What to know about Fiserv Forum, one of the venues for Milwaukee's Republican National Convention
The Republican National Convention is taking place in downtown Milwaukee from July 15-18.
One of the three main convention venues is Fiserv Forum, the 730,000-square-foot home of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks. It's where the team won Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals to win an NBA title for the first time in 50 years. The venue has hosted numerous large concerts, including Olivia Rodrigo, Drake, Tim McGraw and Fall Out Boy.
The area around the stadium has exploded in growth over the past five years and become known as the "Deer District." It's home to many restaurants and bars within walking distance of the venue.
Here's what to know about Fiserv Forum and its role in the RNC.
Where is Fiserv Forum?
Fiserv Forum is in Milwaukee's downtown Kilbourn Town neighborhood, just west of the Milwaukee River. The stadium is at 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave.
During the convention, Fiserv Forum will be within the RNC pedestrian restricted perimeter and will be closed to the public. The perimeter will be controlled by the Secret Service; credentials are required to enter.
What is the capacity of Fiserv Forum?
Fiserv Forum has a basketball capacity of just over 17,300 and a concert capacity of 18,000. The venue's lower bowl has 10,000 seats.
There are 34 suites, three clubs and 34 large public restrooms in the stadium. There are also 10 escalators and 10 elevators.
When was Fiserv Forum built? How much did it cost to build?
Fiserv Forum opened in late August 2018 after 26 months of construction. It replaced the BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee's former sports and entertainment center that was demolished in 2019.
Fiserv Forum cost $524 million to build ― $250 million from taxpayers in various forms, $174 million from the Bucks' owners and $100 million from the late former Wisconsin Sen. Herb Kohl, a former owner of the Bucks.
What events take place at Fiserv Forum?
According to the venue's website, Fiserv Forum hosts up to 200 events each year, including Bucks games, Marquette University men's basketball games, major concerts, family shows, other college basketball games, hockey, boxing, MMA, and other sports and entertainment events.
The venue was slated to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention before the event was dramatically downsized and moved to the Baird Center due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
What is Fiserv, Inc., the namesake of Fiserv Forum?
Fiserv, Inc., a global financial technology and services company headquartered in Milwaukee, holds the 25-year naming rights for Fiserv Forum. Fiserv is a publicly traded Fortune 500 company and was founded in 1984.
Earlier this year, the company moved its headquarters from the Milwaukee suburb of Brookfield to downtown Milwaukee.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Fiserv Forum, one of Milwaukee's RNC venues
