Milwaukee County, located in the southeastern part of Wisconsin, has a rich history intertwined with professional sports, particularly since the mid-20th century. The county's journey into the realm of professional sports began in earnest around 1953, a period that marked the arrival of major league baseball in the area.
In 1953, the Boston Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB) relocated to Milwaukee, becoming the Milwaukee Braves. This move was significant as it marked the first time a major league team had moved in 50 years, setting a precedent for future relocations in professional sports. The Braves played their home games at Milwaukee County Stadium, a venue that became a central hub for sports in the region. The stadium, which opened in 1953, was initially built to attract a major league team and could accommodate over 43,000 fans. It was a multi-purpose stadium, hosting not only baseball games but also football and other events.
The Milwaukee Braves quickly became a beloved team in the county, drawing large crowds and fostering a strong local fan base. The team's most memorable achievement came in 1957 when they won the World Series, defeating the New York Yankees. This victory was a source of immense pride for Milwaukee County and solidified the Braves' place in the hearts of local sports enthusiasts. The Braves remained in Milwaukee until 1965, when they moved to Atlanta, leaving behind a legacy that is still remembered fondly by many.
Following the departure of the Braves, Milwaukee County did not remain without a major league baseball team for long. In 1970, the Seattle Pilots relocated to Milwaukee and became the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers continued to play at Milwaukee County Stadium, which remained their home until 2000. The team brought new energy to the county's sports scene and has been a fixture in Milwaukee ever since.
Milwaukee County Stadium also played a role in professional football. The Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin's beloved NFL team, played several home games per season at the stadium from 1953 to 1994. This arrangement allowed fans in the southeastern part of the state easier access to Packers games and helped to expand the team's fan base.
In addition to baseball and football, Milwaukee County has been home to professional basketball. The Milwaukee Bucks, an NBA team, were established in 1968. The Bucks initially played at the Milwaukee Arena, also known as the MECCA (Milwaukee Exposition Convention Center and Arena), before moving to the Bradley Center in 1988. The Bucks have been an integral part of Milwaukee's sports culture, with their 1971 NBA Championship win being a highlight in the county's sports history.
The Bradley Center, which opened in 1988, was another important venue in Milwaukee County. It served as the home for the Bucks, the Marquette University men's basketball team, and the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League. The arena was a modern facility that hosted numerous sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment activities until it was replaced by the Fiserv Forum in 2018.
Fiserv Forum, the current home of the Milwaukee Bucks, represents the latest chapter in Milwaukee County's sports venue history. Opened in 2018, it is a state-of-the-art arena that continues to host basketball games and a variety of other events, contributing to the county's vibrant sports and entertainment scene.
🏙️