Jewish World Review March 30, 2006 / 1 Nissan, 5766

Affording to be in the big leagues

By Evan Weiner

http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | As a rule, 18 year old buildings are not considered relics, unless that 18 year old building is an indoor arena that lacks a specific number of luxury boxes and club seats.

In Milwaukee, the 18-year old arena that houses the NBA Bucks is in the latter stages of its usefulness.

More than likely, the Milwaukee Bucks ownership will continue to use the building for another five years or so, but by 2011, the arena will be antiquated.

That's how it is in the NBA. Miami and Charlotte moved out of arenas that opened in the late 1980s because the structures lacked amenities and wasn't fan friendly, which are code words for not having enough luxury suites, club seats and in arena restaurants which beef up in arena revenues.

Sports owners no longer care about blue collar workers and families coming into their stadiums or arenas. They want customers who can not only afford high ticket prices but buy food, drinks and trinkets and eat in arena restaurants.

Eventually Milwaukee will have to decide whether or not it can afford to be in the big leagues.