Realtors group makes pitch to support, fund new arena for Milwaukee Bucks

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Supporters of a project to fund and build a new arena for the Milwaukee Bucks gathered on Tuesday, March 24th.

The Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin hosted a downtown arena development discussion. They say having a new arena and keeping the Bucks is absolutely critical for the downtown.

"The Bucks drive over 600,000 guests downtown, visitors each and every year on an annual basis. So in 41 games, those represent 22 percent of nights in the off-peak period for downtown Milwaukee," said Doug Nysse, Arrival Partners LLC.

As for now, the Bucks owners have pledged $150 million to the project and former owner Sen. Herb Kohl is giving another $100 million. Where the rest of the money comes from is under discussion.