The challenge for the Bucks entering the '14-15 NBA season is "formidable: Rebrand the team, re-energize a long-suffering fan base and give people reasons to be engaged until victories outnumber defeats," according to a front-page piece by Gary D'Amato of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. New Bucks President Peter Feigin has been on the job for less than one month, and said of rebuilding the franchise, "We're trying to boil the ocean." Feigin said that Friday's home opener against the 76ers would "provide the first evidence that these aren't the same old Bucks." Feigin: "You'll see very quickly that the in-game experience is going to be enhanced. You'll see best of practice from around the league." He added that the improvements would include "everything from more sophisticated video production to more food options at concession stands to the creation of 'fan zones.'" Feigin noted that the team would "attempt to energize and expand its fan base -- recapturing once-loyal fans who have soured on the losing and attracting young professionals who are spending time and money downtown but not necessarily at the Bradley Center -- by 'making a concerted effort to build value.'" D'Amato reports the effort includes "new marketing initiatives," including the Bucks Bar Network, an "alliance of neighborhood bars and restaurants that will serve as official gathering spots for fans to watch game broadcasts." Feigin said the team "is going to cover the BMO building in Bucks colors and banners." He added, "We're going to have banners all over the city. We've hired two new retail guys who are going to invent the way we retail." D'Amato notes Feigin "predicted double-digit revenue growth this year." Feigin: "At a minimum we will significantly increase our attendance ... and not necessarily stack the house with free tickets, which has happened in the past" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 10/29).
THE CITY'S CARETAKER: Bucks co-Owner Marc Lasry yesterday told an audience of 650 people at the Milwaukee Jewish Federal Economic Forum, which included community and business leaders, that "shortly after buying the team, the civic responsibility of owning a professional sports team became clear to him." Lasry: "You sort of realize you don't own the team -- you actually are a steward. It's the city that owns it, it's the fans that own it. And you're just taking care of it for a while." He added, "We want to do things, and we're trying to figure out as we build this arena, 'How else can we do things that are going to spur development?' Not just the arena, but different things" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 10/29). Meanwhile, the Bucks will announce "their choice for a new arena location in the next 30 to 60 days." Lasry believes NBA officials "would be flexible on the 2017 arena deadline" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 10/28).
