The Fiserv Forum Favorite
When you find yourself inside Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Fiserv Forum, if you look at Sections 118 and 119 OR have a seat in those sections, you’re bound to see a long line. It’s not a line of people waiting to get into their seats or to the court, but a line of people waiting to say “hello” to William Brent III, aka, the “Mayor of 118 and 119.”
“Yes, I guess you could say I’m the mayor of those sections,” laughed William. “I just have the best job in the world!”
William has been a staple working Milwaukee Bucks and Marquette basketball games, concerts and events for the past 11 years. He worked the first seven years at the Bradley Center before Fiserv Forum debuted in 2019.
Prior to the Bradley Center, William worked part-time at a travel agency doing maintenance after he retired from 37 years of full-time work. He worked at Pepsi-Cola for 27 years and then Polyone, a custom compound company known for making Wisconsinites beloved cheeseheads, for 10 years.
“Later on, my hours were cut at my part-time job due to the economy at the time,” shared William. “I knew a lot of people who worked at the Bradley Center, Dick Garrett being one. I would go to the games, see all my friends there and talk to them. My wife said I should apply to work there, and I did!”
William started out as a ticket taker at the Bradley Center as he waited for a security spot to open on the floor. Eventually, one did in the student section for Marquette games.
“And it was the absolute best move,” said William. “Being among all the young people. You learn about them, their families and more. And, they stay in touch with you!”
That statement rings true, as William recalled several stories of his interactions with his young fans who have become more like family to him over the years.
“One time, I was invited to a wedding out in Baltimore,” said William. “Another time, one of my colleagues ran into a former Marquette cheerleader in Chicago. She specifically asked about me and how I was doing. And then even Wojo. He would always come out and give me a high-five every game.”
The same goes for the Bucks!
“There’s a special little girl who sits in my section every game with her mom,” shared William. “Her mom is married to the trainer of the Bucks. When the games are at half, she always comes down to the floor to talk to her husband. Their little girl comes down to say hi to me and to give me a hug. During the pandemic, they gave us signs to hold up reminding people to stay safe, social distance, etc. Later on, I gave her a sign that had Bango’s picture on it and signed it for her so she could have her very own.”
For William, it’s those relationships that keep him coming back.
“I just have so many stories of people who have touched me,” said William. “At first, you don’t realize it, but then you have young people who come to games that you get to know. They grow and come say hi and check in on me year after year, game after game. All the time. I feel so proud and honored.”
When games and concerts switched to Fiserv Forum, William was the only one who didn’t get his section moved…And that’s probably a good thing or else his fans would most likely have had something to say about it.
“People will tell me that every time they come to a game, they have to wait in line to talk to me,” laughed William. “I just love people and putting a smile on their faces.”
Working during COVID proved to be challenging, as William and his regulars had to adjust to limited capacity and interactions, social distancing and more. But, the Bucks run that led to their 2021 NBA Championship title? That made up for all of the challenges.
“The excitement and energy was something I have never, ever experienced here before,” recalled William. “The night the Bucks won, I had tears in my eyes. Sometimes, you hear that Milwaukee is a segregated city. But during the Bucks run, to see everyone come together from all walks of life and to see that everyone was cheering for Milwaukee, I was so proud to be part of that.”
As the Bucks begin another season, Marquette basketball tips off, concerts resume and life returns to a new normal at Fiserv Forum, your Fiserv Forum Favorite William will be waiting for all of you in his section with a warm smile, genuine hug and unforgettable conversation.
“When people leave Fiserv, whether it’s after an event or a game, I just want them to feel good, cherished and special,” said William. “My wife has said to me, ‘You’ve never met a stranger,’ and I think that’s true! I really, really cherish that. I love my job and the people that I serve and take care of. Another season is just getting started, and I can’t wait.”
I had to get my photos in of my “Grandpa William” too!
L: William and me on a Marquette basketball game day many years ago. R: Post-undergrad life attending a Marquette basketball game as a fan!