Wisconsin Center District Refurbishes U.S. Cellular Court for UW-Milwaukee

Oct. 25, 2004

MILWAUKEE - The basketball floor at the U.S. Cellular Arena has taken on some new permanent colors - black and gold. The new color scheme is part of a refurbished basketball court, installed for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's basketball team downtown. The UWM men are schedule to play every regular season game at the Arena this season.

The floor, which was new in 2001, now has a black border with gold lane lines to reflect the Panther's presence as a permanent tenant at the U.S Cellular Arena. At center court, a circular floor insert has been added that reads "University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee" around the outside with the Panther logo in the middle. The Horizon League is also recognized on the floor in front of the team benches. Previously, the floor has been blue with no team specific markings or logos.

"We are thrilled the U.S. Cellular Arena and the Wisconsin Center District have committed to our program by installing a floor to reflect the Panther colors," UWM head coach Bruce Pearl said. "The U.S. Cellular Arena has created an incredible atmosphere for our games and we are thrilled to hold all of our men's games in such a great venue."

"We are proud to host the UWM Panthers at the U.S. Cellular Arena," Dick Geyer, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Center District, said. "The team has established itself as a major Division I college basketball program and as such, they need a home court to reflect that prominence."

UWM first moved back downtown for the 2003 Horizon League Tournament, drawing more than 10,000 fans for a title-game victory over Butler. Then last year, UWM played nine regular season games downtown, plus the league tournament title game and a post-season game in the NIT.