A Guide to Fiserv Forum
Fiserv Forum stands as the high-energy heartbeat of downtown Milwaukee and the definitive anchor of the vibrant Deer District. Since opening its doors, the ultra-modern arena has completely revitalized the city's sports culture, famously serving as the backdrop for the Bucks' historic 2021 championship run. Whether you're catching an unforgettable game inside or joining thousands of fans in the massive outdoor plaza, it is the ultimate gathering spot for Wisconsin sports and entertainment.
Getting to the Arena
- Driving & ParkingFor drivers arriving from any direction, the most direct route to the arena is via I-43, taking Exit 73A (McKinley Avenue) and heading east toward 5th Street to access the primary parking structures. Fans traveling from the west on I-94 East can either transition to I-43 North to take the McKinley Avenue exit, or utilize the convenient Exit 72C shortcut through the Kilbourn Avenue tunnel, turning left onto 6th Street to head straight toward the venue. Once near the Deer District, drivers can park in the premier 5th Street Parking Structure (1215 N. 5th St.), which features a covered skywalk connected directly to the arena, or the Highland Parking Structure (1030 N. 6th St.) located just southwest of the venue.
- Public TransitThe Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) operates bus routes throughout the city. The Milwaukee Streetcar (The Hop) runs a free loop through downtown, though it doesn't pass directly by the arena.
- MCTS BusFans can easily reach the arena via three primary Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus routes that drop off within a two-block walk: Route 19 runs north-south directly along the eastern side on N. Vel R. Phillips Avenue, ideal for riders from the near-north or south sides; Route 80 travels north-south through the center of Milwaukee, providing immediate drop-offs along the western boundary on N. 6th Street; and Route 33 offers convenient east-west service along W. Juneau and W. McKinley avenues, landing riders right at the northern steps of the plaza.
- Amtrak TrainAmtrak (Intermodal Station): For fans traveling regionally (including the Hiawatha from Chicago or the Borealis route from St. Paul), the train drops off at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station (433 W. St. Paul Ave). From there, the arena is a 15-minute walk straight north, or a quick transfer to MCTS Bus Route 12 or 57.
- The Hop (Streetcar)The closest active stop is at the Intermodal Station or the City Hall/Wisconsin Ave stops. The Hop to the Historic Third Ward or East Town, and then use rideshare or an MCTS bus for the final mile.
- RideshareAll rideshare pickups and drop-offs is designated along W. Juneau Avenue. Drivers cannot access the inner pedestrian plazas.
Pregame Festivities
Milwaukee's pregame scene benefits from the Deer District's built-in entertainment and the surrounding neighborhoods. The Historic Third Ward, Old World Third Street, and Water Street all within walking distance.
Bars & Restaurants
- Milwaukee's most iconic sports bar, located on West Kilbourn Avenue near the arena. It's been the pregame gathering spot for Bucks, Brewers, and Packers fans for decades. Cheap beer, classic bar food, and walls covered in sports memorabilia.
- A Wisconsin-themed bar on Old World Third Street celebrating everything about Wisconsin drinking culture, cheese curds, brandy Old Fashioneds, and a wall of taps featuring Wisconsin craft beers. The name says it all. About a 5-minute walk from the arena.
- A multi-level sports bar on Old World Third Street with a rooftop patio, live music, and a game-night atmosphere. The rooftop views of downtown Milwaukee are excellent. About a 5-minute walk from the arena.
- A German beer hall on Old World Third Street serving authentic German beer, sausages, and pretzels in a traditional beer hall setting. Milwaukee's German heritage runs deep, and this is one of the best expressions of it. The long communal tables and liter-sized beer steins set the mood.
- A craft distillery and restaurant near the Deer District offering cocktails made with their own spirits, creative American food, and a polished atmosphere.
- A bar and restaurant near the arena offering food, drinks, and entertainment.
- A Serbian restaurant near the arena offering Eastern European cuisine. A reflection of Milwaukee's diverse immigrant heritage.
- Industrial-chic marketplace offering local baked goods, cheese, meats, produce & prepared eats.
Neighborhood Attractions
- The Milwaukee River winds through downtown, crossed by multiple pedestrian bridges and lined with a network of bars and restaurants along the water. The Riverwalk is one of downtown Milwaukee's most appealing features.
- Milwaukee is the birthplace of Harley-Davidson, and the museum at 400 West Canal Street showcases over 450 motorcycles spanning the company's history. Interactive exhibits, the engine room, and the extensive collection make it essential for motorcycle enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
- Located on the lakefront, the Santiago Calatrava-designed Burke Brise Soleil. A a wing-like sunscreen that opens and closes — is one of Milwaukee's most iconic landmarks. The museum's collection spans antiquity to contemporary art.
- The 30-acre entertainment complex surrounding the arena features restaurants, bars, the team store, and a massive outdoor plaza. During the 2021 Finals, 65,000+ fans gathered outside to watch the games on giant screens. Creating an atmosphere rivaling any in the NBA. The Deer District has become a year-round entertainment destination.
- A year-round indoor market in the Historic Third Ward featuring local food vendors, restaurants, and specialty shops. Fresh cheese curds, Milwaukee's famous frozen custard, and local baked goods are highlights.
Monuments & Unique Features
- The Giant Kareem BobbleheadInside the Lobby: The main grassy entrance/glass lobby of Fiserv Forum famously features a gigantic, larger-than-life Kareem Abdul-Jabbar bobblehead statue. It is a massive fan photo-op and a staple of the building's interior entrance.
- Championship BannersThere are two primary Larry O'Brien Trophy World Championship banners hanging side-by-side: 1971 and 2021.
