UWM Arena is there an out in the lease to tear it down?

[GOO]

It seems that UWM opposes taking down the UWM arena, of course.

Which raises the question of an out clause in the lease with UWM.  Anyone know if the lease has an out clause or cheap buyout?

I am assuming that it must or UWM would have already raised this issue and claimed some big damage number if the arena is taken down.

Anyway, a new article basically says that UWM and some Buck's officials met.  The Bucks are not sure where they are building it yet.  UWM wants the arena to stay and all 300 UWM students that care are going to protest before a game Wednesday (most of Milwaukee and UWM people have no clue if or when there is a game and if it is Wednesday and if it is on campus or at the arena, is my editorial contribution here).

http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2014/11/17/uwm-officials-meet-with-bucks-president-feigin.html

[Blackhat]

https://www.youtube.com/v/u06DpcFXc4U

[ChicosBailBonds]

I'd ask Fran.....

[chapman]

Screw moving to the new arena.  Let's stay in the BC and in 30 years proudly put our name on it, then fight like hell to keep Marquette Arena when someone tries to discard the remaining rubble.

[madtownwarrior]

It appears Fran will have a nice view of the demolition 

[real chili 83]

Doesn't the MECCA play a role in our ability to host NCAA tournament events?  For a city to qualify, there has to be a certain number of practice facilities within X miles of the main venue.

I believe the MECCA is in that mix.  Perhaps the Kern Center could step in.  The Kern is a very nice facility.

[ChuckyChip]

Saw an interview on the evening news with Frank Gimble who heads the organization that runs the Arena and Milwaukee Theatre.  He said that the Bucks would have to commit to replacing the MECCA with a similar facility in order for them to get the land the MECCA currently sits on.

[Groin_pull]

Saw an interview on the evening news with Frank Gimble who heads the organization that runs the Arena and Milwaukee Theatre.  He said that the Bucks would have to commit to replacing the MECCA with a similar facility in order for them to get the land the MECCA currently sits on.

Build a new arena for UMW basketball? That's quite a demand. May as well shoot for the sky, Frank. After all, those 30 UWM fans who attend games deserve the very best.

[GGGG]

Frank Gimbel is a buffoon. If this thing gets derailed to keep the f**king MECCA around then Milwaukee gets what it deserves.

[chapman]

They can use the Rec Center...should be no problem to roll out a few rows of bleachers, unless they have a legitimate reason to need five seats for every fan who shows up.

[Groin_pull]

If this stuff continues, I wonder how long those two NY billionaires will dick around with Milwaukee's small time politics. At some point, their patience will run out.

If things don't work out with Milwaukee, I know the NBA can buy back the team. But if the NY owners demonstrate they've done all they can, would the NBA work out a deal that lets them keep the team and move it to another city?

[Litehouse]

UWM left the MECCA a few years ago to play their games on campus for awhile before returning.  Now all of a sudden the place is so impotant they're making demands like this?

[martyconlonontherun]

I can understand the appeal of having a legit arena to play for a D-1 school, but its a short-term fix anyways. They should use their leverage to try to weasel their way into the new arena for a 'Nova like schedule and try to negotiate a 6-year home and home with MU as part of each schools lease agreement. It allows them to save face for a few years while they rebuild their program and hopefully a new on campus arena they would need to build anyways. It would also put a big-time school on their schedule. MU wants this done and may be willing to do the home and home if they get the right lease package.

UWM acts like they have have a new home and all 3 basketball clubs are supporting the endeavor. As much as no one cares cares about UWM on a game to game basis, they do have a ton of alumni in the city that pretend to care about where they play. It's a win pretty much for everyone.

[Litehouse]

That's actually a good idea for UWM.  Play 4 or 5 games in the new arena and the rest at the Klotschke, at least for a few years.

[ChicosBailBonds]

I was once in a meeting as a younger lad with Mr. Gimbel and our AD.  Let's just say I was very proud how our AD handled him.  It was a teaching moment and it was something to behold.  Can't believe FG is still hanging around because that meeting was probably 16 or 17 years ago and he seemed old then.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Speaking of Fran, UW-milwaukee and the arena.....some pretty funny stuff here.

http://uwmfreak.proboards.com/thread/6739/chancellor-steps-defend-panther-arena

[Aughnanure]

Yeah, they really need the space.

https://mobile.twitter.com/MKEPanthers/status/534515535506317312/photos

[martyconlonontherun]

Speaking of Fran, UW-milwaukee and the arena.....some pretty funny stuff here.

http://uwmfreak.proboards.com/thread/6739/chancellor-steps-defend-panther-arena

Loved the quote about us getting 10K sometimes for conference games.

[Texas Western]

If this stuff continues, I wonder how long those two NY billionaires will dick around with Milwaukee's small time politics. At some point, their patience will run out.

If things don't work out with Milwaukee, I know the NBA can buy back the team. But if the NY owners demonstrate they've done all they can, would the NBA work out a deal that lets them keep the team and move it to another city?

I think the Bucks owners will take a pragmatic approach, if they can't get their top choice they will try for the second and so on.  They pretty much have the money part worked out. They won't take a risk on being able to keep the franchise. There are too many other rich guys who want one and will pay top dollar to the NBA if the league repossesses the franchise rights to Milwaukee.

[keefe]

move it to another city?

[madtownwarrior]

If UW-M wants to stay downtown, why not the MSOE gym?  Probably could pay to put a Panther logo in the corner....

Yeah, they really need the space.

https://mobile.twitter.com/MKEPanthers/status/534515535506317312/photos

[Groin_pull]

You've got the idea. And don't forget about Vegas. After Silver's speech, gambling is no longer shunned. Off the top of my head, I'd say Seattle, Las Vegas, San Jose, Kansas City, Louisville, and Anaheim are all fighting for a seat at the table...in that order. Probably room for just one.

[Benny B]

I think UWM's objection to the Cell being torn down has little to do with their lease and much more to do with their naming rights.  It's not that often that the stars align so as to allow a middle-tier DI commuter school the opportunity for naming rights on an arena with a semblance of utility.  They found something here that they know they'll never find again, and understandably, they want to hang on to it.

Every lease has a condemnation clause that gives the landlord an out... UWM isn't going to be able to win that fight if that's the path the WCD and/or City elects to pursue.  It may, on the other hand, have a fight on its hands regarding the naming rights (though most likely, their damages will be capped at the amount they've already paid for the rights).

[Benny B]

Speaking of Fran, UW-milwaukee and the arena.....some pretty funny stuff here.

http://uwmfreak.proboards.com/thread/6739/chancellor-steps-defend-panther-arena

Wait a second.... UWM has their own minor-league version of Scoop on the interwebs?!?

Leave it to Chicos to have found that one.

[GOO]

I think UWM's objection to the Cell being torn down has little to do with their lease and much more to do with their naming rights.  It's not that often that the stars align so as to allow a middle-tier DI commuter school the opportunity for naming rights on an arena with a semblance of utility.  They found something here that they know they'll never find again, and understandably, they want to hang on to it.

Every lease has a condemnation clause that gives the landlord an out... UWM isn't going to be able to win that fight if that's the path the WCD and/or City elects to pursue.  It may, on the other hand, have a fight on its hands regarding the naming rights (though most likely, their damages will be capped at the amount they've already paid for the rights).

Good point on the condemnation clause. 

I hope UWM doesn't mock this up so much that it costs Milwaukee the franchise, given that this arena will largely be paid for by public funds.  But, if UWM does muck this up enough and the arena ends up at 4th and Wisconsin attached to the Grand Avenue (or what's left of it), that would be a win for Marquette.