Milwaukee Bucks soliciting feedback on new multi-purpose arena via online survey
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee Bucks are soliciting feedback on a new multi-purpose arena in downtown Milwaukee via a survey they're sending out to residents, businesses, universities and some ticket holders.
The survey, which must be completed by those interested in providing feedback by January 6th includes the following message:
"Consideration is currently being given to the development of a new multi-purpose arena in downtown Milwaukee that would provide the local and regional community with a state-of-the-art venue that would attract major events to the area, act as a catalyst for the revitalization of the downtown area, and serve as the home of the Milwaukee Bucks, which has called the city home since 1968.
As part of the planning process, the Milwaukee Bucks have engaged a third party company to conduct a survey of local and regional residents and corporations that will assist in making informed decisions regarding various elements of the facility. Please keep in mind no decisions have been made and all seating concepts and related pricing questions are purely hypothetical and are strictly based on Milwaukee Bucks home games only.
As a valued member of the Milwaukee-area community, your participation in this survey is very important to the Bucks so that informed decisions can be made regarding the future home of the Bucks that will meet the needs and desires of fans throughout Wisconsin.
The final deadline to complete this survey is January 6th.
Your continued interest and support of the Milwaukee Bucks is greatly appreciated."
The Bucks have a November 2017 deadline to have a deal in place for a new arena. If that deadline isn't met, the league could force a sale of the team.
The Bucks haven't yet selected a site for the arena. Where it would be located, how much it would cost, and who would foot the bill are all questions that remain as the Bucks work through this process.
The Bucks' new owners, Wes Edens and Marc Lasry have pledged $100 million towards a new arena, and former owner Herb Kohl has also pledged $100 million. The rest could come from private or public investments.
Governor Scott Walker has said he would need to see a plan before the state would offer any assistance.
Earlier this month, the Milwaukee Business Journal reported the Bucks were widening their search for an arena location. The Business Journal reported the preferred site included the Journal Communications headquarters, but due to possible environmental contamination, the team may be looking elsewhere.
The Milwaukee Business Journal reported up to three alternate sites in downtown Milwaukee are back in play for a new arena. They are: property immediately north of the BMO Harris Bradley Center; a Milwaukee city-owned parking lot at North Fourth Street and West Wisconsin Avenue west of The Shops of the Grand Avenue; and a parking lot used by Wisconsin Energy Corp. at North Second and West Michigan streets.
The latter two sites would require demolition of surrounding structures to make room for an arena.
The Bucks have a self-imposed goal of December 31st for announcing a site for the arena -- but Bucks President Peter Feigin told the Business Journal earlier this month "the reality is that might not happen."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently visited Milwaukee, and said he is optimistic a new arena will be built in time to keep the Bucks in Milwaukee.