- Conference & Division Champion BannerWestern Conference 1971, 1974, Eastern Conference 2021, and multiple Division Championship banners.
- Marquette Golden Eagles BannersThe Co-Tenant: Because Fiserv Forum is also the full-time home to Marquette University Men's Basketball, the arena rafters are split. Hanging prominently alongside the Bucks' history are Marquette’s historic basketball banners, including their 1977 National Championship banner, Final Four appearances, and their recent 2023 Big East Championship banner.
- Retired Numbers
- #1 Oscar Robertson
- #2 Junior Bridgeman
- #4 Sidney Moncrief
- #8 Marques Johnson
- #10 Bob Dandridge
- #14 Jon McGlocklin
- #16 Bob Lanier
- #32 Brian Winters
- #33 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- The 10th BannerA dedicated banner for Former Owner Senator Herb Kohl, honoring his legacy for keeping the team in Milwaukee.
Seating & Special Sections
- Event Level / Courtside Premium
- BMO ClubEvent Level: Situated directly along the player tunnel leading out to the court. The most exclusive and intimate club space in the entire arena. It offers ultra-premium all-inclusive dining, a full-service top-shelf bar, and unparalleled access to watch the Bucks and Marquette players walk back and forth from the locker room onto the hardwood. Included automatically for courtside row-one ticket holders.
- Star Dressing Room & Green RoomEvent Level: Intimate, high-end hospitality spaces featuring custom wet bars and premium catering designed for hosting private parties right off the court before shifting out to lower-level premium floor seats.
- Mezzanine ClubElevated just above the main 100-level seating bowl on the east side of the arena. Unique horseshoe-shaped open lounge that overlooks the massive front Atrium and the glass walls of the Deer District plaza rather than the court itself. It features relaxed lounge seating, upscale concession stations, and private cash bars. It is a massive social gathering footprint for lower-bowl ticket holders holding specific club access.
- Loge TablesPositioned at the top rim of the lower bowl seating: Private semi-enclosed 4-person semi-circular tables. They include dedicated in-seat waitstaff service, built-in charging ports, a food and beverage credit, and plush roller-chair seating.
- Executive SuitesEncircling the entire middle perimeter of the stadium: Private climate-controlled luxury rooms accommodating 12 to 20 guests. They feature premium customizable catering menus, upscale furniture, private balconies with leather stadium seating, and a dedicated personal suite attendant.
- West Bend LoftsNestled on the Suite Level, adjacent to the North Suite: Ideal for smaller premium groups (4 to 8 guests) who want an all-inclusive experience without renting a whole executive suite. Tickets include a dedicated chef’s table dining experience, premium beer/wine/liquor, and reserved private table seating that transitions directly into plush arena balcony seats.
- Northwestern Mutual Club LoungesSuite Level: Larger, scalable premium club areas (hosting 24 to 32 guests per single unit) featuring dedicated on-site chefs, private bar options, and communal lounge hubs perfect for mid-sized corporate entertaining.
- Panorama Club & DeckPerched at the highest peak of the eastern side of the stadium (above the 200-level rafters). A stunning, light-filled lounge featuring an exterior balcony deck that overlooks the outdoor Deer District plaza, combined with direct interior drink-rail and stadium seating looking down onto the court. It offers a lively, high-energy party atmosphere with its own premium food stations and full-service bars.
- Tower Club & Tower Lounge (including Potawatomi Club Deck)Upper Bowl Baseline/Corner areas. All-inclusive gastropub-style premium zones designed for larger social groups of 30 to 50 people. Features include inclusive draft beers, wine, soft drinks, and high-end pub fare served at a custom private ledge overlooking the court.
Concessions
- Signature ItemsCheese curds (battered and fried Wisconsin cheese curds) are the iconic local snack. Brats (Wisconsin bratwurst) are essential. Frozen custard from local shops is a Milwaukee tradition. The arena's food program features rotating local restaurant partnerships.
- The MECCA Burger BarSections 116, 106, 221, and inside the Mezzanine Club: A high-end tribute to Milwaukee's sports history, serving flame-grilled smash burgers and loaded fries
- Smoke Stack BBQSection 122: Heavy, scratch-made Wisconsin barbecue staples, featuring massive portions and slow-smoked meats.
- Slice and RollMain Concourse near Section 108: A newly integrated sandwich-and-pizza hybrid concept introduced for the modern arena menu, capitalizing on handheld hot eats.
- Flourchild PizzaMain Concourse and Upper Bowl kiosks: An expanded partnership with the beloved local Milwaukee brand, bringing artisanal, premium-crust stadium pies to fans who want a step up from standard concession pizza.
- Pretzel PalaceSections 103 & 207: The definitive stop for baked dough snacks inside the arena.
- Southside MarketSection 120 / Main Concourse: A grab-and-go marketplace style layout built for speed, focusing on customizable baseline comfort food.
- Sweet Spot & Cedar Crest Ice CreamSections 122 & 206: The primary dessert destinations to satisfy sugar cravings mid-game.
- FizzA brand-new non-alcoholic specialty beverage hub catering to the "dirty soda" trend.
Arena Information
Notable Events
- The 2021 Championship: Giannis Antetokounmpo's 50-point performance in the clinching Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns delivered Milwaukee's first championship since 1971. The celebration in the Deer District was one of the great sports moments of the decade.
- The Big Three Era 1970s: Abdul-Jabbar, Robertson, and Bob Dandridge formed one of the NBA's great early trios, making Milwaukee a basketball powerhouse.
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this arena