Top 10 Bradley Center "Do's and Dont's"

In gratitude to Frank for his mathematical work, I have fulfilled his request for a post of my "Top 10 Bradley Center Do's and Dont's". I did this in about 10 minutes off the top of my head, so by all means, if other readers have any do's and/or dont's to add, or if they disagree with mine, please comment. Anyway, here's what I came up with:

1. DO: Sit in the Lower Level. It costs a fortune, and the real fans are up in the Upper Level, but if you only go to a few games a year, its worth it. The lowest Upper Level seats are pretty good, but I personally think that if you go any higher you’re better off watching the game at home, because it seems like you’re miles from the court (forgive me, Bucks sales staff).

2. DO NOT: Order the soft pretzels. They serve them cold, and they are as tough as shoe leather. I kid you not, I had my last one last year, and it tasted like 8 week old bread from Erberts and Gerberts. On the other hand…

3. DO: Visit the Klement’s Grill. It’s a little stand in the concourse by one of those Dippin’ Dots. Its not one of the regular concession stands. They have the best value for the money, and the brats there are outstanding.

4. DO NOT: Park up the hill west of the BC if you have a nice ride. Now, its perfectly safe around the BC in my opinion, so I don’t want to be a fear mongerer, but, if the exorbitant prices charged by the lots around the BC tempt you into parking for free up the hill, think twice. I do it all the time, but talking to fans on the way in, I have heard several anecdotes about cars being broken into during the game. On the other hand…

5. DO: Look for a free parking spot behind the BC. Next to that metal shop, near where the players' park, I have found some sweet spots. And they are in well trafficked, well lit areas.

6. DO NOT: Deal with the Kilbourne scalpers unless you have knowledge of the BC and are a good negotiator. I love those guys, but they are savvy and smart, and if they see a “mark” they will move in for the kill (bourne). Remember, Upper Level seats are numbered “400” and Lower Level seats are numbered “200” (the old switcheroo is one of their classic cons).

7. DO: Eat at the legendary “Major Goolsby’s” before the game. I ate there for the first time in the 80s when my old man took me to a game at the old Arena (right across the street), and I try to stop in there every time I go to a Bucks game. Its right down the street from the BC, the atmosphere is great, and its Bucks all the way (sometimes the waitresses will wear “71 World Champs” shirts).

8. DO NOT: Boo unless you sense lack of effort. That’s just a personal preference, but I hate when fans boo former Bucks who were traded or boo just because the other team is better and is kicking the Bucks around. Now if they’re out there half-assing, let them have it… with the price of tickets, you deserve a maximum effort.

9. DO: Visit the Bradley Center Souvenier Store. Its on the second level, right after you get off the Atrium escalator. I’ve gotten some cool Bucks stuff there. If you love Old School Bango like I do, or anything Old School Bucks, it’s the best shop in America. Also, as I mentioned in a previous post, over Xmas I got my nephew Charlie a home jersey Bango there.

10. DO: Check out the displays in the Atrium. The atrium is cool to begin with, and they have some must see display cases there if you’re interested in Bucks history. (Those Bucks jersey display pictures I post from time to time are from the atrium – not my closet).

Correction: Pressey has corrected me on my sense of direction. I originally said you shouldn't park east of the BC. East of the BC is obviously the Marquette Interchange. I meant west of the BC, which is where the hill resides. Also, he mentioned the band that plays cover music in the Atrium before each game. That definitely merits a listen on your way into the BC. (At the last game I went to the band they had played a killer version of "American Girl". My girlfriend immediately downloaded the original Tom Petty version of the song when we got home).