Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Thursday, September 04, 2008
‘Great support’ brings Bucks back
The Milwaukee Bucks made a strong impression on La Crosse area basketball fans a year ago when they played the Chicago Bulls in a sold-out La Crosse Center.
The game was good, the players spectacular at times, the halftime show and in-game promotions were very entertaining, and the atmosphere was electric.
It seems the Bucks felt pretty darn good about us, too.
John Steinmiller, the Bucks vice president of business operations, said the team left La Crosse last year with a positive feeling about the crowd (6,118) and the overall atmosphere in the Center. So when it came time to book another preseason game, it came down to La Crosse or Green Bay — two cities that hosted preseason games a year ago.
The Bucks picked La Crosse, and this year’s game is set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10. Tickets go on sale Friday.
“We like the building and the people have been very supportive,” Steinmiller said. “Green Bay was the other city that was in the hunt. Because of the timing, and the great support we got last year, and really our ability to play in only one city, we decided to come back.”
Wayne Wagner, coach of the Viterbo University men’s basketball team, and Ken Koelbl, the UW-La Crosse men’s basketball team, are two people who are glad the Bucks are returning. Koelbl took his family to see the game last year, while Wagner wound up taking his entire team.
“I thought it was a great opportunity for people of this area to see a couple of NBA teams right in our backyard,” Koelbl said. “I really believe they are some of the best athletes in the world. When you look at the size of those guys and the way they run the floor, their overall athletic ability, it is pretty amazing.”
Wagner agreed.
“With this being here, it gives La Crosse the opportunity, really, the privilege, of seeing games up close and personal,” Wagner said. “When you see them in person, you can really appreciate how big and athletic they really are, how physical the game really is.”
This year’s game is against the Dallas Mavericks, who feature star players Dirk Nowitzke, Jason Kidd and Josh Howard. The new-look Bucks have eight new players on their roster and still have All-Star Michael Redd. Toss in new coach Scott Skiles, and area basketball fans will get an early look at just what kind of team the Bucks will have this season.
“It’s a totally new roster. We have eight new players as of right now, a new GM, a new coaching staff. When we come to La Crosse, we will have played two games (in China), so some of the kinks will be worked out under Scott Skiles’ new regime. By the (Oct.) 10th, we should be ready to put on a very good game against Dallas.”
That’s good news for La Crosse Center director Art Fahey, who said the Center has been holding some possible dates in hopes that the Bucks would indeed make their second appearance in the city since 1999.
“Last year we had a great turnout. It was a real collegiate type of feel with the crowd,” Fahey said. “It was a positive experience from how the market responded, from the ownership to Mr. (Herb) Kohl to Mr. Steinmiller. They really enjoyed being here.”
Likewise, Koelbl said.
“It is nice when you have things like this in your city,” Koelbl said. “La Crosse does a pretty good job of attracting things to this area. I would certainly love to see them keep coming here.”
BUCKS IN LA CROSSE
WHAT: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Dallas Mavericks in an NBA preseason game.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10.
WHERE: La Crosse Center
TICKET COST: Courtside seats, which are limited, sell for $75. Other ticket prices are $50, $40, $30, $22 and $12.
DISCOUNTS: Students receive a $5 discount off $22 and $12 tickets. There is a $5 discount on tickets for groups of 15 or more on the $30, $22, $12 tickets. There is a military discount of $5 on $30, $22 and $12 tickets.
WHERE TO GET TICKETS: Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone at (608) 789-4545, or at the
La Crosse Center Box Office beginning at 11 a.m. Friday.
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