Bucks, developers reveal arena plan that will transform downtown; so what do fans think?

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee's downtown could soon look very different! The Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, April 8th unveiled plans for a $500 million Milwaukee Bucks arena, and a $500 million sports and entertainment district that would surround it. The Bucks and their developers say the vision is for a 700,000 square foot, 17,000 seat arena designed for maximum flexibility and year-round use. Developers have their renderings and now, they just need the cash to fund the project. So what do Bucks fans think?

There was an extra rush at the door as fans headed into the BMO Harris Bradley Center on Wednesday evening for the Bucks vs. Cavs game. Fans gathered around three renderings of the proposed arena and entertainment district on display in the Bradley Center's atrium.

It was some fans first up-close look at the plans -- and they were overwhelmingly positive. Most say this is not only good for the team, but they expect the project to be an economic boost for downtown.

"It almost looks like something in New York that you would expect instead of Milwaukee," a Bucks fan said.

The Bucks billion-dollar future overshadowed the big visitor on the court Wednesday night: LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"I think it`s a worthwhile investment. It brings the community together. I`m not sure that this building (the BMO Harris Bradley Center) has done that," Andy Greene said.

"I don`t think too many people have on their bucket list `I want to go to the BMO Harris.' They have Lambeau. Lambeau is an event," a Bucks fans said.

The renderings and details surrounding the project have energized the Bucks fan base.

"I think it will help get more players here that would want to come to Milwaukee and see the city growing," a Bucks fans said.

Bucks fans say now, they feel the Bucks and the city's future is a slam dunk.

"People that maybe can`t get tickets to the game -- but can still come and be a part of the atmosphere," a Bucks fan said.

Before the game Wednesday night, Bucks Head Coach Jason Kidd called the arena design "beautiful," saying he's hopeful any issues surrounding the project's funding will be resolved soon.