Bucks in playoffs give downtown business a needed boost

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As fans get together to cheer on the Bucks in the playoffs, it means larger crowds downtown. 

When the Bucks come alive so does the city of Milwaukee and Sunday's win was proof of that.

The team is bringing business to some restaurants at a time they really need it. 

"It was pretty crazy great atmosphere down here. People were out and we saw a lot of business from it," said Norberto Pliego, manager at Taco Mikes on Old World Third Street. 

It was very welcomed business for Taco Mikes. The restaurant opened during the pandemic and Pliego says its been tough. 

Even after a challenging first year, Bucks playoff games have proved that it won't last forever. 

The team will play its next two games in New York, but that will only help Pliego's business. 

"I think it's busier during away games. because no ones able to go to games so everyone is at the Deer District," said Pliego. 
"Everyone hangs at the bars restaurants down here, especially Old World Third. We actually have our margarita pouches you seal them up top its for to-go."

As customers grab their tacos and margaritas, and head to watch the game at the plaza, they're also buying more fan gear. 

"With these last two wins in the series we've seen huge spikes," said Dustin Godsey, Bucks chief marketing officer. 

Bucks official fan apparel is also selling fast.

"Yesterday we saw over 50% increase over what we saw for game three, so even that short you can see very big upticks," said Godsey. 

If fans want more apparel, the team is giving them what they want. 

"Out at our watch parties out on the plaza we've added locations out there for retail," said Godsey. "As we continue to go on in the playoffs we continue to see those trends go up.

The pro shop inside the arena will have extended hours this week. They will be open Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thurs 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.