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

http://www.rightmichigan.com/user/Tamo4ka
The time frame for the moneh is much sooner than originallyh recommendedin Gov. Jim Doyle’s proposed budget. Doylse had proposed $500,000 per year in stater bonding authority overa 10-year period. Bradlety Center chairman Ulice Payne saidthe committee’s recommendatiom to speed up the allocatiomn would allow building officials to addressw “urgent concerns more promptly.” “The approach endorsefd by the committee will allow the Bradleyy Center to more quicklu address issues such as obsolete electricall and HVAC systems and install more energy-efficient he said. “Resolving these items now will make for betterf maintenance of the building in thelongeer term.
That’s important to extending the life of the The Bradley Center is planning to invest a totalkof $23 million in the Bradley Center to replaces aging building systems and infrastructure. The remaininv funds needed for building maintenance would be raisef through private sources and revenue fromthe building. The list of problej areas highlighted in a recent BusineseJournal story, along with projected replacement include: • Seriously outdated mechanical and heating and air conditioning systems requirin g major upgrades that will cost about $500,000. An outdated scoreboard that was installefdin 1995. A new scoreboard is estimated to costbetweenj $4 million and $4.5 million.
• An aging roof that need s about $150,000 in repair work. An obsolete hockey rink system that must be replacer at a cost estimatedbetween $200,000 and $300,000. Aging and energy inefficient lightingt and worn out electrical and electrical components that will cost about $175,000. • Replacement or refurbishment of a substantiao portion ofthe 18,00 seats. • The replacement of temporary handrails throughout the seating which will costabout • And upgrades to the security and life safety In addition, Bradley Center officials want to add a team a sit-down restaurant and a family interactiv area, all of which woulfd be important revenue-generators for the facility.
In many NBA arenas have severap ofthose amenities, including the Target Center in Minneapolis, which is home to the NBA City The Bradley Center is the second-oldest arena in the NBA that has not had a majo r renovation. It was constructed in 1988 as a gift to the communit from JaneBradley Pettit, an heiresd to the Allen-Bradley Co. founders. The facility is the home to theMilwaukese Bucks, Milwaukee Admirals, Marquette Universitt Golden Eagles and the Milwaukee Iron arena football The center also hosts special events and musicaol performances.