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Sunday, October 25, 2015

Milwaukee Bucks Basketball

Exciting Developments for the Milwaukee Bucks

In case you didn't know, the Milwaukee Bucks are an American basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and played at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Going from strength to strength, the team is currently valued at $600 million according to Forbes. They have won one league title (1971), two conference titles (1971 and 1974), and 13 division titles (1971–74, 1976, 1980–86, 2001).

At a recent press conference, the Milwaukee Bucks and their design team announced a $1 billion plan for a sports and entertainment district to be built on the Park East property in downtown Milwaukee. "This is not just an arena," Bucks president Peter Feigin said. "This is a year-round vibrant urban community. This is built to attract jobs, investment and growth. We want to create the ripple effect across downtown and throughout the state...There's a tremendous amount of potential around us. We believe this will revitalize unused space, specifically the Park East, and begin to connect the city in every direction."

The owners of the Milwaukee Bucks have selected three architectural firms to design the basketball team's new downtown arena. Missouri-based Populous will serve as the lead agency on the design team. The company has worldwide experience designing arenas, stadiums, ballparks and convention centers. Populous has designed 15 NBA or NHL arenas, and is working on new projects in Quebec City and Las Vegas. Two local firms, HNTB and Eppstein Uhen, will also help design the Milwaukee arena. The companies employ nearly 300 Wisconsin residents and have worked on thousands of projects throughout the state. The Bucks are seeking financial support from state, county and city governments for the new arena. Gov. Scott Walker has proposed a state budget calling for $220 million in state bonds to help pay for the new arena. "We have a lot to work on," Feigin said. "We have a lot to do. We're going to continue to evolve these renderings, these pictures and these plans. We have a deep partnership with the city, with the county and with the state. We'll continue to work hand in hand for solutions. We want to accelerate the growth of this city in a very big way. We're extremely confident we are going to get this done and we are going to get this done in partnership with our friends at city hall, the county courthouse and the capitol."

Looking to the season ahead, there are more reasons for optimism for the Milwaukee Bucks' prospects. Head coach Jason Kidd enjoyed a reasonable campaign as a rookie head coach with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014. But Kidd excelled in Milwaukee despite facing numerous obstacles such as Jabari Parker's season-ending knee injury, Larry Sanders' unexpected retirement and a trade deadline that swapped Brandon Knight (who had been the team's most productive player) for Michael Carter-Williams. Despite these events, Milwaukee persevered and made the playoffs. The Bucks' addition of forward/center Greg Monroe via free agency adds the necessary firepower to expand on the team's success. The return of Parker in the lineup gives Kidd even more flexibility. Milwaukee should hope for at least 50 wins this season, which should keep fans happy. With the arena developments and all the associated activity, it's really an exciting time for the Milwaukee Bucks.

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