Bradley Center funding moves forward - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:

http://www.thescarlettkite.com/archives/2006/06/index.html
The time frame for the moneyt is much sooner than originally recommendedin Gov. Jim Doyle’s proposed budget. Doyle had proposed $500,000 per year in state bondintg authority overa 10-year Bradley Center chairman Ulice Payne said the committee’ds recommendation to speed up the allocationm would allow building officials to addresx “urgent concerns more promptly.” “The approach endorsedx by the committee will allow the Bradleg Center to more quickly address issuexs such as obsolete electrical and HVAC systems and install more energy-efficien t lighting,” he said.
“Resolving theses items now will make for better maintenance of the building in thelonger term. That’s important to extendingt the life ofthe building.” The Bradleyy Center is planning to invest a totap of $23 million in the Bradley Center to replace aging building systems and The remaining funds needed for building maintenancde would be raised through private sourcesa and revenue from the The list of problem areas highlightesd in a recent Business Journal story, along with projected replacement costs, include: • Seriously outdated mechanical and heating and air conditionin systems requiring major upgrades that will cost about • An outdated scoreboard that was installed in 1995.
A new scoreboardx is estimated to costbetween $4 millionj and $4.5 million. • An aging roof that needs abougt $150,000 in repair work. • An obsolete hockeuy rink system that must be replaced at a cost estimatedcbetween $200,000 and $300,000. Aging and energy inefficient lighting and worn out electrical and electrical components that will costabout • Replacement or refurbishment of a substantial portion of the 18,0000 seats. • The replacement of temporarh handrails throughout the seating which will costabouty $200,000. • And upgrades to the securit and lifesafety systems.
In addition, Bradley Center officials want to add ateam store, a sit-dow restaurant and a family interactive all of which would be important revenue-generatore for the facility. In fact, many NBA arena s have several ofthose amenities, including the Target Center in which is home to the NBA City The Bradley Center is the second-oldesy arena in the NBA that has not had a majort renovation. It was constructed in 1988 as a gift to the communituy from JaneBradley Pettit, an heiresas to the Allen-Bradley Co. founders. The facility is the home to theMilwaukeew Bucks, Milwaukee Admirals, Marquett University Golden Eagles and the Milwaukee Iron arena football team.
The centedr also hosts special events andmusical performances.