Resch Center

Resch Center
Name	Resch Center
Location	Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin
Opened	2002
Capacity	10,200
Owner	Brown County
Operator	PMI Entertainment Group

Resch Center The Resch Center is a multi-purpose arena in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, near Green Bay, Wisconsin, that opened in 2002 and hosts sports, concerts, and community events. The facility is adjacent to Lambeau Field and is part of a broader sports and entertainment district that includes venues such as Titletown District and institutions like Green Bay Packers. The arena has been used by collegiate programs, professional franchises, touring artists, and civic organizations, drawing regional audiences from Northeast Wisconsin and the Fox River Valley.

History

The project originated in the late 1990s amid discussions involving Brown County, Wisconsin officials, regional planners, and private stakeholders including members of the Green Bay Packers organization and local business leaders such as executives connected to Bellin Health and Prevea Health. Groundbreaking followed negotiation of financing arrangements with county boards and municipal partners influenced by precedents set by arenas like Bradley Center and Kohl Center. The facility opened with a ribbon-cutting and inaugural events that featured collegiate programs from institutions such as University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and touring acts associated with promoters including Live Nation and AEG Presents. Over time the venue hosted notable appearances linked to celebrities and organizations like Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, Foo Fighters, Bob Dylan, and industry events promoted by entities including Ticketmaster.

Facilities and design

Designed by architectural firms experienced with arenas similar to Mayo Civic Center and BMO Harris Bradley Center, the building features a bowl seating format, luxury suites, and a concourse with concessions and retail spaces. The design incorporates modern systems delivered by contractors and suppliers who have worked on venues such as Fiserv Forum and United Center, including rigging points for touring productions like Cirque du Soleil and lighting rigs used by acts such as U2. The arena offers locker rooms suitable for programs from National Collegiate Athletic Association teams, broadcast facilities compatible with networks such as ESPN and Fox Sports, and meeting rooms for organizations like Chamber of Commerce and Rotary International. Sustainability and parking design reflect regional planning influenced by projects such as Titletown District and collaborations with entities like Brown County Airport and municipal transit agencies.

Events and programming

Programming spans professional sports, collegiate tournaments, concerts, family shows, and conventions, with bookings coordinated alongside promoters including MSG Sports, Live Nation, and AEG Presents. The arena has hosted postseason events affiliated with organizations such as Hockey Night in America broadcast partners and NCAA conference tournaments involving schools like Marquette University, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Iowa State University. Family productions by companies such as Disney On Ice and Ringling Bros. have toured through the venue, and trade shows connected to regional industries have included exhibitors from Kohler Co., Schreiber Foods, and Johnsonville Foods. Community programming has featured commencement ceremonies for institutions such as Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College and civic forums with elected officials from Wisconsin and national figures.

Tenants and notable performances

The arena served as home to minor league franchises and teams, including names tied to leagues like the United States Hockey League and basketball associations modeled after NBA G League clubs. Collegiate athletics from University of Wisconsin–Green Bay have used the venue for marquee games and tournaments, and professional wrestling promotions such as WWE and AEW have staged televised events. Notable performances have included tours by artists such as Taylor Swift, Elton John, Metallica, Paul McCartney, and Adele, as well as special appearances by speakers and personalities including Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Sporting showcases have featured exhibition games with participants from Green Bay Packers alumni, charity events involving athletes from Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bears, and concerts tied to festivals like Summerfest-style tours.

Economic and community impact

Construction and operations generated employment linked to contractors and service providers, with economic modeling comparable to impacts reported for venues like Fiserv Forum and Kohl Center. The arena contributed to hospitality demand benefiting hotels affiliated with brands such as Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott in the Green Bay Metropolitan Area, and supported restaurants operated by companies like Schreiber Foods partners and local entrepreneurs. Tax revenues influenced county budget discussions alongside investments in infrastructure for roads and utilities coordinated with Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The Resch Center’s programming supports nonprofit fundraising events for organizations including United Way, American Cancer Society, and regional arts institutions such as Green Bay Symphony Orchestra and Weidner Center for the Performing Arts collaborations.

Transportation and access methods

Access to the arena is served by regional highways including Interstate 41 and state routes connecting to Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport, with surface parking and shuttle services coordinated during major events by municipal transit agencies and private operators. Public transit links mirror services provided near other regional venues like Lambeau Field with bus routes operated by Green Bay Metro and park-and-ride arrangements used during high-attendance events. Pedestrian and bicycle access connect to local developments such as Titletown District and the Fox River State Trail, while logistics for touring productions rely on freight corridors used by carriers serving venues across the Midwest United States.

Category:Indoor arenas in Wisconsin Category:Sports venues in Brown County, Wisconsin