• Doyle proposes $5 million for Bradley Center
• Bradley Center requires $23 million total, so additional funds would have to be raised by the Bradley Center
• This marks the first time the Bradley Center has asked for public funding

The Bradley Center, 1001 N. 4th St., is set to receive a total of $5 million if Gov. Jim Doyle's proposed state budget passes.

Carla Vigue, spokeswoman for the office of the governor, said the request would grant $500,000 a year for 10 years in an effort to upgrade and maintain the Bradley Center.

The $5 million is just a small portion of the money that would be needed to maintain the building over the next 10 years, said Steve Costello, president and CEO of the Bradley Center.

"The money could be used for a range of things," Costello said. "From roofing, walls and seating to more technological things, like a new scoreboard."

"The Bradley Center has projected we'll need to spend $20-23 million," Costello said.

He said the Bradley Center would still need to raise the rest of the money independently.

According to the Bradley Center's Web site, the Bradley Center was built in October 1988 without the use of any tax dollars. It was a private gift from Jane Bradley Pettit in memory of her father. According to the Web site, the Bradley Center hosts about 2 million people a year.

"The proposal is just a small part of the state budget," Vigue said.

Doyle's proposal came at the request of the Bradley Center's Board of Directors, the first time such a request has been made, and if passed, it would be the first time public money was ever used in support of the Bradley Center.

Ulice Payne Jr., the chairman of the Bradley Center Board of Directors, said in a statement that "capital repairs and building system replacements is outpacing the ability of the Bradley Center to pay for them."

"New revenue is essential to overcoming the Bradley Center's physical, business and economic challenges," Payne said.

The Bradley Center serves as the home for four major sports teams: the Marquette men's basketball team, the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA, the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League and the Milwaukee Iron of the Arena Football League 2.

Steve Cottingham, Marquette's athletic director, said he believes the money is needed to help Wisconsin as a top sports destination and tourism venue.

"It's a great facility for our games, and our relationship with them is great," Cottingham said. "But like any arena that's been around for 20 years it requires constant maintenance and upkeep."

Costello said the Bradley Center remains in good condition. He said the goal is to maintain the venue for the foreseeable future, whether that is the next 10 years, 20 years or even 50.