Bear with us while explain the concept for this series of articles: we take two seemingly unrelated Milwaukee icons, then pit them against each other in 10 categories. In each category, we'll assign them points, one through 10, then add them up and name the winner.
No, it's not scientific, but yes, it's fun. How does the Bradley Center -- home of the Bucks, Admirals, Marquette, Iron and many major concerts and events -- stack up against venerable Bradford Beach?
Let the Face Off begin ...
Affordability:
Bradley Center, 5
You have to pick your spots, of course. The Bucks offer cheap tickets and the Iron just had a $2 promotion for the lower bowl. But, there is no question that attending a run-of-the-mill event and having a hot dog and a beverage, not to mention parking, will take a chunk out of your discretionary budget.
Bradford Beach, 10
Milwaukee attractions don't come much cheaper than this. You have to pay for sunscreen and you might have to plug a parking meter. If you want to buy some custard at Northpoint or a snack, you won't have to break open your piggy bank.
Value to city:
Bradley Center, 9
It's easy to forget after more than 20 years, but the building was Jane and Lloyd Pettit's gift to the city. Taxpayers haven't paid for an arena in town since the construction of the Milwaukee Arena in the early 1950s. Without the Bradley Center, we wouldn't have the Bucks, who add to the city's "major league" reputation. The fact that the building creates a slew of big concerts and other cultural events during the many months that weather forces us inside is another big plus.
Bradford Beach, 8
While there certainly are costs associated with maintaining the beach and nearby facilities, it's hard to deny the value of the place -- particularly on those rare, suffocatingly hot afternoons when people flock to the East Side and discover it really is "cooler near the lake."
Popularity:
Bradley Center, 6
The Bucks' improved play made the Bradley Center a hot spot this spring and sparked optimism about bigger crowds next year. Marquette is always among the attendance leaders in the NCAA and the Admirals' saw an uptick at the turnstiles this year. When it comes to arena-sized concert tours, the Bradley Center is still the only game in town.
Bradford Beach, 7
The popularity of lakes in the western suburbs and beaches to the north in Shorewood and Whitefish Bay may cut the number of sun-worshippers at Bradford Beach somewhat, but it still draws a steady crowd on warm days. For many Milwaukeeans, the beach is a weekly -- and for some, daily -- destination. Others view it as a treat, sort of like going to an event at the Bradley Center. Recent upgrades have definitely made the beach a more popular spot.
Bradley Center, 10
Everyone in Milwaukee knows about the arena and so do many sports fans around the country.
Bradford Beach, 6
The locals know about it, but few people outside of Milwaukee have heard of Bradford Beach. Some visitors are even stunned to discover that we have such a beautiful Lakefront. One pro athlete, upon visiting the area, gazed at the lake and asked a colleague "Which ocean is that?"
Design:
Bradley Center, 6
When it opened in the fall of 1988, the Bradley Center was considered a "state of the art" facility (whatever that means). In the following years, new places popped up with more amenities. The Bradley Center is still functional and it's concrete/glass facade is certainly not an eyesore, but there isn't a lot of pizzazz, either. The staff does an amazing job of keeping the place spotlessly clean and functional, but the vibe around the building is more "utilitarian" than impressive.
Bradford Beach, 9
It's hard to top the natural beauty of the lake -- which looks great even on the coldest days of winter. The design of the Pavilion is iconic and one of the cooler landmarks in the city.
Uniqueness:
Bradley Center, 6
When it opened in the fall of 1988, the Bradley Center was considered a "state of the art" facility (whatever that means). In the following years, new places popped up with more amenities. The Bradley Center lacks luxury courtside clubs, restaurants and retail outlets that newer facilities use to create revenue and excitement.
Bradford Beach, 7
In some ways, you could say "a beach is a beach." Bradford may be less crowded than its counterpart in Chicago, but the pavilion is special and the park area to the west make it special.
Economic value:
Bradley Center, 7
With close to 200 events per year, the Bradley Center is a busy place that creates jobs for ushers, ticket takers, etc. and also provides customers for nearby bars, restaurants and parking lots. The building has hosted NCAA men's basketball first- and second-round games five times since 1992 and has hosted the NCAA hockey Frozen Four three times (1993, 1997 and 2006). High-profile sporting events like those -- and regular Bucks games -- provide free advertising nationwide for both the building and the city.
Bradford Beach, 5
While it may be a hub of activity, the beach is hardly a hub of employment. Save for the concession workers, lifeguards, maintenance people and ladies who braid hair, there aren't a lot of people working at the beach. It's where people go to play.
Convenience factor:
Bradley Center, 7
With it's Downtown location at the corner of 4th and State Streets, the Bradley Center is close to major freeways and relatively easy to get to. Parking can be a bit of a problem, however.
Bradford Beach, 6
Much like the Bradley Center, Bradford can be tough to navigate on busy days because parking can be scarce. The beach is hurt by the fact that there is no way to enter from the east.
History:
Bradley Center, 7
The building has hosted some memorable sports moments, such as Wisconsin winning the NCAA hockey championship, great Bucks playoff games in 2001 and too many outstanding concerts to mention.
Bradford Beach, 6
It's been a great place for Milwaukee to hang out for years, but the "signature moments" are mostly individual memories -- save for the annual Polar Bear Plunge.
Quality of product:
Bradley Center, 7
In a given year, a lot of the quality in this department depends on how the Bucks, Marquette and Admirals are faring during a particular season and what bands happen to be be touring in the area. In most cases, the BC stacks up with similar venues in comparable cities.
Bradford Beach, 7
Recent upgrades and an emphasis on programming cool events have added spice to the action at the beach.
Total:
Bradley Center, 70
Bradford Beach, 71
Winner: Bradford Beach
Host of “The Drew Olson Show,” which airs 1-3 p.m. weekdays on The Big 902. Sidekick on “The Mike Heller Show,” airing weekdays on The Big 920 and a statewide network including stations in Madison, Appleton and Wausau. Co-author of Bill Schroeder’s “If These Walls Could Talk: Milwaukee Brewers” on Triumph Books. Co-host of “Big 12 Sports Saturday,” which airs Saturdays during football season on WISN-12. Former senior editor at OnMilwaukee.com. Former reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
