The Bucks said that they are "taking special care" to make the food at the team's new $524M arena "unique to the venue and a central part of the fan experience," according to James Nelson of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. There will be "beer, brats and fried cheese curds," as well as "healthy poke bowls and specialty tacos." The plan is to "feature large and small local food companies." The venue will include a "unique variety of Klement's sausage crafted especially for the Bucks, and an array of MillerCoors products and local craft beers." It is a "golden opportunity for the local businesses -- some of which are very small -- to have their names and products showcased." Bucks VP/Hospitality Justin Green said that the team "didn't seek a financial commitment from any of the local companies." Bucks Senior Exec Chef Kenneth Hardiman and his staff "visited the local restaurants" (JSONLINE.com, 7/12). In Milwaukee, Melanie Lawder noted local lifestyle brand Drink Wisconsinbly will also "entitle and curate three craft beer bars featuring a rotating list of exclusive Wisconsin microbeers." The arena will also "give a nod" to the popular Milwaukee Public Market with an area "called the Southside Market on the facility's upper level." Levy Restaurants is the facility's food/beverage provider (BIZJOURNALS.com, 7/12).
WITHIN SIGHT: Bucks President Peter Feigin said the team took ideas from other NBA teams that have recently built new arenas, and the new building is a "transparent experience." Feigin: "If you can see it in the arena you can get to it. It's a pretty amazing place." He added, "We call it 'intimate and cozy.' This is a great place to watch an NBA game" ("Summer League," NBA TV, 7/12).
