Taking a brief detour from my MLB Stadium Tour, I couldn't resist the chance to visit the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee for Round 2, Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs, where the Bucks took on the star-laden New Jersey Nets lead by James Harden, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, etc... Kyrie Irving was out for the game and wouldn't return for the decisive Game 7 won by the Bucks, propelling them to the Eastern Conference Finals. I did make it back for the Eastern Conference Finals and am holding out hope they make it to the Finals because not only is the Fiserv Forum a great place to watch a game, but the fans are also first class, and the arena is simply beautiful.
I haven't mentioned the Bucks roster because going into this game, they were honestly an afterthought. I was more interested in seeing Kevin Durant and James Harden, and a bit intrigued by Steve Nash as their coach than I was Giannis and the Bucks. I, frankly, couldn't have been more wrong in my anticipation. Durant and the Nets were solid, as to be expected, in fact KD was even more impressive with when and how he picked his moments, at one point scoring on three straight possessions by simply backing down the mismatch in the post and rising above for an easy two. This series of events sent the fans around me into a frenzy, tearing into the Bucks coach, Mike Budenholzer lamenting in a succinct chorus of groupthink, bellowing out the same message: this is why he will be fired, how can he let this happen? He called time out after the third time and no doubt reminded his team of the adjustments they must make in this situation. Considering the coach's background, former head coach of the Atlanta Hawks and long-time Gregg Popovich assistant in San Antonio during their championship runs, along with a group of assistants, analysts, and other support staffs, I doubt they hadn't anticipated and prepared for this situation. The fans are the ones that pay the bills, and right or wrong, they all seemed at the time to be on the "Bye Bye Budenholzer" train. Winning the series in 7 games, on the road in New Jersey, and at the time of this writing, one win away from the NBA Finals, I imagine the chorus has changed its tune.
To get back on track, the Fiserv Forum was clearly designed with the fan in mind. From the open spaces in the entry and concourse areas, to the vast amount of natural light, and the crisp white paint accentuating the arena, it was like walking into a brand-new marble floored coliseum. From the versatile food stands, all but two requiring fans to order on a smartphone device with notification when the order would be ready to pick up, to the strategic level of each concourse in relation to the fans seat. It's a subtle move, but undoubtedly an intentional one, and one that I didn't quite pick up on until I returned for game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals (separate post coming on that). Each concourse is located at the highest point of its corresponding seating level. The highest concourse for example is higher than the last row in each section, requiring every fan to walk down to their seat. The genius of this can't be understated. How often do you hear, "there's not a bad seat in the house?" By making sure ever fans first view of the court on the way to their seat is that at the highest point and then walking down, with each step comes a "better view" of the court. This may sound inconsequential but the next time you're at an event of any type, halfway through or towards the end, move up two or three rows and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Making my way around the arena, the Fiserv Forum takes note of the Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium's vast art collection which subtly brings areas to life that otherwise create a more cavernous environment. Walking around the upper level, seeing the retired jerseys and championship banners of the past, as well as strategically placed art pieces and activity areas, I couldn't believe I had already been in the arena for over thirty minutes. There's a lot to take in, and due to its proximity to the city, has great views of downtown Milwaukee.
The game speaks for itself, I'll keep this post more along the lines of Fiserv Forum and save the game itself for another post at the completion of the playoffs, and hopefully with an NBA Finals game in Milwaukee. I did try the pork burnt ends, and this would be where my only complaint lies, they were remarkably over-salted. This was either due to a personal preference of the grill master or the intent to derive thirst from fans, perpetuating the sales of beer or water, given that it's Milwaukee, a city with a proud beet heritage, one that's on display throughout the arena and city, I doubt there would be much of a need to drive beer sales. It wasn't terrible, but, well actually, yeah, they were pretty bad to be honest. The game presentation was above average for an NBA Game Production, but it's clear the fans are skeptical at times and have been weathered by decades of misfortune. Not knowing when to stand or for how long when cheering on their team down the stretch was somewhat comical at times, but easy to forgive as every fan seems to be welcoming and hospitable, with their own Milwaukee charm. Overall, it was an "A" grade experience, less salt, and a more organized MC directing the fan chants, even an "on your feet" announcement is all this place need to be an "A+" on anyone’s list. I suspect we'll see these items take care of themselves in the very near future, especially with the Finals a game away!
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