Marquette University Law School

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It opened to great fanfare in October of 1988, a gift from Lloyd and Jane Pettit to the City of Milwaukee. Now, only 25 years later, the BMO Harris Bradley Center is one of the oldest arenas in the National Basketball Association, and discussions have begun about its possible replacement. Supporters of a new sports and entertainment facility say it’s critical to the city’s future. They argue that without an arena that provides new revenue- generating features, Milwaukee risks losing not only an NBA franchise, but major concerts and popular special events. They say the city’s quality of life would be lessened, its reputation as a major league market damaged. Critics say that the impact of new arenas and stadiums on communities is overstated, and that taxpayer money should go toward more pressing needs.