The Bucks made a Return to the MECCA, their old home, Thursday night. The game was played on a replica of Robert Indiana's "court that made Milwaukee famous."
“This is where the franchise came from,” said Director of Game Operations Mike Jakubowski.
The game had fathers bringing their sons to show them how the Bucks started in Milwaukee.
“He grew up coming here to the games with his dad, with his friends and we grew up with the Bradley Center, kind of wanted us to see what he grew up watching,” said Jacob Stoik pointing to his dad.
“When I saw this game on the schedule I said this is a must do,” said dad Bruce Stroik.
And they are not the only ones reliving the magic.
“I remember distinctly, October 16th, 1968, Bucks first game in this building,” said former player Jon McGlocklin. “I scored the first basket in Bucks history in that game in 1968.”
But the Return to the MECCA was not easy. The NBA had a binder full of requirements. Despite basically moving an entire arena across the street, it was still absolute magical night.
“What this means, it’s Field of Dreams, it’s getting to play catch with your dad one more time, it’s an incredible opportunity,” said Jakubowski.
Unfortunately, the night did not have a dream ending as the Bucks lost to the Celtics 96-89.
The MECCA floor will now get sanded down and sent up to Oshkosh for the Bucks G-League team, the Wisconsin Herd.
