MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Admirals hockey fans can now buy tickets for the upcoming season. In addition to a seat to the game - they'll get an inside look at changes inside the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
Today the inside is dark, echoing of saws and hammers. A hockey net sits on concrete. Every seat is open.
But, on October 29th, The Admirals expect a very different scene: Loud, bright and busy.
"It's just a huge project to really remake the building," explained Jon Greenberg, the President of the Milwaukee Admirals.
The project, which started June 20th and is expected to be done Oct. 1st, will bring unique lighting, a big sound system and a bigger entertainment value to the Arena. They required a big investment from the Admirals and the Wisconsin Center District- the Admirals put up $2 million, the District $4.5 million.
Now, they're hoping the fans will invest.
"I think fans are going to find that the building is going to be a really fun place to watch not only a sporting event, but music that'll come through the building or other shows," Greenberg said.
Tickets run anywhere from $15 to $35.
Greenberg said as soon as fans walk in, they'll notice a change. The original floors are restored in the entry, the chairs in the arena are brand new. But, the new arena won't have as many fans walking in.
Rather than having 18,000 seats we've got 9,500. So, that'll create a different kind of experience for people," explained Greenberg. He said at the Bradley Center, games had an average of about 6,000 people. Now, he hopes fewer seats and a new experience will create new excitement.
"Being able to have a little bit of supply and demand is kind of exciting, there are going to be some big games that are going to sell out," he said.
And while the Admirals will primarily use the arena for their more than 30 home games, the Milwaukee Wave Soccer team, UWM Basketball team and Brew City Bruisers Roller Derby team will also use the new locker rooms and improved facilities.
