Work to improve the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panther Arena in downtown Milwaukee in order to accommodate the Milwaukee Admirals will begin on Monday.
The Admirals are moving to the arena from the BMO Harris Bradley Center. They have not played at the arena since the 1986-87 season.
The total cost of the arena improvement project is $6.3 million, of which $2 million will be provided by the Admirals. The rest will be paid for by the Wisconsin Center District.
The project will include a new locker room for the Admirals and a new locker room that will be used by the Milwaukee Wave and visiting hockey and basketball teams. It will also include upgrades to: kitchens and concessions, seating, lighting, the team store, restrooms, the concourse, the roof, the media room and box offices. Hockey rink components and equipment will also be purchased. WiFi will be installed for the seating bowl.
“The UW Milwaukee Panther Arena is home to the best variety of sports and entertainment events in Milwaukee,” said Russ Staerkel, president of the Wisconsin Center District. “Facility investments including free WiFi, new seats, and expanded concessions will solidify our place as the best fan experience as well.”
“We are excited to get the renovations and improvements underway here at the Panther Arena,” said Admirals Governor and CEO Harris Turer. “The facilities that will be created for players will be NHL-caliber and combined with the intimacy and fan-friendly atmosphere of the Arena, we will have a tremendous home ice advantage.”
The general contractor for the project is Janesville-based JP Cullen.
