Bucks arena proposal passes Wisconsin state Senate

The Wisconsin state Senate passed a bill on Wednesday for a new Milwaukee Bucks arena.

The Wisconsin state Senate passed a bill on Wednesday paving the way for a new Milwaukee Bucks arena to replace BMO Harris Bradley Center.

Senate Bill 209 came up for a vote Wednesday afternoon with an amendment stating a $2 ticket surcharge would replace a $4 million annual contribution from Milwaukee County through debt collection.

After passing through the Republican-controlled Senate with the help of minority Democrats by a 21–10 vote, the bill now goes to the state Assembly.

The proposal would contribute $250 million toward the $500 million project through a combination of state and local tax dollars over 20 years. Accounting for interest, that cost would rise to $400 million. Bucks owners would contribute $150 million and former owner Herb Kohl would contribute $100 million.

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“Today’s vote is a significant step forward in our collective effort to build a new sports and entertainment district in Wisconsin,” Bucks president Peter Feigin said in a statement. “We appreciate the bipartisan leadership in Madison for bringing this transformative partnership one step closer to reality. We’re optimistic that this financing package will receive support in the Assembly and look forward to working with state, county and city officials.”

The Bucks were founded in 1968 and moved into the BMO Harris Bradley Center—originally known as just the Bradley Center—in 1988.

- Mike Fiammetta