Fiserv Forum opened on August 26, 2018 in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, replacing the aging BMO Harris Bradley Center as the city’s premier sports and entertainment destination. The 714,000-square-foot arena cost $524 million to build and was designed by a team that included Populous, HNTB, and Eppstein Uhen Architects, with construction led by Mortenson Construction.
Home to the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA and the Marquette Golden Eagles men’s basketball team, the arena quickly established itself as one of the finest venues in the league. Financial technology company Fiserv Inc. secured a 25-year naming rights deal announced in July 2018, tying its name to a venue that has hosted everything from NBA championship games to a Republican National Convention.
Stats at a Glance
- Team(s): Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), Marquette Golden Eagles (NCAA)
- Location: 1111 Vel R. Phillips Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Opened: August 26, 2018
- Basketball Capacity: 17,385
- Concert Capacity: 18,000
- Record Attendance: 18,412 (February 28, 2020)
- Construction Cost: $524 million
- Naming Rights: Fiserv Inc. — 25-year deal
Home of the Bucks and a Championship Moment
Fiserv Forum’s most celebrated moment came during the 2021 NBA Finals, when the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns to claim their first championship in 50 years. The arena hosted Games 3 and 6 of that series, with Game 6 clinching the title in front of a roaring home crowd. The ‘Deer District’ — the outdoor plaza and entertainment zone surrounding the arena — became a gathering point for tens of thousands of additional fans watching on large screens during the playoffs.
From its opening night, the venue boasted one of the largest center-hung scoreboards in the NBA, a feature that became an instant talking point among players and fans alike. The arena also maintains full NHL-regulation ice capability, accommodating hockey events and giving it additional flexibility as a multi-sport venue.
Concerts, Conventions, and Community Impact
The Killers, joined by hometown favorites the Violent Femmes, kicked off Fiserv Forum’s concert life on September 4, 2018 — just days after the grand opening. Since then the arena has welcomed major touring acts and built a strong reputation as a concert destination with a capacity of up to 18,000 for live music events.
In July 2024, Fiserv Forum stepped onto the national political stage by hosting the Republican National Convention, drawing worldwide media attention to Milwaukee. The arena’s versatility — from championship basketball to political conventions to rock concerts — underscores its role as the anchor of downtown Milwaukee’s revitalized entertainment district.
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Fiserv Forum FAQs
What teams call Fiserv Forum home?
Fiserv Forum is the home arena for the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA and the Marquette Golden Eagles men’s basketball team of Marquette University.
What is the seating capacity at Fiserv Forum?
Fiserv Forum seats 17,385 for NBA basketball games and can accommodate up to 18,000 fans for concerts. The all-time attendance record stands at 18,412, set on February 28, 2020.
What major events has Fiserv Forum hosted?
The arena hosted Games 3 and 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals — which the Bucks won for their first championship in 50 years — and served as the venue for the 2024 Republican National Convention.
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Photo: Fleyzk / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.