Skip to content
Toggle menu
SportsTravel SportsTravel

Breaking News, Podcasts and Analysis Serving People who Organize, Manage and Host Sports Events

Primary Menu
  • News
    • Hosts & Suppliers
    • Recently Awarded
    • Sports Organizations
    • Sports Venues
    • Sponsors & Media
  • IN DEPTH
    • Editor’s Picks
    • On Assignment
    • Perspectives
    • Technology in Sports
  • Podcasts
  • Sports
    • CATEGORY
      • Amateur Sports
      • Youth Sports
      • Collegiate Sports
      • Professional Sports
      • Olympic Sports
      • Paralympic Sports
      • National Governing Body
      • Adaptive Sports
      • Sustainability
      • Water Sports
      • Winter Sports
      • Women’s Sports
    • INDIVIDUAL SPORTS
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Bowling
      • Cycling
      • Football
      • Golf
      • Gymnastics
      • Hockey
      • Lacrosse
      • Motorsports
      • Pickleball
      • Rugby
      • Running
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • Swimming
      • Tennis
      • Track & Field
      • Triathlon
      • Volleyball
      • Wrestling
  • Esports
    • Esports News
    • Esports Guide
    • EsportsTravel Summit
  • Resources
    • Bid Bowl
    • Submission Form
      • About Bid Bowl
    • Destination Spotlight
    • Destination Guides
    • Downloadable Guides
    • Venue Guides
    • Media Kit
      • Media Kit
      • 2023 Editorial Calendar
    • Digital Edition
  • Subscribe
    • Subscribe to E-Newsletter
  • EVENTS
    • TEAMS CONFERENCE & EXPO
    • TEAMS Europe
    • EsportsTravel Summit
    • SportsTravel Road Trip
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram


Home > Latest News > New Arena for the Milwaukee Bucks Opens

New Arena for the Milwaukee Bucks Opens

Posted On : November 5, 2018 By : Jennifer Lee

The oversized ribbon and giant scissors typically play a leading role in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, but at the opening of Fiserv Forum, the new home of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, it was the record-breaking welcome mat that stole the show. The event’s theme was “Welcome Home” and what better way to convey that message than to print it on a 92-foot long by 24-foot wide mat that was verified by a Guinness World Records judge as the largest vinyl floor mat.

But the mat should not be considered a temporary grand opening gimmick. The $524 million arena is meant to be a lasting anchor in the community long after the mat is rolled up and the nearly 60,000 people who showed up for opening day have gone. “The day was built around the theme of welcoming the community home,” said Dustin Godsey, chief marketing officer for the Bucks. The goal is for the arena and the surrounding area to “serve as the living room for the community and as a central gathering place, which was something that had been missing,” Godsey said.

Fiserv Forum replaces the adjacent BMO Harris Bradley Center, the former home of the NBA team. After $250 million in public funding was approved by the city council in Milwaukee in September 2015, the new arena broke ground in June 2016 and celebrated its grand opening a few months ago on August 26.

Sitting on 30 acres of mixed-use development, Fiserv Forum totals 730,000 square feet and can seat 17,500 people for basketball games and up to 18,000 for concerts. While the Bucks and Marquette University men’s basketball team will be the main tenants, the arena will also host concerts and other sports and entertainment events. The aim is to hold 250 public events a year, Godsey said. In the venue’s first year, 24 events have already been announced. Bids had been submitted to host the NBA All-Star Game in 2022 (which was recently awarded to Cleveland) and 2023 and the Democratic National Convention in 2020. The arena also plans to go after NCAA tournaments.

“Part of our mission and brand is to help put Milwaukee on the map and showcase what we believe is the best arena in the world,” said Godsey. One way Fiserv Forum is setting itself apart from other NBA arenas is through its technological offerings. The arena features more than 300 distributed antenna systems, 16 wireless access zones, more than 12,000 square feet of video displays and more than 800 high-definition flat screen televisions. At the center of these technologies—quite literally—is the more than 3,900-square-foot center-hung scoreboard, boasting the largest equilateral center-hung display in the NBA. The display’s square shape allows for more flexibility, Godsey said. “We can use the entire board and create impactful moments but also be able to divide up the space throughout the game. It really helps us tell the story.”

Though the arena is home to state-of-the-art equipment, Godsey emphasized that it was never meant to be a technology arms race. One of the driving thoughts behind the layout of the venue was to create open spaces that allows for real social engagement between fans.

Sustainability was also a priority and had been accounted for in the building’s design from the start. “Because of our proximity to (Lake Michigan), we are in the middle of migratory patterns for a lot of birds,” Godsey said. “We worked with the American Bird Conservancy to really look at the glass and modifications we can make to the building.” Upon completion of the Bucks’ application for LEED-silver certification, Fiserv Forum is expected to be the world’s first bird-friendly arena.

