Milwaukee’s Sports Scene Scores Big

Milwaukee thrives on passion and precision, making it an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts and event planners alike. With the opening of the newly renovated Baird Center, the city’s lineup of first-class facilities, exceptional amenities and unique attractions make it the perfect place to host competitions of all types.

You’ll discover a rich athletic heritage in Milwaukee, boasting seven professional sports teams and internationally renowned stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers. Beyond its championship-caliber teams and players, the city’s state-of-the-art venues have hosted prestigious events such as the USA Ultimate College Championships, USA Weightlifting American Open Finals and the USA Fencing North American Cup. Recent major events include the Ryder Cup, NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship and the Speedskating Olympic Trials. As an elite regional sports hub, Milwaukee hosts events like the Tour of America’s Dairyland pro-am cycling series, USA Triathlon and the Lakefront 7s rugby tournament. The city’s combination of top-tier facilities and cultural amenities is attractive to a wide array of groups.

Milwaukee’s sports scene scored big when Baird Center opened in May. Emerging as a symbol of innovation and accessibility, it reshaped the convention and sports event landscape by becoming the largest and most adaptable center of its kind in the Midwest.

This transformation unleashed a realm of possibilities, doubling Baird Center’s total space to an impressive 1.3 million square feet. This expansion introduces a host of new features aimed at enhancing the planner, player, coach and spectator experiences, including 300,000 contiguous square feet of exhibition space, 52 state-of-the-art breakout rooms, the breathtaking rooftop Baird Ballroom and Baird Sky View Terrace with city views, 400 covered parking spaces, six new loading docks and much more. The floor-to-ceiling windows soak the space in natural light.

The Cream City’s sports event facilities also include sports stadiums like Fiserv Forum and American Family Field. These award-winning sports venues are designed with flexibility and accessibility in mind, featuring innovative amenities including, but not limited to, all-gender bathrooms, ADA-compliant seating, and sensory rooms with adjustable lighting, textured walls and music. Additionally, an 8,000-seat soccer stadium in the Iron District near downtown Milwaukee will open in 2026, becoming home to a USL Championship league team.

When it’s time to play, Milwaukee is a haven for adventure. Deer District is a 365-day hotspot for entertainment, events and dining. At 3rd Street Market Hall, enjoy some of the city’s best food and fun, including Topgolf Swing Suite, shuffleboard, cornhole and a gaming lounge. For golf, head to Luxe or X-Golf. In warmer months, visit Bradford Beach, the most accessible beach in the country and a popular spot for volleyball.

When you choose Milwaukee, your players and fans will experience the championship spirit of the Brew City. Contact Sports Milwaukee Director Marissa Werner for more information on hosting your next event.