena in the 2016-17 season as they were not approached to play games in the arena. The Bucks are also contractually bound not to recruit current tenants of the Panther Arena to move their events to the WESC.[42]

The WESC also will have the largest symmetric scoreboard in the NBA.[43]

The Bucks' court will be the same "rainbow M's" design as it had with their two previous arena sites, and dedicated to the late Robert Indiana.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Monroe, Nick (June 29, 2018). "Grand Opening for New Bucks Arena set for Sunday, August 26". Bucks.com. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  2. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  3. ^ "Milwaukee Bucks Arena". ICON Venue Group. Retrieved May 19, 2016.
  4. ^ "Milwaukee Bucks – Basketball Arena". ZS, LLC. Retrieved May 19, 2016.
  5. ^ "Arenas". M–E Engineers, Inc. Retrieved May 19, 2016.
  6. ^ Barrett, Rick (March 21, 2016). "Mortenson Construction to Build Milwaukee Bucks' New Arena". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved May 19, 2016.
  7. ^ a b "Bucks Break Ground on New Multi-Purpose Arena". NBA.com/Bucks. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. June 18, 2016. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
  8. ^ ""Engine for future growth:" Milwaukee Bucks, Design Team Release Vision for New Multi-Purpose Arena". WITI. Milwaukee. April 7, 2015. Retrieved April 8, 2015.
  9. ^ Nelson, James B. (June 5, 2018). "Bucks receive occupancy permit for new arena less than two years after groundbreaking". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  10. ^ "Milwaukee Bucks President and Owner Herb Kohl Introduces New Team Ownership and Announces $100 Million Gift for Arena". Bucks.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. April 16, 2014. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
  11. ^ "Bucks Announce $1 Billion Arena Package". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. March 8, 2015. Retrieved April 8, 2015.
  12. ^ Walker, Don (December 13, 2008). "Bradley Center a Home-Court Disadvantage". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved April 16, 2011.
  13. ^ Walker, Don (March 26, 2009). "Doyle Budget Includes Help for Bradley Center". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved April 16, 2011.
  14. ^ Kirchen, Rich (September 18, 2013). "Incoming NBA Commissioner Silver Says Bradley Center Unfit for League". Milwaukee Business Journal. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  15. ^ Walker, Don (April 17, 2014). "Kohl Sells Bucks for $550 Million; $200 Million Pledged for New Arena". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  16. ^ "Wisconsin Assembly approves Milwaukee Bucks arena funding deal; Gov. Walker says he'll sign it". FOX6Now.com. 2015-07-28. Retrieved 2017-07-03.
  17. ^ By Brendan O'Brien (2015-08-12). "Wisconsin's Walker signs NBA arena spending plan for Milwaukee". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2017-07-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Posted 5:13 pm, November 23, 2015, by Theo Keith (2015-11-23). "Plan Commission approves general Bucks arena development plans; but new parking problems arise". Fox6now.com. Retrieved 2017-07-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ Terry Sater (2016-04-13). "Done deal: Milwaukee Bucks sign 30-year lease for arena". Wisn.com. Retrieved 2017-07-03.
  20. ^ Romell, Rick (June 18, 2016). "Arena groundbreaking brings enthusiasm for Bucks". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
  21. ^ a b 7:00 pm. "Tickets - Kevin Hart: The Irresponsible Tour - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center - 2018-09-13 19:00:00". Wisconsinesc.com. Retrieved 2018-05-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ Pete Zervakis (2017-05-02). "Roof installation begins on new Bucks arena - Story". Wtmj.com. Retrieved 2017-07-03.
  23. ^ "Peter Feigin puts international spin on pitch for Milwaukee Bucks arena naming rights".
  24. ^ Heitner, Darren. "Milwaukee Bucks Want Naming Rights Sponsor At $7-10 Million Per Year".
  25. ^ 7:30 pm. "Tickets - Maroon 5: Red Pill Blues Tour 2018 - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center - 2018-09-16 19:30:00". Wisconsinesc.com. Retrieved 2018-05-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  26. ^ 7:30 pm. "Tickets - Justin Timberlake: The Man of the Woods Tour - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center - 2018-09-21 19:30:00". Wisconsinesc.com. Retrieved 2018-05-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ 8:00 pm. "Tickets - Jim Gaffigan: The Fixer Upper - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center - 2018-09-22 20:00:00". Wisconsinesc.com. Retrieved 2018-05-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. ^ United States (2018-04-27). "Tickets - J Balvin: Vibras Tour - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center - 2018-10-11 00:00:00". Wisconsinesc.com. Retrieved 2018-05-21.
  29. ^ 7:30 pm. "Tickets - Metallica: WorldWired Tour - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center - 2018-10-16 19:30:00". Wisconsinesc.com. Retrieved 2018-05-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ 7:30 pm. "Tickets - Foo Fighters: Concrete And Gold Tour '18 - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center - 2018-10-17 19:30:00". Wisconsinesc.com. Retrieved 2018-05-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  31. ^ 8:00 pm. "Tickets - The Eagles: An Evening with the Eagles - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center - 2018-10-18 20:00:00". Wisconsinesc.com. Retrieved 2018-05-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  32. ^ "Twenty One Pilots announce the 'Bandito' tour". Alternative Press. 2018-07-11. Retrieved 2018-07-13.
  33. ^ 8:00 pm. "Tickets - Fleetwood Mac: An Evening with Fleetwood Mac - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center - 2018-10-28 20:00:00". Wisconsinesc.com. Retrieved 2018-05-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  34. ^ 8:00 pm (2018-03-12). "Tickets - Josh Groban: Bridges Tour w/ very special guest Idina Menzel - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center - 2018-11-03 20:00:00". Wisconsinesc.com. Retrieved 2018-05-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  35. ^ 8:00 pm. "Tickets - Elton John: Farewell Yellow Brick Road - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center - 2019-02-19 20:00:00". Wisconsinesc.com. Retrieved 2018-07-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  36. ^ 7:30 pm. "Tickets - P!nk: Beautiful Trauma World Tour 2019 - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center - 2019-05-02 19:30:00". Wisconsinesc.com. Retrieved 2018-07-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  37. ^ "Park East and designs for arena". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
  38. ^ http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2015/02/25/milwaukeebucks-name-eppstein-uhen-populous-hntb-as.html
  39. ^ About Mary Louise Schumacher (2015-04-08). "Design for new Bucks arena aims to 'embrace idea of modern architecture'". Jsonline.com. Retrieved 2017-07-03.
  40. ^ "Early design of new Milwaukee Bucks arena". Wisn.com. 2015-04-08. Retrieved 2017-07-03.
  41. ^ http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2016/04/23/club-seats-will-outweigh-suites-at-new.html
  42. ^ Kirchen, Rich (April 25, 2016). "Milwaukee Bucks arena will include ice rink to host NHL, NCAA games". Milwaukee Business Journal. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  43. ^ Carlton, Jimmy (2017-02-21). "Bucks introduce NBA's largest center-hung scoreboard for new arena". OnMilwaukee. Retrieved 2017-10-21.
Events and tenants
Preceded by Home of the Milwaukee Bucks
2018–present 		Succeeded by
Current
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Fiserv_Forum&oldid=852112113"