The Bucks and Marquette Univ. on Thursday announced a "new partnership that will include the construction of a multipurpose center that supports college and professional athletes as well as academic research and wellness initiatives," according to a front-page piece by Herzog & Walker of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. Bucks President Peter Feigin on Thursday said that the facility "is still in the conceptual phase." Design of the facility will be on a "six-month 'fast track,' with construction taking an additional 18 to 24 months." The facility announced on is expected to "combine indoor playing fields for Marquette's lacrosse and soccer programs, as well as an indoor track." Funding will "come through gifts, corporate partnerships and research grants." The Bucks said that the facility "will not be the team's training center and is not related to their efforts to build a downtown arena." Herzon & Walker note MU has been "relatively quiet about its involvement in the Bucks' drive for a new arena." MU Senior Dir of Communications Brian Dorrington said that school officials have "met with Bucks' officials on a vision for a new arena, as well as the team's plans for additional development and what role Marquette might play" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 1/30). In Milwaukee, Kirchen & Bauter asked, "Might we anticipate Marquette contributing to a new arena in downtown Milwaukee?" MU President Mike Lovell on Thursday said that it is "too early to say." Lovell: "Actually, we've never even had that conversation yet." Lovell added that once a final design is complete for the arena, Marquette will "discuss a possible contribution to the arena project." Bucks co-Owner Marc Lasry has said that team reps "have held meetings with Lovell" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 1/29).
