For one night, the Milwaukee Bucks will play on a replica of the famed MECCA floor, as plans for the event have been announced by the team.
On Thursday, October 26, the Bucks will face the Boston Celtics at what is now known as UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. At one point during its long history, the arena was known as the MECCA and featured a Robert Indiana-designed court that would become a signature feature.
The original MECCA floor was a staple at the arena from 1977 up until 1988, when the Bucks played their final game before moving to what is now the BMO Harris Bradley Center. With the Bucks returning to the former MECCA for one game, the team has announced that it will play on a replica of the famed Indiana-designed floor. The replica floor, which was built and painted by ProStar Surfaces, is being installed in time for the game. More from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
The floor has been stored at a south side high school and will be installed at the arena on Monday, said Hal Koller, company president.
Prostar has been the Bucks’ flooring contractor for 25 years and built the floors in use at the BMO Harris Bradley Center and the Bucks’ new practice facility.
After Thursday’s game, the Robert Indiana design will be removed, Koller said.
“It’s a one-time deal,” he said of the use of the Indiana design.
“On this special night at the MECCA, it’s only fitting for fans to have another chance to see the Bucks play on this iconic court,” Dustin Godsey, Milwaukee Bucks Chief Marketing Officer, said in a statement issued by the team. “Robert Indiana’s famously designed floor is a major part of the legacy of the Bucks and the city of Milwaukee and we’re proud to celebrate the team’s heritage in our 50th Anniversary season.”
Rendering courtesy Milwaukee Bucks.
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