Sports Milwaukee Venue Spotlights
Go behind the scenes of Milwaukee’s premier sports facilities in our “Venue Spotlight” video series. We’re showcasing the ins and outs of iconic locations like the Pettit National Ice Center, home to Olympic speedskating excellence; the historic UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, where sports and entertainment collide; and Uihlein Soccer Park, a hub for local and national soccer talent. Discover athlete amenities, training spaces. fan experiences and facility history, each episode gives you an inside look at what makes these venues essential to Milwaukee’s sports scene.
Wisconsin State Fair Park
Wisconsin State Fair Park offers a flexible, tournament-ready environment with expansive venues ideal for competitions of all sizes. Its multifunctional arenas, pavilions and wide-open grounds can accommodate everything from championship games and regional tournaments to custom-built sports festivals. With ample parking, convenient highway access, onsite dining and a proven record of smooth event logistics, the park provides an efficient, athlete- and spectator-friendly setting.
Washington Park
Washington Park is a historic Milwaukee landmark designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the visionary behind New York’s Central Park. For more than a century, it has been a gathering place that blends recreation, community and everyday life in the heart of the city. Anchored by its scenic trails and open fields, the park also features baseball diamonds, basketball courts, and year-round activities—from summer soccer matches to winter cross-country skiing. With accessible amenities and space for both competition and connection, Washington Park is a destination where Milwaukee comes together to play, move and celebrate.
Ballpark Commons
Ballpark Commons in Franklin is a 200-acre sports and entertainment district that blends recreation, community and everyday life just southwest of Milwaukee. Anchored by Franklin Field, home to the Milwaukee Milkmen and UWM Panthers, the campus also features Luxe Golf Bays, a drive-in movie theater, athletic training facilities, restaurants and retail. With accessible amenities, walking trails and year-round events, it’s a dynamic destination designed for both residents and visitors to gather, play and connect.
Bradford Beach
Located along Milwaukee’s lakefront, Bradford Beach is a vibrant hub for recreation, relaxation and community connection as part of the Milwaukee County Parks system. The beach features accessible walkways, beach wheelchairs and inclusive facilities that welcome all visitors. Home to the popular VolleyLife courts, it offers one of the Midwest’s most active beach volleyball scenes with daily pick-up games and tournaments.
OAW Indoor Sports Complex
The OAW Indoor Sports Complex in New Berlin, Wisconsin, is a premier 153,000-square-foot facility designed to accommodate athletes of all ages and skill levels. This expansive complex features three full-size turf fields suitable for sports like soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball and flag football, as well as 18 hitting and pitching tunnels for focused training sessions. Additionally, the facility boasts four basketball courts, twelve volleyball courts and eight pickleball courts, providing ample space for various indoor sports.
UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, this historic arena has been a cornerstone of the city's sports and entertainment scene since 1950. With a seating capacity of up to 12,700, it offers unobstructed views that bring fans close to the action. Over the decades, it has hosted a wide array of events, from professional basketball and hockey games to concerts featuring legendary artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Today, it continues to serve as a can't-miss venue for sports, concerts and community events.
Uihlein Soccer Park
This premier indoor and outdoor soccer complex has been a cornerstone of the city's sports community since its opening in 1994. The facility boasts 13 outdoor fields, including two lighted stadium turf fields, and three indoor fields surfaced with AstroPlay turf, accommodating a variety of sports such as soccer, lacrosse and ultimate frisbee. Operated by the Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club, it has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the WIAA State Soccer Championships, and continues to serve as a hub for both recreational and competitive play.
Pettit National Ice Center
Milwaukee is home to a premier U.S. Olympic training facility and one of only thirty indoor 400-meter ovals in the world. It features two international-size ice rinks and a 400-meter speed skating oval, providing a world-class venue for U.S. speed skaters to prepare for international competitions. Beyond elite training, the center offers public skating, figure skating, hockey and curling programs, making it a hub for both competitive athletes and community members alike.
Walter Schroeder Aquatic Center
As one of only two indoor 50-meter pools in the state, it features a 17-lane competition pool renowned for its speed and engineering, making it a top choice for athletes aiming for excellence. Operated by the nonprofit Walter Schroeder Aquatic Center, Ltd., the facility hosts over 25 major competitions annually and offers programs for swimmers of all ages and skill levels, from novice lessons to elite training. Its mission is to promote excellence and prepare youth for success in college and beyond, emphasizing character development through the sport of swimming.
Stay in the Game
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love the energy of live sports, staying in the loop is the best way to catch every play, game and event in Milwaukee. From pro teams and college matchups to world-class venues and major tournaments, there’s always something happening on the field, court or ice. Sign up for updates and never miss a beat in this sports-loving city.