2025 Sports Planning Guide

10 WAYS MILWAUKEE SCORES BIG

1. Venues

Milwaukee offers an impressive lineup of sports facilities ready to host everything from youth tournaments to national championships. Whether you’re booking a major arena like Fiserv Forum or seeking flexible fields and courts in our multi-sport complexes, you’ll find well-equipped venues supported by experienced staff. From indoor to outdoor and professional-grade to community-focused, Milwaukee is built for sports.

2. Location

Centrally located in the Midwest, Milwaukee is within a six-hour drive of one-third of the U.S. population, making travel easy and efficient for teams and fans. The city is well connected by major highways, Amtrak train service and the Lake Express ferry. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) offers nonstop flights to more than 35 destinations. Once here, visitors can explore the city using electric scooters, The Hop streetcar, Bublr Bikes, taxis, rideshares and public transit.

3. Welcoming City

Milwaukee takes hospitality seriously. Visiting teams are greeted with pride, from airport arrivals to grand entrances at our premier venues. City buildings light up in team colors, bridges wave team flags and custom signage throughout the city creates a festive atmosphere. Athletes and fans alike feel the warm Milwaukee welcome.

4. Newly Renovated Baird Center

In 2024, Milwaukee’s signature convention center completed a major expansion, doubling in size to more than 1.3 million square feet. The modern, flexible facility is built to accommodate sports events of all types and sizes. Already home to various annual, regional and national sports tournaments, Baird Center offers ample room for courts, vendors, check-ins and social events—just steps from hotels, restaurants and downtown attractions.

5. Value

Milwaukee delivers the amenities and excitement of a major sports destination without the high costs. Whether you’re planning a sporting event, reserving a hotel block or coordinating team meals, you’ll find competitive pricing and exceptional value. Local partners are ready to help stretch your budget while creating a top-tier experience for athletes, coaches and spectators.

6. Local Flavor

With over 200 independently-owned downtown restaurants, Milwaukee’s unique personality comes alive through its food, drink and cultural attractions. Attendees can enjoy locally roasted coffee, unwind at neighborhood taverns and sample the city’s legendary beer scene. From the Harley-Davidson Museum to summer lakefront festivals, Milwaukee offers authentic experiences beyond the field of play.

7. Walkability

Milwaukee is consistently ranked among the nation’s most walkable cities. The compact downtown allows attendees to easily navigate between hotels, venues and restaurants without shuttles or long commutes. Most attractions are within a 30-minute walk of the convention center, making events more convenient and enjoyable.

8. Diversity & Accessibility

Milwaukee has long been a city where cultures come together to create a vibrant, inclusive community. This diversity is reflected in its neighborhoods, cuisine and people. The city also prioritizes accessibility, offering ADA-compliant infrastructure and a welcoming environment for visitors of all backgrounds and abilities.

9. Redevelopment

Milwaukee is in the midst of an exciting wave of redevelopment that is reshaping the city experience. Opening in 2026, The Marc Hotel will add 175 rooms directly connected to Baird Center, offering seamless access for attendees. Downtown’s renaissance continues with additions like The Trade Hotel across from Deer District, the forthcoming Moxy Hotel, and the upcoming FPC Live venue next to Fiserv Forum.

10. Sports Milwaukee Team

Our Sports Milwaukee team is your expert partner in planning and delivering successful events. From the initial inquiry to the final game, our experienced sales and services team supports you every step of the way. With deep local connections, promotional assistance and outstanding hospitality, we help you create seamless, unforgettable experiences for your attendees.

MKE FAQS

Getting To Know Milwaukee (MKE)

Where is Milwaukee, exactly?

Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city, is located 90 miles north of Chicago on the coast of Lake Michigan, within a day’s driving distance of one-third of U.S. population, making it easy for teams, officials, and fans to get here.

What is the climate like?

Milwaukee’s climate is strongly influenced by nearby Lake Michigan, which keeps the lakefront area cooler in spring and summer, and warmer in the winter.

How easy is it to fly into Milwaukee?

Very easy! Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) offers:

• 35+ nonstop flights from major cities

• 160+ one-stop connections

• Located just 8 miles (15 minutes) from downtown

How do you get from the airport to downtown?

• Uber/Lyft: $25–35

• Taxi: $25–30

• Shuttles: Around $15 per person

Meet The Wisconsin Center District

What is the Wisconsin Center District (WCD)?

The Wisconsin Center District is a collection of three major venues in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. These venues are designed to accommodate a wide variety of sports events, fan experiences, ceremonies, and more—all within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment.

The WCD includes:

• Baird Center (Milwaukee’s convention center)

• UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena

• Miller High Life Theatre

What’s the hotel situation?

• 1,190 rooms connected to the convention center via skywalk

• 3,871 rooms within a half mile

• 6,200 rooms accessible citywide

Room Tax Rates:

17.9% - includes occupancy and sales tax

What is the size of Baird Center?

• Exhibit Hall: 300,000 Sq. Ft.

