From the Draft to the Diamond: Milwaukee Sports Highlights

Wisconsin took center stage as the 2025 NFL Draft brought national attention and fanfare to the state. From the electric atmosphere at Lambeau Field to community-driven celebrations during Milwaukee Tailgate Week, the event showcased Wisconsin’s unmatched ability to throw a party. It was a festival-like experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for football fans from across the country. With the bar now set high, the torch passes to Pittsburgh for next year’s draft.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s sports scene remains red-hot with Brewers-Cubs rivalry action, plus playoff runs from both the Milwaukee Bucks and Admirals. Here are three major highlights in Milwaukee sports this month:

The countdown is on for the 80th U.S. Women’s Open, coming to Erin Hills Golf Course just outside Milwaukee from May 28 to June 1. The event is expected to draw more than 70,000 fans to witness the top women's golfers compete for the Harton S. Semple Trophy.

This marks the first time the U.S. Women’s Open will be held at Erin Hills, and just the third time it’s been hosted in Wisconsin. More major events are already on the horizon, with the USGA announcing Erin Hills as host for five additional championships through 2039, including the 2027 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball and the 2033 U.S. Women’s Amateur.

Sports Milwaukee’s leadership was honored on the national stage as Sports Milwaukee’s own Marissa Werner was named Sports ETA’s Woman of the Year, recognizing her vision and dedication in establishing Milwaukee as a premier destination for sports events.

Since launching five years ago, Sports Milwaukee has helped bring major events to the city, including the Ryder Cup, Red Bull Flugtag, USA Ultimate DI Championships, USA Wrestling Junior National Duals and NCAA DI Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the Sports Milwaukee team, Visit Milwaukee colleagues and partners across the city.

A cornerstone of Milwaukee’s sports legacy, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena continues to host standout teams and events. Built in 1950, this 12,700-seat venue gained early fame as a “TV-friendly” arena and was the site of Milwaukee’s second-ever pro sports championship when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor) and Oscar Robertson led the Bucks to a 1970 NBA title.

Today, it’s home to the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, the Milwaukee Wave—the longest-running arena soccer team in the U.S.—and the UW-Milwaukee Men’s Basketball team.

📍 Capacity: 12,700 arena; 1,800 banquet-style
📍 Square Footage: 24,000 sq. ft. (full arena)
📍 Location: Just 0.1 miles from the Baird Center