Bucks-Bulls playoff series could boost Milwaukee's economy

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Bucks and Bulls' first round playoff series offers a unique opportunity to bring in major dollars for Milwaukee.

The first round of last year's playoffs had an economic impact of $2.7 million. That should increase this year because there are no Covid-related arena restrictions.

Plus, since Chicago is so close, a lot of Bulls fans are likely to come up to Fiserv Forum for games.

The Bucks organization and Visit Milwaukee say this series gives the city an opportunity to showcase the community to the Chicago market, and that's important for local tourism.

"Not just for the fans who come here, but for everyone watching on TV again, another great promotion of Milwaukee as a fun and exciting place to be that is super close, very affordable and very easy to get around," said Claire Koenig, director of communications at Visit Milwaukee.

"You're going to see a lot of green at the United Center, you're going to see a lot of red at Fiserv, you're going to see a lot of interaction and kind of build us up, so it only helps both teams, helps the league, it helps the sport, certainly nourishes the city with visitors," said Bucks president Peter Feigin. 

Visit Milwaukee says if Game 1 is a night game, it will likely mean more Chicago fans staying overnight at hotels than they would for a day game.