• Grand Ballroom: 37,506 Sq. Ft.

• Baird Ballroom: 31,928 Sq. Ft.

• Meeting rooms: 52

• Loading docks: 22

• Total meeting room square footage: 73, 566 Sq. Ft.

• Baird Center total square footage: 1.3 Million Sq. Ft.

What is the union status at Baird Center?

Baird Center is a blended union/non-union facility.

Is Wi-Fi complimentary at Baird Center?

Yes, with 2 mbps speed for browsing your email with ease, and bandwidth reaching up to 1GB per second.

Who are your preferred vendors at Baird Center?

CTI is Baird Center’s preferred audio visual provider.

Who are your exclusive vendors at Baird Center?

Levy Restaurants is Baird Center’s exclusive food and beverage provider.

NONSTOP FLIGHTS

MILWAUKEE MITCHELL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

160+ CITIES Fly Nonstop One-Stop Away

35+ CITIES

NEARBY AIRPORTS

MIDWEST DRIVE TIMES

BAIRD CENTER IN ACTION

2025 MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS

Milwaukee’s Baird Center stands out as a premier destination for major sporting events, attracting thousands of athletes, families and fans to the city. From fencing and wrestling to volleyball and gymnastics, the venue hosts a wide range of competitions that deliver a strong boost to the local economy.

2025 USA FENCING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AND JULY CHALLENGE:

• Total Attendance - 11,000

• Economic Impact - $10,777,700

2025 USJN BASKETBALL WINDY CITY CLASSIC:

• Total Attendance - 12,000

• Economic Impact - $4,568,084

2025 JUNIORS VOLLEYBALL WINTER CLASSIC

• Total Attendance - 17,100

• Economic Impact - $2,986,477

2025 USA TRIATHLON NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Total Attendance - 15,000

• Economic Impact - $6,699,103

2025 USA WRESTLING JUNIOR NATIONAL DUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Total Attendance - 7,000

• Economic Impact - $2,524,236

MULTI-SPORT VENUES

4SEASONS SKATE PARK

Milwaukee’s premier indoor action sports facility, featuring ramps, grind boxes, and halfpipes for skateboarding, BMX, scootering, and more.

AL MCGUIRE CENTER

Located on Marquette University’s campus in downtown Milwaukee, it boasts a 3,700-seat arena and is home to the women’s basketball and volleyball teams.

AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD

Home of the Milwaukee Brewers, known for its fanshaped retractable roof and energetic game-day atmosphere. With seating for over 41,000, it hosts MLB games, concerts, and other major events year-round, just minutes from Downtown Milwaukee.

BOWLERO BOWLING CENTER

Wisconsin’s largest bowling center with 72 lanes, an arcade, a lounge, and a banquet hall.

BRADFORD BEACH

Milwaukee’s premier beach on Lake Michigan features over 35 sand volleyball courts, food stands, and accessible amenities like beach wheelchairs and seasonal mats.

ERIN HILLS

18-hole public championship golf course, which has hosted prestigious tournaments, including the men’s and women’s U.S. Opens.

FISERV FORUM

Home of the Milwaukee Bucks and Marquette University men’s basketball. It seats up to 18,000 and offers suites, clubs and top-notch amenities.

FRANKLIN FIELD

This 4,000-seat stadium is home to the Milwaukee Milkmen and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s baseball program.

HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL GROUNDS

75-acre lakefront festival grounds with nine permanent stages and 23,000-seat ampitheater.

KERN CENTER

Located on the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s campus near downtown, it features a 1,600-seat ice rink and a 1,600-seat basketball arena

KLOTSCHE CENTER

Located at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, it seats about 3,500 for a variety of sports including basketball, volleyball, and indoor track & field.

MILWAUKEE COUNTY PARKS

Network of 150 green spaces and recreational facilities, with numerous sports fields, trails, and courts.

MILWAUKEE COUNTY SPORTS COMPLEX

A year-round 55,000 sq. ft. sports hub with indoor courts (pickleball, volleyball, soccer, and basketball), outdoor fields, and a stadium.

MOSH PERFORMANCE CENTER

A state-of-the-art, 130,000 sq. ft. facility featuring a training turf, with a full-length football and soccer field, and batting/ pitching cages.

OAW INDOOR SPORTS COMPLEX

150,000 sq. ft. multidiscipline indoor sports complex with three softball fields, concession stand, onsite cafe, basketball courts and indoor fields/turf.

PETTIT NATIONAL ICE CENTER

Official U.S. Olympic Training

Site featuring a 400m speedskating oval, two Olympic-sized hockey rinks, and a full-size indoor running track.

PREMIER PICKLEBALL CLUB & COMPLEX

Milwaukee County’s first indoor pickleball facility, offering 12 state-of-the-art courts within a 40,000 sq. ft. space.

STATE FAIR PARK

Home to Wisconsin’s largest single exhibit hall and the Milwaukee Mile speedway.

BALLPARK COMMONS

A 200-acre sports complex featuring the MOSH Performance Center, Franklin Field, The Rock Sports Complex and much more. Located in the Milwaukee suburb of Franklin.

