The buzz has been strong lately about the new Bucks arena. Will it be built? Who will finance it? Will the team stay or will they go?
And opinions about the matter are surfacing from every corner – showing just how widespread the impact of the new arena really is. This past week, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association took a stand on the matter, stating that the arena project and ancillary development will be a catalyst for economic growth in Wisconsin’s largest city.
"Losing the Bucks will cost Wisconsin taxpayers at least $419 million over the next 20 years, while helping to finance a new arena will cost state taxpayers $80 million over the same period," the statement reads. "Keeping the Bucks will save Wisconsin taxpayers $339 million, over 20 years."
The Wisconsin Restaurant Association, who also believes in the need to expand the convention center in the near future, says that businesses in downtown Milwaukee are not the only ones who will benefit.
In addition to frequenting downtown restaurants, fans also visit restaurants along routes leading into and out of the Milwaukee area. The restaurant association has heard from restaurant and tavern owners in neighboring towns who say their business will be affected if the Bucks leave Milwaukee. Fans throughout Wisconsin also love to watch their state team on TV at their local restaurant or tavern.
"It makes sense financially because of the energy and vitality a new arena and the ancillary development will bring to Downtown Milwaukee," says Ed Lump, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. "A professional sports team such as the Bucks helps the tourism economy. This will encourage visitors to come to the city and the state for both business and pleasure."
Lump also notes that a new arena would have an impact on the continued vibrancy of the restaurant scene. "It will help fill hotel rooms, restaurant seats and provide jobs," he says.
In turn, those jobs create additional customers who have the means to patronize local businesses – including area restaurants and bars.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
