Milwaukee-based building controls company Johnson Controls "will be the new 'smart building' partner" for the Bucks' new $524M arena, according to James Nelson of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. The deal includes "marketing benefits such as signage, and a commitment by Johnson Controls to work with the Bucks on community outreach efforts." Johnson Controls becomes the "first 'Founding Partner' for the Bucks' project." Bucks President Peter Feigin said that a "total of six to eight such partners are expected." Still to be revealed is the company "that will have the naming rights for the new arena." Feigin said that Johnson Controls' work will "affect all aspects of the fan experience at the new arena, including Wi-Fi service, concession and merchandise sales, lighting and the heating and ventilation." The arena itself is "rapidly taking shape just north of the Bucks' current home, the BMO Harris Bradley Center, along with a parking garage and practice facility." Johnson Controls will "work with the Bucks, construction manager Mortenson Construction, ICON Venue Group and subcontractors to furnish, install and integrate state-of-the-art smart building solutions throughout the facility" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 3/31). In Milwaukee, Rich Kirchen noted terms of the arrangement, which was "described as multi-year and long-term, were not released." Feigin said that he "anticipates signing a naming-rights deal" worth at least $6M per year. He also said recruiting the headline naming-rights sponsor remains “in process." Feigin: "I don’t think we’re anywhere near the finish line yet." Johnson Controls Chair & CEO Alex Molinaroli said that his company "wasn’t seeking the naming rights for the new Bucks arena," and their deal with the Bucks is "two-pronged." The first is "technology contracting for actual infrastructure in the new arena." The second is a marketing arrangement (BIZJOURNALS.com, 3/30).
OSHKOSH, BY GOSH: In Wisconsin, Nate Beck noted officials on Wednesday "broke ground on the future site" of Oshkosh's unnamed Bucks NBA D-League affiliate. Fox Valley Pro Basketball President Greg Pierce, whose company is a partner in the arena deal, said that crews "expect to complete the Oshkosh Arena by November." Pierce said that a mild winter and Oshkosh's "steps to commit resources to demolition amount to a 'miracle' that will keep construction on schedule." Under a $7.3M deal approved in late February, the team will "front the costs of road work near the arena, and the city will use a tax incentive to pay the group back with interest." While the arena is slated to be done this fall, Phase 2 of the $18M project will include "office buildings while a third will bring a new arena and sports complex where the minor league team will practice" (Oshkosh NORTHWESTERN, 3/30).
