Built for Champions: Milwaukee’s Winning Sports Scene

Where can you find superstar athletes, passionate fans and venues ready to host elite championships and fan-favorite tournaments? The answer is Milwaukee, a city that thrives on the roar of the crowd and the thrill of competition. Sports planners find this complemented by modern facilities and a walkable downtown in a city that knows how to keep fans cheering for more.

A City Built for Champions

With nine professional teams and internationally renowned stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers, it’s clear that championship DNA pulses through this elite sports destination.

The city’s state-of-the-art venues have hosted prestigious events, including the USA Ultimate College Championships, USA Weightlifting American Open Finals, USA Fencing North American Cup and USA Wrestling Junior National Duals. Recent major events include the U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship’s first and second rounds and the U.S. Speedskating Olympic Trials. As an elite regional sports hub, Milwaukee hosts events such as the Tour of America’s Dairyland pro-am cycling series, Badger Region Volleyball Championships and Lakefront 7s rugby tournament. Your event could be added to this roster of prestigious events.

The Game Changer: Baird Center

The recently renovated, LEED Gold-certified Baird Center delivers scale, flexibility and the wow factor. With 1.3 million square feet of space, including 300,000 square feet of exhibition halls and 52 breakout rooms, the venue is built to impress. This expansion enhances the experiences of planners, players, coaches and spectators through the breathtaking rooftop Baird Ballroom and Baird Sky View Terrace with stunning skyline views, floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with natural light, accessibility features and more.
 

Designed for Every Athlete

Milwaukee leads the way in accessibility for para-athletes, hosting world-class events like the Paratriathlon National Championships. Visit Milwaukee’s Accessibility Hub and Adaptive Events Calendar ensures athletes and fans can fully enjoy the city through curated itineraries, sensory-friendly attractions and detailed venue information that highlights inclusive travel experiences.

The Cream City’s sports event facilities also include powerhouses like Fiserv Forum and American Family Field. These award-winning sports venues are designed with flexibility and accessibility in mind, featuring innovative amenities such as all-gender bathrooms, ADA-compliant seating and sensory rooms with adjustable lighting, textured walls and music.

More Than the Game

When the games end, it’s time to step out for more fun to begin. Deer District features dining, live music and big-screen watch parties. 3rd Street Market Hall is a foodie playground where entertainment pairs with creative culinary experiences. Bradford Beach, one of the most accessible beaches in the nation, is renowned for its volleyball tournaments and summer gatherings along Lake Michigan.

Milwaukee is ready to take your event to the next level. Contact Sports Milwaukee Director Marissa Werner for more information on hosting your next event. Call 414-287-6232, email [email protected] and visit sportsmilwaukee.org.