Milwaukee Bucks, the North American NBA basketball franchise, have agreed a deal for locally-based multinational conglomerate Johnson Controls to become the first founding partner of their new home arena.
Johnson Controls will serve as the official ‘smart building’ partner of the 17,500-capacity facility, which has been given the tentative name of Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center.
The Milwaukee-headquartered firm will implement a range of building technology solutions throughout the venue with the aim of boosting fan experience, improving the facility’s overall performance reducing energy usage and enhancing the arena’s environmental credentials.
Johnson Controls will work in partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks, as well as Mortenson Construction, ICON Venue Group and various subcontractors on the project.
“Our ownership group is committed to building an arena that will be the gold standard for a sports and entertainment facility while also driving additional development and community growth throughout the region,” Milwaukee Bucks president Peter Feigin said.
“We wouldn’t be able to accomplish those goals without the partnership and support of Johnson Controls. Together we’re going to build an incredible arena and an incredible future for our home city.”
The arena is due to be completed in 2018 at an estimated cost of $524m (£420m/€490m).
Alex Molinaroli, chairman and chief executive of Johnson Controls, added: “Johnson Controls has been committed to Milwaukee for 132 years and our partnership with the Bucks is an investment that will make the downtown arena a world class sports and entertainment destination while delivering a winning experience for fans with a building that is smart, connected and sustainable.”