UIHLEIN SOCCER PARK

Milwaukee’s premier 70-acre soccer complex, featuring a 4,000-seat stadium, 13 outdoor fields, two lighted outdoor turf fields, and three indoor fields.

UW-MILWAUKEE PANTHER ARENA

Home of the Milwaukee Admirals and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men’s basketball. With a maximum capacity of over 12,000, the arena plays host to a variety of games, concerts, and special events.

VALLEY FIELDS

Marquette University’s outdoor recreation features a 1,750-seat outdoor stadium, multiple turf fields, and a winter dome for year-round use.

WATER SCHROEDER AQUATIC CENTER

Wisconsin’s first Olympic-sized indoor pool, with 50m lanes and platform diving facilities.

SPORTS MILWAUKEE SERVICES

You can rely on us to help you market Milwaukee to athletes and spectators and provide first-class services for all your needs, including 100+ trained volunteers and much more.

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU:

• Site inspection and trip planning

• Pre-convention and/or post-convention meeting scheduling and planning

• Access to Visit Milwaukee’s 1,000+ partner businesses

• Electronic signage at various signs in the Greater Milwaukee area are available to greet and welcome your attendees

• Street pole banners: up to 15 banners along Wisconsin Avenue and Vel R. Phillips for promotion during your event

• Welcome materials distributed to selected hotels

• Planning assistance for evening programs/events, spouse/teambuilding events

• Assistance in locating event resources, services or products in the Greater Milwaukee area

DID YOU KNOW?

• Assistance in identifying local community service projects

• On-site distribution of complimentary Milwaukee information

• On-site registration assistance

• Event alert sent out to Visit Milwaukee’s patner businesses

Milwaukee has over 150 miles of bike trails.

The Milwaukee RiverWalk spans nearly 3 miles along the Milwaukee River, taking you through downtown Milwaukee.

Milwaukee is home to over 100 seasonal and ethnic festivals including Mexican Fiesta and the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest.

Milwaukee borders Lake Michigan, the second largest of the Great Lakes.

Milwaukee is home to 11 major colleges and universities.

There are over 200 independently-owned restaurants downtown.

Potawatomi Casino | Hotel is the largest gaming facility in Wisconsin.

Milwaukee has 150 state and county parks.

25 theaters within city limits & over 30 in the Greater Milwaukee Area.

Milwaukee’s nicknamed Cream City because of its distinctive cream-colored brick and Brew City because of its rich brewing history.

Milwaukee boasts 6,200+ rooms downtown.

There are 100 golf courses in southeast Wisconsin, 22 of which are in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee is the birthplace of Harley-Davidson. 17+ museums in downtown Milwaukee and 30+ including the surrounding counties.

THREE CITY COLLECTIVE

Milwaukee, Portland and Pittsburgh are three dynamic destinations that share numerous outstanding assets — compelling attractions, state-of-the-art convention facilities and a deep commitment to exceptional customer service. Because of a shared vision and commitment to provide the best convention product at the best value, Visit Milwaukee, VisitPITTSBURGH and Travel Portland formed the Three City Collective in 2004 and their sports comissions followed suit. The alliance is based on synergies among the three locations, including convention center size, sufficient number of hotels to house 1,100 to 1,500 comfortably on a peak night, range of convention services offered and even location in proximity to rivers or lakes.

HOW THE PARTNERSHIP WORKS:

• Book two or three of the cities and receive a financial incentive. (Contact any of the sales teams for more information.)

• Joint sales events, tradeshows and marketing initiatives.

• Both sales and convention service staffs of all three cities work closely together, making the sales process and servicing of the conventions seamless.

MARKETING RESOURCES

PHOTO & VIDEO LIBRARY

Thousands of photos and dozens of videos are made available to sports planners at no charge to help showcase Milwaukee to attendees. Photos and videos are available for direct download through Brandkit, our digital asset library.

SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION

Let us help spread the word and boost your attendance. When appropriate, our team can help amplify your messaging across select social media channels to reach a wider audience.

MILWAUKEE-AREA MAPS

We can provide maps to help point your attendees in the right direction during their visit. Downtown maps can be customized to highlight convention-area hotels or restaurants so your guests can easily navigate the downtown Milwaukee area.

MILWAUKEE EVENT CALENDAR

Harness the power of Milwaukee’s best event calendar to let your attendees know what’s happening around town.

TICKET SALES PROMOTIONS

Collaborate with our team to create a targeted marketing strategy that drives ticket sales and maximizes event attendance.

THE SPORTS MILWAUKEE TEAM

Backed by local expertise, national experience and genuine Midwest hospitality, the Sports Milwaukee team is here to support you from the first site visit to the final whistle. MARISSA WERNER, STS Director of Sports Milwaukee

mwerner@milwaukee.org (414) 287-6232

ckopecky@milwaukee.org (414) 287-4245

dhitchcock@milwaukee.org (414) 287-4242