City leaders approve master plan for Bucks arena

The Milwaukee Common Council has given the go-ahead for construction to begin on a new arena for the Milwaukee Bucks.

The council Tuesday voted in favor of zoning changes needed to begin construction on the arena, along with a practice facility and parking structure, that will all be located North of the Bradley Center.

“To the best of my knowledge, this is the last major legislative action the Council will be asked to take,” said Ald. Bob Bauman, who represents the area that will house the new arena.

 

“You’ll see construction on the practice facility start first, then you’ll see the arena, which requires a little more preparation, go up along with the parking structure,” said Bucks President Peter Feigin.

Feigin said the team continues to work on finalizing the arena’s design. But he said the zoning changes ensure the Bucks can break ground on June 18.

“We expect to have the largest fan fest and event in Wisconsin history,” Feigin said. “We hope to have 10 to 20-thousand people come out and enjoy themselves and celebrate.”

 

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Paul Henning, a lifelong Bucks fan and member of the group Save Our Bucks, said he’s elated with the news.

“This is going to be something that I think can really bring the city together,” he said.

Henning said he’s noticed a growing buzz – even among casual fans.

“I'm usually in a Bucks hat or t-shirt, so a lot of times people will stop me and want to talk about the team,” Henning said. “It's happened more lately than in past years, because there wasn't much to talk about before.”

The new arena is expected to be finished for the start of the 2018-19 season.