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Milwaukee Bucks officially open Fiserv Forum with ribbon cutting ceremony

ByAdam McGee|
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 21: Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst introduces Mike Budenholzer as the team's new head coach during a press conference at the Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center on May 21, 2018 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 21: Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst introduces Mike Budenholzer as the team's new head coach during a press conference at the Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center on May 21, 2018 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Milwaukee Bucks officially opened the franchise’s new arena on Sunday as Fiserv Forum was unveiled to the public following a ribbon cutting ceremony.

As massive crowds gathered in downtown Milwaukee for the Milwaukee Bucks’ annual block party celebrations, the centerpiece of the 2018 festivities provided cause for great celebration.

After a long and arduous process which included the search for funding and approval, and a truly significant construction project; a wait which at times looked like it may have threatened the Bucks’ future in Milwaukee finally came to an end.

At a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by team and city officials, players past and present, and thousands of Wisconsin natives, the Bucks’ new arena was officially opened on Sunday afternoon.

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Fiserv Forum is now open for business.

As trusty Bucks announcer Jim Paschke oversaw proceedings from a podium in front of the arena, the stage represented a venerable who’s who of the Bucks’ organization, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, head coach Mike Budenholzer and general manager Jon Horst representing the current iteration of the team, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jon McGlocklin, Marques Johnson, Vin Baker, Michael Redd and Steve Novak among the notable former players also on stage.

At front and center were NBA commissioner Adam Silver, Bucks co-owners Wes Edens, Marc Lasry, Jamie Dinan, Mike Fascitelli, team president Peter Feigin, former owner and senator Herb Kohl, Governor Scott Walker, Mayor of Milwaukee Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Common Council president Ashanti Hamilton, and Fiserv president and CEO Jeff Yabuki.

In a ceremony that lasted the best part of an hour, the key figures in the arena project were afforded a chance to offer thanks to those involved, to reflect on the various events that ensured the Bucks remained in Milwaukee, and to look to a future for the team and city centered around Fiserv Forum.

As the first introduced speaker, Edens reflected on the journey to the building’s completion and the accomplishment it represents:

"“We stand here humbled by the achievement, grateful for the opportunity, and thankful to the city and great state of Wisconsin.”"

Lasry spoke about the opening of the new arena in serving as a sign of significant progress toward the ownership’s major goals for the Bucks, as they take their place as a centerpiece of dowtown Milwaukee life.

"“When we bought the Bucks we aimed to win championships and be an integral part of this community, and I think we’ve done that.”"

Lasry continued:

"“We’re excited to deliver on our promise to provide the best arena in sports and entertainment. Milwaukee, you have an arena to be proud of.”"

Echoing the sentiments of Lasry, Dinan noted how the arena district “is going to be increasingly a gathering place for the community.”

When it was his turn to speak, Fascitelli, the owner with the largest role in the day-to-day construction of the building, revealed that 85 percent of the materials for Fiserv Forum came from Wisconsin. Fascitelli also noted the franchise passed every goal they set throughout the construction process.

Commissioner Silver took to the stage to honor Herb Kohl prior to the official dedication and unveiling of Herb Kohl Way, recalling meetings with Kohl and former MLB commissioner Bud Selig which were vital in finding a suitable and committed ownership group to take over stewardship of the franchise back in 2014.

Speaking to the assembled crowd, Kohl spoke of his pride at seeing a major piece of his life’s work realized:

"“I have dedicated a big portion of my life to seeing this day arrive. The fact that we as a community can celebrate that today, tomorrow and for the rest of our lives: Milwaukee will remain an NBA city.”"

The sense of spectacle in introducing the city of Milwaukee to the Bucks’ new home was only heightened by the presence of a giant welcome mat, designed to greet visitors and to act as a Guinness World Records breaker.

At the completion of the speeches, the VIPs who graced the stage officially gathered together to cut the ceremonial ribbon and mark Fiserv Forum as officially open.

Following the ceremony, the fans in attendance were afforded a chance to take a look inside the team’s new building, with reports in recent days suggesting as many as 40,000 people had registered for the opportunity to do so.

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