The BMO Harris Bradley Center has accumulated deferred maintenance of $25-35M, which arena President & CEO Steve Costello called "a conservative estimate that will only get higher with time," according to Don Walker of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. Costello said the arena has "invested sparingly in capital repair and maintenance of core building infrastructure and systems" because of limited financial resources and uncertainty about the future. Milwaukee-based Fiduciary Management Exec Chair Ted Kellner said that he is "worried about the short-term future of the arena." Kellner: "It's a state-owned building. If it falls apart, we have a huge problem. We're doing everything we can." Walker noted cost breakdowns for the arena's needs consist of $5M for buildings and grounds, "including the granite facade and glass atriums, which have begun to leak." Other estimates include $5.5-6M for mechanicals "such as fans, chillers, elevators, escalators," and $7M for safety and event production "such as staging and floor improvements." Also, fan accommodation "such as technology improvements, arena seating, and upgrades to food and beverage areas" will cost between $13-14M. In Kellner's view, the cost to keep BMO Harris Bradley Center running "is a strong argument for a new arena." He said, "This is not just about the Bucks. The arena has to be a catalyst. It is about development and jobs and moving the city forward" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 10/4).
