The Milwaukee Bucks are ready to open their 2018-19 campaign in grand fashion. After three years of construction and anticipation, they finally have a new home – the sleek, $524 million Fiserv Forum, which officially opened its doors in August. But with a brand new arena typically comes an increase in ticket cost for admission, and the Bucks are no exception.
Preliminary ticket sales indicate a moderate spike in overall average price per ticket this upcoming season compared to years past. The average ticket to see a Milwaukee Bucks game in their new venue stands at $91, a considerable 34 percent higher than last season’s $68 average and 68 percent spike from the $54 average during the 2016-17 season.
This price jump follows the trend set by other recently-opened NBA venues. The Sacramento Kings saw a 15 percent increase from 2015 when they cut the ribbon on the Golden 1 Center the following year. Just last year the Detroit Pistons debuted in their new home of Little Caesars Arena and saw their average ticket price spike nearly 44 percent. Both the Kings and Pistons also experienced similar spikes in their first home games of the new arenas.
Fans itching to check out the Bucks’ home opener will have to dish out a bit more for the occasion of witnessing Fiserv Forum’s inaugural NBA game. The October 19 clash against the Pacers sees tickets selling for an average of roughly $124 on the secondary market, making it one of the league’s most expensive home openers behind typical heavy-hitters like Golden State, Boston, Portland and the now LeBron-led Lakers.
However, despite the initial spike in price and anticipation over the first game in a new arena, Milwaukee still remains one of the most affordable markets in the NBA. It is one of only 11 teams with an early average ticket price under $100. The Suns, Pelicans, Pacers, Clippers, Nets, Hornets, Wizards, Heat, Magic and Cavaliers also have average home game tickets landing in double digits this upcoming season.
The Milwaukee Bucks can seat some 17,000 fans in their new home, which features state-of-the-art video and audio technology, branded seats, and luxurious private suites among other impressive amenities. New venue aside, the Bucks have been able to generate more hype with each passing season thanks to a comparable roster bolstered by standout forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.