This month, we wanted to take a moment to highlight what makes our city your perfect championship host destination, with new Deer District developments enhancing a walkable convention center district anchored by the Baird Center just two blocks away, adding more to explore for you, your athletes and your attendees. Here are three fresh reasons why Milwaukee is a Sweet and Elite championship city. 

Tom's Watch Bar

Across from Fiserv Forum and just a few blocks away from both Baird Center and UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, Deer District is green and growing. In the past few months, the entertainment district connected to the home of the Milwaukee Bucks has added new offerings that will breathe fresh life into the plaza and have you coming back, starting with Tom’s Watch Bar.

The national chain opened in October 2025 in the former MECCA Sports Bar space. Inside, you will find a sports fan’s oasis, with over 50 TVs covering just about every angle of the two-story bar and restaurant, including a massive 42-foot wide screen above the bar. With both indoor and outdoor spaces available for private rental, the stadium-adjacent space can accommodate up to 1,200 people for a reception and is the perfect place for a team outing or happy hour before a Bucks game or concert. 

AC Hotel

Then, later this year, the AC Hotel is expected to break ground, bringing a new 156-room hotel to the entertainment district. Rebranded from the playful and stylish Moxy Hotel, AC Hotels are known for their upscale amenities and seamless designs, creating a streamlined stay that meets the needs of athletes and their families after a long day of competition. The trusted Marriott property plans to open in 2027, and we can’t wait to welcome even more groups to our city when they open their doors.

Venue Spotlight: Landmark Credit Union Live

Milwaukee’s newest music venue also raised the curtain on a new era of live music in Milwaukee. Situated on the south end of Deer District, the long-awaited FPC Live music venue is already attracting national touring acts to the entertainment district, with artists like Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Maria The Scientist and most recently, Boys Like Girls, already playing the new 4,500-capacity venue. Learn more about Landmark Credit Union Live and get a peek behind the curtain here!