The Wisconsin Herd will open its season in Milwaukee because the Menominee Nation Arena in Oshkosh is still under construction, the team announced Tuesday.
“Creating a positive experience for our fans, players and partners is our top priority,” said Herd President Steve Brandes. “In partnership with Bayland Buildings and the Menominee Nation Arena team, we’ve determined that we will be unable to meet the high standard NBA G League fans deserve in time for our home opener.”
The Herd, the NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, will play at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee on Friday, November 17. The official home opener presented by BMO Harris Bank will be played at the Menominee Nation Arena in Oshkosh on December 1, according to the team.
“There has been an unprecedented level of cooperation between the builders and subcontractors since we first began building a state-of-the-art NBA G League arena seven months ago,” said Fox Valley Pro Basketball President Greg Pierce. “There have been a few delayed shipments, which moves the projected completion of the arena to only days before the scheduled opener. Unfortunately this does not allow us the opportunity to ensure we provide the highest customer service for patrons.”
The Wisconsin Herd will celebrate its "Wisconsin Opener," presented by Menominee Tribal Enterprises, on November 17 at 7 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. The game will be part of the Bucks' 50th Anniversary Season.
The game will be open to Herd season ticket holders. Buses will be bringing fans from Oshkosh to Milwaukee.
The Herd will also be giving out tickets to community organizations focused on education, youth health and wellness, community betterment and mentoring, the team said.
The team's home games on November 18 and November 28 will be played at the BMO Harris Bradley Center and will be closed to the public. Fans will be able to watch and listen to the games, but the team has not announced how.
The Herd will be celebrating the team's official home opener presented by BMO Harris Bank on Friday, December 1 at 7 p.m. at Menominee Nation Arena.
Single-game tickets will be available for that game and the Herd's remaining 20 home games on November 3. Tickets can be purchased here.
