Any expert will tell you the road to recovery starts with admission. Well, here it is… I am a Milwaukee Bucks fan. As much pain as it causes me, I still care about my hometown team. I believe in the Scott Skiles defense wholeheartedly. I believe that Andrew Bogut will be an all-star center one day. I don’t, however, believe in the owner. A recent article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported ticket sales are down again for this upcoming season. The Bucks’ beloved owner, Sen. Herb Kohl, admits the team is in a “rebuilding” mode, a primary reason people will not be attending games. Also, he states that a new arena would benefit Milwaukee and bring in revenue.
But why would we need to rebuild the Bradley Center? I personally like the warm, comforting feeling of a concrete bomb shelter that has no parking, a collapsing roof, poor ventilation, disgusting lighting and a failing sound system.
But maybe the senator has a point. The Bradley Center people admit they have a hard time bringing in events and a new building would increase interest. Undoubtedly, a state of the art facility would make Milwaukee more attractive to additional entertainment opportunities. However, I doubt the residents of Milwaukee will agree to pay for a new stadium since they are still paying for Miller Park. And of course, Kohl has denounced suggestions to invest his own money in a new facility.
How about a new suitor?
One thriving corporation in Milwaukee with the funds to build a new facility is Potawatomi Bingo and Casino. Employing nearly 2,600 workers, it’s a major economic power factor in the city. Hypothetically, if the Potawatomi Gaming Council were interested in such a project, the city of Milwaukee could allow Potawatomi to build, own and rake in revenue from the sports arena. In return, a portion of the profit could be given to the state to help alleviate the lost revenue from the Bradley Center.
A perfect location would be in the Menomonee Valley, between the Potawatomi Bingo Casino and Miller Park. Utilizing both structures’ abundant parking space, it would create a very profitable hot spot for the city. With the guarantee of year-round sporting events thanks to baseball and basketball, that section of the city would be exposed to more people and a more steady income. Guaranteed, those businesses are all in favor of this proposition.
Regardless of where to build the facility, the need for a new one is apparent. There are certain events that could be attracted to Milwaukee with a new arena. How about the NBA All-Star game? For those who were around Milwaukee in 2002 when Miller Park held the infamous All-Star “tie” it was a big deal for the city. We showcased Milwaukee and all it had to offer in a positive light. Right now, the biggest attraction for Milwaukee is an 11-day showcase of how well Wisconsinites can hold their alcohol in summer (oh, there’s music too). Let’s give national events a reason to come to Milwaukee.
Kohl did have a good point; his team will improve with more revenue. Just like when Miller Park opened and attendance increased, there is no reason to believe a new arena would not also generate an increase in attendance at the Bradley Center. Seeing as the Bucks cannot afford the salaries of a respectable team, the gimmick of a new facility could raise the money needed to make the team better. The team plays better, the fair weather fans come and watch and soon thereafter we have a winning basketball team because Kohl can afford it. Finally, we can recapture the excitement for this team and help keep it in Milwaukee. Sorry to say, if we don’t, we will see this team move to a new city.
The Potawatomi Bingo and Casino Arena is a good idea to think about. There is no question it would create jobs and revenue for the surrounding area. Having a premier arena for sports, events and top music acts would make Milwaukee that much better. Yes, my intention is to try to help make the Bucks better, and I believe that a new arena would help. Kohl was correct; a new arena is a win-win situation for both the city and financiers. Either build a new facility or find someone to save the Bradley Center and everything it entails. Anybody know if LeBron James likes Milwaukee?
Zach Day ([email protected]) is a sophomore majoring in journalism.
