Iron District Milwaukee to Receive $9.3 Million Grant from Gov. Tony Evers, Signaling Widespread Support for Development’s Economic Impact on Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE – Iron District Milwaukee today appreciates a major vote of support from Gov. Tony Evers’ administration and the State of Wisconsin, which has approved $9.3 Million in support for the development and construction of the transformative sports, entertainment, residential and commercial development.
The funding was part of a $36 million funding package announced by Gov. Evers and will use federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds to help deliver long-term impact to Wisconsin’s workforce and economy.
The support of the project is the latest signal that the state of Wisconsin is ready, able and willing to support high-level outdoor professional soccer, played at a best-in-class stadium delivering an outstanding fan experience for all Wisconsinites.
“We want to thank Gov. Tony Evers and his administration for believing in our vision and this project,” said Jim Kacmarcik, Chairman and CEO of Kacmarcik Enterprises, which owns the rights to the future Milwaukee USL Championship franchise and is partnering with Bear Real Estate Group on the development of Iron District Milwaukee. “Milwaukee and Wisconsin are hungry for professional soccer, which is evident by the more than 200,000 votes that were cast for our name the team competition.
“Having the backing of the Governor’s office and the state will provide important momentum for bringing the Iron District Milwaukee to fruition and delivering a catalytic development.”
The $9.3 million grant will be directly used for the new soccer stadium at Iron District Milwaukee, which is part of a $220 million project that includes a hotel, entertainment, hospitality, residential, and other consumer elements.
An official economic impact study estimates Iron District Milwaukee activities will generate nearly $40 million annually while also creating 588 jobs, totaling more than $23 million in annual payroll for Wisconsin workers.
Iron District Milwaukee will provide a vibrant new development to Milwaukee’s Westown neighborhood, creating local jobs and providing much needed affordable housing. World class cities have major professional soccer clubs, and the launch of the Iron District Milwaukee will aide in attracting and retaining the region’s best young talent.
“The open dialogue that we’ve had with the Governor’s office, has been important for sharing our goals and vision for this project,” said S.R. Mills, CEO of Bear Real Estate Group. “While we’re more than thankful for this grant, we’re also thankful for the opportunity to tell our story about the positive local and statewide impact this will have.”
In addition to serving as the future home of Milwaukee Pro Soccer, Iron District MKE will also be the home pitch for the Marquette University men’s and women’s soccer clubs and Marquette’s men’s and women’s lacrosse teams, in addition to a variety of youth and community programming.
“The Milwaukee Barons Soccer Supporters Group, wishes to express its profound gratitude to the Governor of Wisconsin for the generous grant that will help towards bringing professional soccer to our beloved city,” said Patrick Finn, President of the Milwaukee Barons, a supporters group that has been working to bring professional soccer to Milwaukee for more than a decade. “Governor Evers has shown incredible foresight in recognizing the significance of professional soccer in Milwaukee.
“This grant not only serves as a substantial financial investment but also a resounding vote of confidence in the power of soccer to unite communities and invigorate local culture.”
The Iron District Milwaukee development, bordered by N 6th Street to the East, N 10th Street to the West, and W Michigan Street to the North, is centered around an 8,000-seat soccer-specific stadium.
Milwaukee Pro Soccer is slated to join the USL Championship, the second-highest tier of professional soccer in the United States.
The USL Championship is sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation as the nation’s Division II professional league. The league boasts 27 clubs in major metropolitan markets including Miami, San Diego, Las Vegas, New York City, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Detroit, and Indianapolis. The Championship is the pinnacle of the USL’s comprehensive league ecosystem, which includes three professional leagues, two pre-professional leagues, a developmental academy system, and a nationally competitive youth network. The organization consists of more than 200 teams, from youth to pro, across the United States.