Oshkosh Arena PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The future of the Oshkosh Arena, which serves as the home of the Wisconsin Herd basketball team, has been up in the air since being put up for sale in March.
In June, Bayland Buildings, which constructed the arena, filed suit alleging the current owner, Fox Valley Pro Basketball, owed more than $12 million. The company is also reportedly behind over $630,000 dollars in property taxes. The arena was also closed in 2023 on order from the fire marshal.
Earlier this month a Winnebago County judge approved a plan for an Iowa-based company to temporarily take over the arena’s operations.
“As a receiver, it’s my duty to basically stabilize the property, then maximize, ultimately, a return to the creditors,” said Paul Swanson, a court appointed receiver for the Oshkosh Arena.
He says VenuWorks was the best option.
“They’re very well qualified. They know what they’re doing,” Swanson said.
According to the Oshkosh Arena website, there are no events listed for the month of August. Swanson says VenuWorks is working to book local and national acts to fill the arena.
Swanson also says the Herd is not in danger.
“I believe that they will [play],” Swanson replied. “We’re close to coming to an agreement for them to play. I think they’re counting on it, I think we’re counting on them playing there.”
Swanson adds VenuWorks is ready to improve the facility and hand it over once a new owner is found.
“Far and above what people have experienced in the past in terms of service, in terms of amenities, getting concessions, getting a beer in a relatively short period of time instead of waiting in line forever,” Swanson said.
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