Hockey at Fiserv Forum Will Bring NHL Dreams Back To Life

For the first time in young history, the Fiserv Forum will be hosting hockey at their arena. Years ago, Wisconsin hockey would play at the Bradley Center around Christmas time. That will be happening again with the Badgers, Clarkson University, Arizona State, and UConn. The ‘Holiday Face-Off’ sounds it will be an annual tradition featuring the Wisconsin Badgers. Hockey has a place in this state. It is not loved in the major cities like some will have you believe, but there is still a place for it. Considering the time of year, this should be a well-attended event. It will not surprise me if some wonder if a case could be made for an NHL team in Milwaukee.
Let’s end that right here. There is little to no chance of that happening with the current set-up of the arena. Unless the Fiserv would want to scale back their concerts during the winter months or Marquette finds a new home, it is hard to picture three full-time tenants in that space. Staples Center and a few others do it, but it is a scheduling nightmare. As the argument goes with hockey, Milwaukee is likely too small to support three professional teams. There is not enough money to go around in this city. And with the success of the Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Brewers, people would rather pay to see them versus a brand new hockey team.
If the Fiserv does well with hockey, it could open other doors though. Frozen Four could be a legitimate thing that Milwaukee hosts which would bring in more tourism to the city. Additionally, it would be a no-brainer to do a preseason NHL game between Nashville and Chicago. Nashville, being the Milwaukee Adrimals pro team, and Chicago, a team that many lacked on to here in the city (Although, that fan base is weirdly quiet now that they aren’t very good, huh weird.). This is Fiserv’s first foray into hockey, and my assumption is it will not be their last. But it will not be with a pro team here in the city.
For those that prefer hockey over basketball, I’m sure this will be an exciting time as well as those who like Badgers hockey.
Charlie.
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