Bucks Heed To Transparency Calls, Announce Development Of Master Plan For New Arena

The Bucks on Thursday, in response to calls for more transparency about their arena project, said that club execs "are developing a master plan for development of what they called a new 'sports and entertainment destination in Wisconsin,'" according to Walker & Stein of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. Bucks Senior VP/Communications Jake Suski said that the ownership group "sees potential for ancillary development around a new arena that 'could generate hundreds of millions in additional investment and amplify our collective effort to transform downtown Milwaukee.'" Walker & Stein note although Bucks officials "have told stakeholders privately they intend to participate in ancillary projects both as a franchise and as individual investors, this is the first time the team has said so publicly." The Bucks' new statement comes as state Rep. John Nygren on Thursday said that Assembly Republicans "are aiming for a state contribution" of roughly $150M for the arena. That "is considerably less" than Gov. Scott Walker's initial $220M proposal. Bucks President Peter Feigin on Thursday at a luncheon said that the franchise "hoped to break ground on the arena in the fall" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 3/27). In Milwaukee, Rich Kirchen noted the nearby development is "expected to include the long-vacant Park East corridor north of the new-arena site." The new arena "is likely to be built immediately north" of BMO Harris Bradley Center (BIZJOURNALS.com, 3/26).

DEER SEASON: Kirchen noted the Bucks have “launched a new television commercial reviving the battle-cry from their last notable playoff run five years ago: ‘Fear the Deer.’” The new ad “provides an update: ‘Time to Fear the Deer ... Again.’” Milwaukee-based STIR “created the commercial" that features F Giannis Antetokounmpo and G Michael Carter-Williams. The ads also show messages such as “Start believing” and “We’re in attack mode,” and they end by “urging fans to buy season tickets” for ‘15-16. STIR President & Owner Brian Bennett said that the spots “will run initially during Bucks telecasts" on FS Wisconsin (BIZJOURNALS.com, 3/25).