Mortenson Construction Project Principal Mike Sorge said that work on the Bucks' new arena is "more than 75% complete and there are about 800 workers on the site," but that number is "expected to decline starting in January," according to James Nelson of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. Last month, installation of the "first of some 16,000 seats began." Inside work "continues on the arena bowl, the audiovisual systems, sports lighting and ribbon/LED boards." Bucks President Peter Feigin said that there have been '''no major issues in timing or budget' on key components of the project such as steel, cement, electrical and plumbing work." On the east side of the arena, "site preparation work is continuing for the entry plaza and entertainment block that will include several new buildings housing a bar, restaurant and other businesses." Tenants for those buildings "have not been announced." The Bucks have already "booked concerts for September and indicated that more will be announced in the coming weeks." That means the building's "official opening will be well before the first NBA tipoff." Feigin said that the organization was "laying plans for the next step in the transition" from BMO Harris Bradley Center to the new arena. The Bucks also are "paying close attention to the details of the fan experience." Feigin: "We're starting to form the true DNA of what the food and beverage service is going to be like. We want to make it so people will want to come back" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 12/26).
