James B. Nelson

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Milwaukee Bucks have sold nearly 10,000 full season ticket packages for the team's first season in Fiserv Forum, their new $524 million arena.

"We're close to 10,000 season tickets, which is astonishing," owner Wes Edens said Monday at the team's annual media day.

The team leadership was pleased by what Edens called "tons of support" from the community.

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"There's a buzz about the Bucks," said Mike Fascitelli, another owner, citing the new arena, the addition of Mike Budenholzer as head coach and the return of All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

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The Bucks for months have said that 10,000 full season ticket packages was the goal for the first season in the new arena. As of June, the team reported about 8,400 packages sold.

"We're a couple hundred seats away" from 10,000, said Jamie Morningstar, senior vice president of ticket sales and service.

Being able to visit the new arena has helped boost sales, she said.

"Everyone who has come in has been impressed and wants to be a part of it," she said.

Ticket packages were available for as little as $850, but those are sold out. The lowest available tickets are in the lower bowl in a corner and are $2,100 per seat.

Morningstar offered a tip for would-be customers: take a look at sections 111 and 122 on the baseline.

"There are some tremendous seats there because of the proximity to the court," she said.

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The team leads the league in new full season packages for the upcoming season.

Before meeting with reporters, the owners and Bucks President Peter Feigin walked the floor of the arena, and could be seen chatting and taking note about details of the new building, which brings fans much closer to the action.

"Every time I come in here I'm blown away by how nice it is," owner Marc Lasry said. "I couldn't be more excited about being in a new home."

The grand opening for Fiserv Forum was Aug. 26 and the arena has held several major concerts, including a sold-out performance by superstar Justin Timberlake on Friday night.

The feedback from fans and concert promoters has been positive, Fascitelli said.

He said the Bucks plan tweaks to parking, the food and beverage operations and the noise level on concourses during concerts.

"We've learned some lessons," he said.

Budenholzer said the new arena will provide the team with a great home court advantage.

"There nothing like having a great home atmosphere, having great energy in the building," he said.

"I think it can have a big impact. I think it's great for the fans."

The first exhibition game at Fiserv Forum is Oct. 3. The home opener is Oct. 19.

In other comments:

Antetokounmpo said Timberlake and members of Maroon 5 worked out at the Bucks practice facility across the street from Fiserv Forum. "You can see a lot of celebrities coming in and working out just to see our facility," he said. "It's so amazing."

NBA veteran Ersan Ilyasova, who is starting his third stint with the Bucks, said much has changed since he was last with the team in 2015 -- especially the new arena. "I think it's going to be really exciting for the people of Milwaukee just to come and cheer for us." He said the team would respond accordingly and "just play hard."

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