As the newest arena in the NBA, Godsey hopes Fiserv Forum will raise the bar for future venues. “We have a culture here of continual improvement,” Godsey said. “Building around the flexibility of usage and focusing on the fan experience allows us to set this arena apart and have it stand the test of time.”

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Email
Posted in: Basketball, Latest News, Sites & VenuesTagged : Fiserv Forum,Sites and Venues,SportsTravel

Post navigation

Sugarloaf to Host U.S. Alpine Speed Championships
Team IP Earns Independence Bowl Promotions Contract

Follow us on Twitter

SportsTravel Follow

Breaking News, Podcasts and Analysis Serving People who Organize, Manage and Host Sports Events. Producers of the TEAMS Conference & Expo.

SportsTravel
sportstravel SportsTravel @sportstravel ·
3 Feb

The @usta has announced that Coco Gauff and the United States @BJKCup Team will play at the Delray Beach Tennis Center April 14–15 in a 2023 match against Austria. @pbsportsfl
https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/billie-jean-king-cup-tie-heading-to-palm-beaches/

Reply on Twitter 1621651227879825408 Retweet on Twitter 1621651227879825408 Like on Twitter 1621651227879825408 1 Twitter 1621651227879825408
sportstravel SportsTravel @sportstravel ·
3 Feb

The @PGA has announced that Dancing Rabbit Golf Club at @PRRofficial in Philadelphia, Mississippi, will host the 2023 PGA University Championship, set for November 13–15.
https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/2023-pga-university-championship-headed-to-mississippi/

Reply on Twitter 1621627267234529280 Retweet on Twitter 1621627267234529280 Like on Twitter 1621627267234529280 2 Twitter 1621627267234529280
sportstravel SportsTravel @sportstravel ·
3 Feb

.@GSOB_Sports is exploring the possibility of a $6 million, 38,000-square-foot building at the city’s Sportsplex for sports and community events. The venue would accommodate several courts for volleyball, basketball or pickleball.
https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/gulf-shores-explores-new-6-million-building/

Reply on Twitter 1621606559905353728 Retweet on Twitter 1621606559905353728 Like on Twitter 1621606559905353728 Twitter 1621606559905353728
sportstravel SportsTravel @sportstravel ·
3 Feb

The Danish capital of Copenhagen will host the 2024 @FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Qualifier and @FIBA3x3 Europe Cup in 2025, complete with an urban festival with street activities.
https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/copenhagen-to-host-two-fiba-europe-cup-events/

Reply on Twitter 1621595821182705667 Retweet on Twitter 1621595821182705667 Like on Twitter 1621595821182705667 Twitter 1621595821182705667
Load More

sportstravel

Pro Bowl Games 2023 #probowl #football #flagfootb Pro Bowl Games 2023

#probowl #football #flagfootball #lasvegas @allegiantstadium @vegas @nfl #fans
There's so much to discover at the new Virginia Be There's so much to discover at the new Virginia Beach Sports Center! 285,000 square feet of convertible space can accommodate 12 basketball courts, 24 volleyball courts, nine field hockey courts, and a 200-meter hydraulically banked track—and it can hold up to 5,000 spectators to watch the action.
SportsTravel is on location in Philadelphia for th SportsTravel is on location in Philadelphia for the @unitedsoccercoaches Convention that starts tomorrow and lasts throughout the week. We’re looking forward to the next few days of connecting with friends old and new on location.
CES 2023 is going strong in Las Vegas. CES 2023 is going strong in Las Vegas.
Virginia Beach may be famous for its gorgeous outd Virginia Beach may be famous for its gorgeous outdoor spaces, but the city’s newest sports facility makes it a pleasure to be indoors. The @vbsportscenter is your premier sports facility in Virginia Beach, offering high-quality basketball, volleyball, field hockey, track & field facilities, and plenty of room for your team to shine. Find out more at https://vbsportscenter.com
Michigan won’t go away. What an instant classic. Michigan won’t go away. What an instant classic.
The TCU faithful have had a lot to cheer about in The TCU faithful have had a lot to cheer about in the first half.
The College Football Playoff kicks off with the fi The College Football Playoff kicks off with the first semifinal between TCU and Michigan at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.
Some sights and sounds from the Rivalry Series gam Some sights and sounds from the Rivalry Series game between Team USA and Team Canada on December 15.
Hilary Knight tied the game for Team USA in the th Hilary Knight tied the game for Team USA in the third period of a Rivalry Series game with Team Canada on December 15.
Michelle Lupo, the business development manager fo Michelle Lupo, the business development manager for the @northstarmeets Sports Division, moderated a session today at the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism, featuring Kara Bachman from the Chicago Sports Commission, Curtis Francois from World Wide Technology Raceway and John Groh from the Rockford Area CVB. Thank you for the opportunity to talk about sports-related travel!

