PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Professional basketball appears to be stable in Oshkosh after years in flux.
The Oshkosh Arena is in year two of its five-year partnership with VenuWorks to run the arena, which is the home venue of the Wisconsin Herd.
“Any time you come into a new building, there’s a lot of things that are going to happen. Every event is different,” said VenuWorks – Oshkosh Sales & Marketing Manager Maria Turner. “There’s always unexpected things that arise, and really, the biggest thing we’ve learned is our team is strong. We’re here and we’re doing our thing.”
“Obviously, with any relationship, you build a strong foundation and just keep growing and building and building to get better, and that’s what we’ve done with our partners at Oshkosh Arena and VenuWorks,” said Herd President Steve Brandes. “They’ve done a great job building a nice foundation.”
The Oshkosh Arena will host 24 Herd home games, the Harlem Globetrotters, a few concerts, an indoor farmers market and a rodeo all in the next four months.
“When people have gone to events that are in an arena setting, they’ve had to travel,” said Turner. “And so that is one of the benefits of being local — of being here for Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, the surrounding smaller communities.”
The Herd roster includes two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo, former Wisconsin Badger star and first-round pick Johnny Davis and Alex Antetokounmpo, the younger brother of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“It gives something for the hometown fans to be loud and proud for,” said Brandes.
Promotions include bobbleheads, youth jerseys and Hoops and Hounds night where you can bring your dog.
The Wisconsin Herd is the Milwaukee Bucks’ lone G League affiliate, meaning a player may shuttle back and forth between Oshkosh and the parent club in Milwaukee.
It appears the Herd’s future is settled in Oshkosh, at least for the near term.
The team dropped its home opener 127-114 to the Windy City Bulls. Both Cormac Ryan and Stephen Thompson had 17 points.
Alex Antetokounmpo had 15 points, while Davis had 12 and Oladipo chipped in 11.
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