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Milwaukee Bucks break ground on $500 million arena
Milwaukee Bucks break ground on $500 million arena
MILWAUKEE -- It is a historic day for Milwaukee as the Bucks break ground on a new arena. The team hosted a ceremony and block party on Saturday, June 18th at the site of the new $500 million complex.
Balancing old with the new is no easy task. But with the aging Bradley Center as a backdrop and construction equipment sitting idle, the Bucks are digging in and giving thanks.
Governor Scott Walker
"Senator Herb Kohl stool up and heeded call to keep the Bucks in this community and in this state," said Governor Scott Walker.
"He could have sold this team for hundreds of millions of dollars but instead he told the NBA this team is staying in Milwaukee," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
With thousands of fans and witnesses, the Bucks broke ground Saturday, for a new stadium priced at $500 million.
Bucks arena groundbreaking
"I wanted it to happen but so did many many people. Without all of their support, we know it wouldn't have happened so it is all of our legacy," said Kohl.
Herb Kohl
Support which includes $250 million in public money from tax payers across the state.
"Public or private I think that it's a great partnership and I think it's reflective of what can do when they have a mission and a vision," said Mary Baer, Bucks arena supporter.
Modesty aside fans say a new arena would not have been possible without the retired senator.
Bucks arena groundbreaking
"Put his foot in the ground and kept the Bucks here and we can definitely thank him for that. If it wasn't for him who knows what would have happened," said a Milwaukee Bucks fan.
Bucks arena groundbreaking
The Bucks owners say this groundbreaking is the halfway point from the time the Bucks arena project started. They hope to be open by the 2018 season.