@chisportscomm @wwtraceway @gorockford #travel #tourism #sportstravel #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness
The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok kicks off wi The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok kicks off with a 2 a.m. start Sunday to give runners the best conditions possible across the city. The Expo is taking place at Royal Paragon Hall, where runners can pick up their bibs and prepare for the race.

#marathon #running #sportsevents #sportstourism #sportstravel @tourismthailand
Thank you to @worldathletics and Mass Participatio Thank you to @worldathletics and Mass Participation World for the chance for SportsTravel Executive Editor and Publisher Jason Gewirtz to present the latest data on sports-related travel to delegates at the World Athletics Global Running Conference in Bangkok. Friday’s schedule also included remarks from the prime minister of Thailand and the country’s sports and tourism minister, who emphasized the importance of sports events to the nation’s economy and quality of life.

#athletics #thailand #bangkok #running #sportstravel #sportstourim @tourismthailand
Love high speed sports? We are at the @ibsfsliding Love high speed sports? We are at the @ibsfsliding World Cup event in Park City at @utaholympicpark this weekend. Friday morning’s action was the women’s monobob event, won by American Kaillie Humphries. Scroll through to see the #bobsled in action at full speed, then slow motion, and hear from Humphries after her win.
SportsTravel is in Bangkok, Thailand, this week mo SportsTravel is in Bangkok, Thailand, this week moderating sessions and presenting on sports-related travel at the @worldathletics Global Running Conference, including an opening day session on government relations in sports events featuring @sport_singapore, Portas Consulting, @laliga and @houstonsports_janis from the @hc_hsa who appeared virtually from Doha where she is attending the World Cup.
#sportstourism #sportstravel #mpw22 #wagrc
Winner buys dinner! When you bring your sports eve Winner buys dinner! When you bring your sports event to World Equestrian Center – Ocala, you can refuel with something heavenly from seven different on-site restaurants. From pub burgers and #taco salads to fine dining, WEC has a #winning option for everyone.
Twickenham Stadium in London is the largest rugby Twickenham Stadium in London is the largest rugby union stadium in the world, seating 82,000. The home of England Rugby, it is owned and operated by the Rugby Football Union and hosts events year round. 

#rugby #rugbyunion #twickenham @twickenhamstadium
Black in a sea of orange: the courage of the oppos Black in a sea of orange: the courage of the opposing fans.

@raiders @broncos @nfl #fans #raiderfans #broncofans @empowerfieldatmilehigh
One of the NFL’s best traditions is the @broncos One of the NFL’s best traditions is the @broncosthunderstorm skydivers who jump into Empower Field at Mile High before every @broncos game.
Beer and alcohol sales may be banned at the World Beer and alcohol sales may be banned at the World Cup, but in the @nfl, there are more than enough in-stadium options, including the many available at Empower Field at Mile High, home of the @broncos. 

#worldcup #2022worldcup #broncos #beer #drinks #sportsevents
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Toronto Maple Leafs to Host 2024 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend
  • Billie Jean King Cup Heading to Palm Beaches
  • 2023 PGA University Championship Headed to Mississippi
  • Gulf Shores Explores New $6 Million Building at Sportsplex
  • Copenhagen to Host Two FIBA Europe Cup Events
  • Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay to Begin in Marseille
  • Australia, New Zealand ‘Disappointed’ by Women’s World Cup Saudi Sponsorship
  • IOC Details Russia Stance for Olympics as Ukraine Threatens Boycott
Sports Travel Magazine

About Us

Since 1997, SportsTravel magazine has served the sports‐related travel and event industry. It is the only publication written and designed to serve the people who organize, manage and host sporting events of all types at all levels.

  • Subscribe to E-Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • SportsTravel Foundation
  • Supplied Content
  • Privacy
  • Terms

NORTHSTAR TRAVEL MEDIA SITES

  • Northstar Meetings Group
  • Meetings & Conventions
  • Meetings & Conventions Asia
  • Meetings & Conventions China
  • Successful Meetings
  • Incentive
  • Meeting News
  • Retail Travel
  • Travel Technology
  • Corporate Travel
  • Hotel Investment
  • Data Products
  • See All Northstar Brands

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Sports ETA

Destinations International
Northstar Travel Media LLC Copyright © 2023 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000
scroll to top