The Milwaukee Bucks said Bucks fans would be at the new world-class arena “rain or shine.” And sure, Bucks fans and the entire Milwaukee community filled downtown Milwaukee last Sunday for the grand opening of the brand new sports and entertainment center, Fiserv Forum.
Fiserv Forum – a project that the Bucks have been working on for two years since announcing that they would be building a new arena in replace of the old BMO Harris Bradley Center in 2016 – embodies a serious undertaking of a new sports and entertainment complex just as they said. The freshly-built building stretches multiple blocks and stands high above the Milwaukee skyline with a plaque of the Bucks logo planted right in front of it.
This entire area is where Bucks fans, Bucks staff, new Fiserv employees, and the Milwaukee community celebrated all day long. The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours inside of the arena for the first time, and the Bucks annual summer block party.
The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
A special ribbon-cutting ceremony kicked things off. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver lead the ceremony on a grand stage in front of thousands of Bucks fans.
“Congratulations to the Bucks’ ownership group and the entire Milwaukee community on the opening of the incredible Fiserv Forum,” Adam Silver said. “It’s a shining example of what a public-private partnership can accomplish and, most importantly, provides the Bucks and their fans a well-deserved, world-class venue.”
Bucks President Peter Feigin, Fiserv CEO Jeff Yabuki, General Manager Jon Horst, Owners Marc Lasry and Wes Edens, Bucks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer, Mayor Tom Barrett, Governor Scott Walker, Milwaukee Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton, Senator Herb Kohl, Jim Paschke, Jon McGlocklin, and Bucks players and legends, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Marques Johnson, Michael Redd, and Steve Novak joined Commissioner Silver on stage.
Former Bucks owner Herb Kohl was honored at the ceremony for his 29 year tenure with the team with the naming of the block in front of Fiserv Forum, “Herb Kohl Way.”
The Bucks unveiled the world’s largest welcome mat after the ceremony. With fans surrounding the area, Bucks players and legends walked along the mat and autographed their signatures.
The Open House
After the ceremony, the doors to Fiserv Forum were opened for an open house. Fans rushed to form a line at the doors for a look inside the new arena for the first time. The Bucks players and legends lead the way inside in between the thousands of fans.
Over 60,000 fans entered the 730,000 square foot building. The open house welcomed fans into any and every area of the new arena. Fiserv includes a lower and upper concourse level, a brand new suite and lounge level, an outdoor terrace, several new concessions, and brand new designs along the walls.
Some highlights were the designs on the walls and floors, which were designed by the Milwaukee Bucks Art Collection. A lot of Kareem and other Bucks history is inside of Fiserv.
The Bucks drafted Kareem Abdul-Jabbar first overall in 1969, and the draft day is pictured on the wall inside of Fiserv.
There is a brand new suite level that has 34 suites, over 800 club seats, and the new West Bend Lofts. Fans can rent out the club area for select home games.
The concession area is sponsored by the new MKEats, a locally-focused food and beverage company. There are 31 concessions in total throughout the arena and to go along with that – four Bucks Pro Shops.
Lastly, the arena bowl provides a brand new floor and seat dynamic. The arena holds nearly 18,000 people.
The Block Party
The evening concluded with the Bucks 4th Annual Summer Block Party. The annual extravaganza took place outside of the arena where fans enjoyed food, games, and live music.
As the evening winded down, the doors of Fiserv closed and fans, Bucks staff, Fiserv Forum employees, and all the owners and players parted ways. Fans left with special gifts, including tickets to upcoming events recently announced at the new arena.
24 events have been announced for Fiserv Forum so far, including Bucks preseason and full season games.
The Bucks will take to their new court on Oct. 3 in preseason action against former Buck Jabari Parker and the Chicago Bulls. The regular season then tips off and the Bucks will go against the Indiana Pacers Oct. 19 in a home opener.
For more information on the new arena and how to purchase tickets for the upcoming season, visit https://www.nba.com/bucks/.