The Wisconsin Center District recently announced they will have its architect, construction manager and other key players named soon.  The plan is to have the team assembled by year end according to Mike Abrams, senior director at Denver-based CAA Icon, which the center's  district hired to oversee the project. The preliminary timeline is to have a vote in April 2020 on financing with the project starting late 2020 or early 2021.  A recent report from Crossroads Consulting Services and Populous recommended the main exhibit space, ballroom and smaller meeting rooms, which now total 265,800 square feet, be expanded to 422,800 to 437,800 square feet.  Crossroads estimates that visitor spending of $69 million would increase to $100 to $109 million within three years of the expansion's completion.  Jobs now estimated at 900 would eventually increase to around 1,300 to 1,500 according to the report.  
#visitmilwaukee  #wcd  #conventioncenterexpansion  #eventprofs
photo credit:  Wisconsin Center

USA Gymnastics recently announced the 2020 American Cup, The USA's most prestigious international gymnastics competition will make it's first visit to Milwaukee on Saturday, March 7th, 2020.  The Nastia Liukin Cup will be held the night before for 36 Junior Olympic gymnasts.  "Milwaukee has a strong connection to USA Gymnastics" said Raj Saha, Fiserv Forum general manager.  Two Milwaukee area gymnasts have won American Cup titles, in 2004, Paul Hamm, won the all-around and went on to claim the 2004 Olympic all-around gold.  Chelsie Memmel won the uneven bars title and went on to become the 2005 World-all-around champion, as well as earn the 2008 Olympic team silver medal, according to USA Gymnastics.  This is the first time the all-around World Cup Series has been involved in the Olympic qualification process.   You can read more about the American Cup including ticket prices for the event here.  
Photo of Simone Biles in 2016 Rio American Cup courtesy of USA Gymnastics.    

The Lux Domes sitting on top of Café Benelux (located in Milwaukee's Third Ward) were so popular last year they sold out in hours.  This year the reservations start on Black Friday (November 29th).  The only way to have early access is to sign up for the Lowlander email.  An email will be sent out with links to the online reservation system 24 hours in advance before it goes public.  
​You can sign up here for the emails.  
According to a recent news report from Fox 6, 'Each $200, 90-minute reservation for eight includes a complimentary drink package as well as special keepsake mugs for guests, with the ability to add on a variety of additional festive food and beverage packages', the release said.
What a unique and fun way to celebrate the Holidays in Milwaukee by sitting outdoors in a heated Dome.
​#visitmilwaukee #luxdomes #cafebenelux