Racine will not be the future home of the Milwaukee Buck’s Development League Team. But Racine Mayor John Dickert says this doesn’t squash plans for a downtown event arena.
Alex Lasry, senior vice president for the Milwaukee Bucks, announced his decision Wednesday afternoon that Oshkosh would be the team’s new home.
In a press release, Dickert congratulated Oshkosh Mayor Steve Cummings and thanked Lasry for the opportunity to be considered as a potential home for the development league. The city intends to continue focusing on bringing in a hotel/convention center, which is expected to employ 800 people.
Dickert released the following statement:
“While it is disappointing to not get the Milwaukee Bucks organization as a tenant, this by no means makes the project any less critical. For as long as I have been mayor, Racine business leaders have been asking for another hotel downtown. The best way to attract good hoteliers is to provide an on-going source of visitors – and that is the function of the proposed Event Center. We have a commitment for a hockey team and look to add another tenant. Perhaps an indoor football or soccer team would fit the bill. All the economic benefits we anticipate will continue to be possible with the addition of the Event Center and Hotel.”
The estimated cost of the project is $46 million and would be located on 3.5-acres on the southeast corner of Lake Avenue and Gas Light Drive in Racine.