The Bucks "quietly inked a fourth 'foundational sponsor' at their new arena: MillerCoors," according to Rich Kirchen of the MILWAUKEE BUSINESS JOURNAL. MillerCoors will "supply products at the Bucks-developed entertainment block across the street from the new arena." Bucks President Peter Feigin said that the Chicago-based brewer "'will be in the building' when the Bucks open the new arena" in late summer or early fall next year. MillerCoors joins "three already-announced foundational sponsors" -- Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, BMO Harris Bank and Johnson Controls. Feigin has said that the Bucks are "seeking six to eight such sponsors." Meanwhile, the Bucks "continue talks" with South Korea-based Foxconn "about a possible overall naming-rights deal." Feigin noted that the Bucks and MillerCoors "extended their business relationship last year" and that the contract will "continue in the new arena." Feigin: "We have five years left in Miller’s deal." MillerCoors Media Relations Manager Marty Maloney "emphasized the arrangement at the new Bucks arena is an extension rather than a new contract." He added that the brewer’s presence will be "felt in the new arena, including three branded bar spaces." Maloney noted the entertainment-block deal is "still being figured out" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 9/25). In Milwaukee, James Nelson notes Bucks ownership yesterday during the team's media day "exuded confidence and even a little swagger" about the "progress of their new arena, practice facility and accompanying development." Bucks co-Owner Wes Edens said, "We feel very good about the development of the franchise generally." He said that the Bucks owners "visited and toured several such facilities around the country and gleaned the best ideas from each." Edens: "This is without question the best of these facilities right now" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 9/26).
