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Milwaukee Bucks to host Boston Celtics at the MECCA on October 26

By Adam McGee

MILWAUKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 19: Milwaukee Bucks Mascot Bango Buck during the opening announcements before the game against the Charlotte Hornets at BMO Harris Bradley Center on February 19, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 19: Milwaukee Bucks Mascot Bango Buck during the opening announcements before the game against the Charlotte Hornets at BMO Harris Bradley Center on February 19, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /
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The Milwaukee Bucks confirmed their return to the MECCA will take place on October 26 against the Boston Celtics.

Since the Milwaukee Bucks announced that they would return to their former arena — the MECCA — to play a single game as a part of the franchise’s 50th anniversary celebrations this season, the fanbase has been buzzing with speculation about who the opponent would be and when the game would take place.

On Tuesday morning, at a special press conference from the arena which is now named the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, those details were finally revealed.

The Bucks will host last season’s Eastern Conference top seed, the Boston Celtics, at the MECCA on October 26 in a game televised live on TNT.

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Not only does the Bucks’ recent rise set up the beginnings of a modern day rivalry with the Celtics, but of course that franchise was also one of Milwaukee’s primary rivals during their very successful tenure at the MECCA.

Bucks president Peter Feigin, franchise legend turned broadcaster Jon McGlocklin, and forward Jabari Parker were all on hand at the press conference to speak about the announcement.

McGlocklin reflected on the successes the franchise experienced during their time in the arena, including the franchise’s sole championship winning season in 1971, and a near-miss in 1974 when they fell to the Boston Celtics in The Finals after a seven-game series.

McGlocklin outlined how the rivalry with the Celtics even extended into the 80s, before ultimately revealing the details of this season’s game:

"“We also witnessed some epic battles with Boston in the 80s, when the Bucks had [Sidney] Moncrief, Marques Johnson, Paul Pressey, and Terry Cummings, and [the Celtics] had [Larry] Bird, [Kevin] McHale, [Robert] Parrish, and [Danny] Ainge. Names you will all remember. So, as we enter our 50th season, I’m truly proud to say and privileged to be a part of it all for 50 years, which is truly remarkable. I can’t believe it myself. And so, we are returning to play a regular season game here, and we’re going to take on — and I think it’s rather appropriate — the Boston Celtics on Thursday, October 26 at 7pm, and it will be a nationally televised game on TNT.”"

Jabari Parker was also on hand at the presentation, and before revealing the classic jersey that the Bucks will wear for that game, he took the time to note:

"“This is a special moment, because I’m a man of history, and even though I won’t be able to play at this game and at that time, I’m grateful that I’m a part of the rich history that the Bucks have.”"

In a statement released on Bucks.com following the announcement, the team’s glorious past at the MECCA was highlighted further.

"“The Bucks called the MECCA home from their inaugural season in 1968 until 1988, and played the Celtics 48 times during the regular season at the MECCA, going 30-18 in those games. Milwaukee compiled a 582-209 home record in 20 seasons at the approximately 11,000-seat MECCA and made 16 playoff appearances, won 12 division championships and two conference titles. In just their third season, the Bucks compiled a 34-2 record at the MECCA and went on to win the 1971 NBA Championship. “Return to the MECCA” will be the first time the Bucks have hosted a regular season home game off-site in Wisconsin since they played three regular season home games in Madison during the 1974-75 season.”"

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With the game coming so early into the new season, Bucks fans won’t have to wait very long for this very special event, and what promises to be a memorable night for the franchise.

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