News Summary
Milwaukee is slated to open a new concert venue, Landmark Credit Union Live, in the Deer District by February 2026. With a budget of $70 million and a capacity of 4,500, the venue aims to host around 70 events in its first year, boosting local businesses and creating jobs. Located at the former Bradley Center site, this venue promises a modern music experience and has garnered support from local officials despite some opposition regarding market saturation. Community engagement is a focus, with partnerships reflecting the venue’s commitment to Milwaukee’s cultural landscape.
Milwaukee is set to welcome a new concert venue named Landmark Credit Union Live, sponsored by Landmark Credit Union. The venue, which has a budget of $70 million, is expected to open its doors in February 2026, bringing a mix of entertainment and local economic growth to the Deer District.
The Landmark Credit Union Live will have a capacity of 4,500 people and will be located at 1051 N. Phillips Ave., on the site where the former Bradley Center stood. This development garnered approval from the Common Council in November 2022, leading to the commencement of construction in May 2024. Initial cost estimates for the project ranged between $50 million and $70 million, reflecting the extensive planning and investments involved.
FPC Live, the organization behind the venue, plans to host approximately 70 events in its inaugural year, primarily focusing on concerts. CEO Joel Plant has estimated that the venue will attract about 250,000 visitors in its first year of operation. The new venue is poised to offer various seating options, including general admission standing space, reserved seating, and private suites. Additionally, it will feature a Vinyl Lounge and provide Fast Lane entrance access specifically for Landmark Credit Union members.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson expressed his belief that the new venue will provide a significant boost to local businesses and create jobs in the area. With a well-thought-out interior design overseen by Blueprint Studio, which is part of the Live Nation family, the venue aims to offer a modern, mid-sized music setting. This will allow it to cater to both emerging artists and larger acts, enriching the local music scene.
The construction of Landmark Credit Union Live is part of a larger trend of developing mid-sized concert venues across North America. However, the project has not been without its challenges. There has been opposition and pushback from some local music promoters regarding market saturation and competition. The original plans included a second smaller venue, which has since been canceled due to these concerns.
Landmark Credit Union has established a long-standing presence in Wisconsin, supporting various local sponsorships, including partnerships with the Milwaukee Admirals and the Milwaukee Zoo. This sponsorship aligns with the credit union’s commitment to enhancing community engagement and local culture.
The site of the new venue has been vacant since the Bradley Center was demolished following the completion of the Fiserv Forum in 2018. As Milwaukee prepares for the arrival of Landmark Credit Union Live, local residents and businesses alike are optimistic about the cultural and economic benefits this new music venue is expected to bring to the city.
In conclusion, the Landmark Credit Union Live venue signifies an exciting advancement for Milwaukee’s entertainment landscape. With its strategic location, significant investment, and community sponsorship, it promises to contribute positively to the region’s growth and vibrancy when it opens in 2026.
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Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Wikipedia: Milwaukee
- FOX6 Now
- Google Search: Milwaukee concert venue
- OnMilwaukee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Record
- Google News: Landmark Credit Union live
- BizTimes
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
