Gov. Evers Approves $9.3M For Pro Soccer Stadium In Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE — Gov. Tony Evers announced on Thursday his approval of $36.6 million for building projects across the state, including $9.3 million for a professional soccer stadium in downtown Milwaukee.

Funding for the projects was previously rejected by Republican members of the Wisconsin State Legislature. Evers will instead tap into federal money distributed to Wisconsin as part of the "American Rescue Plan."

The new soccer stadium — planned as part of the Iron District Milwaukee development —"will transform a long-vacant property into a thriving destination, as well as advance both local and state tourism and athletic as well as community offerings at one of the busiest intersections in the state," Ever's office said in a statement.

"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.

"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."

The broader Iron District Milwaukee development in the city's Westown neighborhood aims to spur economic development.

Other projects announced by Evers on Thursday include:

• $15 million for the Janesville Sports and Convention Center
• $7 million for the Green Bay National Railroad Museum expansion to meet the growing need for museum offerings, accessibility, and immersive programming.
• $5 million for the Bronzeville Center for the Arts
• $330,000 for the Door County Peninsula Players Theatre upgrades