sports - march 2012

Bucks face Lin and Knicks, Celtics this month

THE MILWAUKEE BUCKS move into a critical period of the lockout-shortened National Basketball season this month, hosting some of the best teams in the NBA and the team with the most publicized player this year.

On March 9, the New York Knicks make their only appearance in Milwaukee this season. Expect close to a sellout as visitors and area fans get their first chance to see Jeremy Lin, a Harvard graduate who emerged last month as a rising NBA star and a major draw in every Knicks game.

Lin hit the headlines in February when he stepped in for injured New York Knicks teammates and proceeded to outplay many of the league’s stars, including Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers.

Coached by Scott Skiles, the Bucks are led by guard Brandon Jennings and a number of new players including veterans Stephen Jackson and Mike Dunleavy and rookie John Leuer, a college standout at the University of Wisconsin. Center Andrew Bogut is on the bench after breaking his ankle earlier in the season.

All Bucks home games are at the Bradley Center, 1001 N. Fourth St. For updates on the team, tickets and special promotions, visit www.bucks.com.

Home games in March:
March 5 vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 7 p.m.
March 7 vs. Chicago Bulls, 7 p.m.
March 9 vs. New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m.
March 14 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7 p.m.
March 22 vs. Boston Celtics, 7 p.m.
March 24 vs. Indiana Pacers, 7:30 p.m.
March 27 vs. Atlanta Hawks, 7 p.m.
March 31 vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 7:30 p.m.

Wave defends title in MISL playoffs

THE MILWAUKEE WAVE, defending champion of the Major Indoor Soccer League, enter the 2012 playoff this month, hoping to hold on to their title.

Led by coach Keith Tozer, who last was the first indoor soccer coach inducted into Hall of Fame of the United Soccer Leagues, the Wave plays home games at the US Cellular Arena, 400 W. Kilbourn Ave.

Tickets to the Wave’s fast paced, high-scoring games may be purchased at the Arena box office or at www.MilwaukeeWave.com.

The Wave starts the playoffs on the road March 9 against the Missouri Comets. The team returns home March 11 to face the Comets at 3 p.m. in the US Cellular Arena. If each team has won a game, a tie-breaking game is played immediately after the second game in Milwaukee.

The championship series is scheduled for the following weekend.

Admirals Pro Hockey

THE MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Nashville Predators, call home ice the Bradley Center, 1001 N. Fourth St. For additional information and tickets, visit www.milwaukeeadmirals.com.

Upcoming games:
March 2 vs. Rockford Icehogs, 7 p.m.
March 3 vs. Chicago Wolves, 7:30 p.m.
March 10 vs. Rockford, 7 p.m.
March 23 vs. Hamilton Bulldogs, 7 p.m.
March 24 vs. Rockford, 3 p.m.
March 28 vs. Houston Aeros, 7 p.m.
March 30 vs. Oklahoma City Barons, 7 p.m.

Professional Arena Football

THE MILWAUKEE MUSTANGS of the Arena Football League open the 2012 season this month at the Bradley Center, 1001 N. Fourth St.

After two road games, the Mustangs face the Pittsburgh Power at 7 p.m. March 29. Tickets are available at the Bradley Center Box Office or through Ticketmaster. Visit www.mkemustangs.com for additional information.

Get Cactus League Guide for Spring Training Fun

IF YOU’RE heading for the Cactus League to get an early look at the Milwaukee Brewers or, perish the thought, some other major league baseball team, be sure to visit Arizona Key at www.arizonakey.com.

For ten years, Arizona Key has been compiling its Cactus League Spring Training and Travel Guide. Fifteen teams now warm up for the season in Arizona at 10 different stadiums, including the Brewers’ Maryvale Park in Phoenix.

Tom Ruberto, owner and publisher of Arizona Key, packs his guide with information fans need and has given it a new look this year. Included are rundowns on the teams and their spring training stadiums, game schedules, concise maps and important driving distances between ballparks.

Tom and his writers also provide their stories of the fun available during the Cactus League games for baseball fans and others who simply want to enjoy a day in the sun (on stadium seats or on grassy areas that are available at many parks).

“Spring Training offers baseball fans a unique opportunity,” says Ruberto. “The venues are state of the art and provide for intimate, up close and personal viewing. The players are more accessible, all of the teams are tied for first place and hope springs eternal.”

Arizona Key, like KEY Milwaukee, is a member of Key Magazines, Inc., which includes digest-sized, independently owned visitor guides from coast to coast. In addition, the Key family of independent guides now includes Key Ghana in West Africa.

Arizona Key is a national leader in developing a multiplatform approach to serving visitors, from print to Web, social media and mobile applications.