Free Tickets! Milwaukee Bucks Open Scrimmage 2025

The Milwaukee Bucks are hosting their annual open practice at Fiserv Forum on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 12:00 PM. This is your chance to see the team up close before the regular season tips off, and best of all—it's completely free. Doors open at 11:00 AM, and fans in attendance will have the opportunity to take home select autographed items following the event.

This is the only public practice of the preseason, offering an incredible opportunity to watch your team prepare in game-like conditions, see new roster additions in action, and experience the electricity of Fiserv Forum without spending a dime. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of this special event.

Event essentials: Mark your calendar

The open practice takes place at Fiserv Forum (1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee) on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Doors open at 11:00 AM CT, with the practice beginning at 12:00 PM. Expect the practice portion to last about an hour, though past events have included additional activities extending the experience.

This is free general admission, meaning seating is first-come, first-served in the lower bowl. No assigned seats, no ticket tiers—just pure basketball access for fans willing to arrive early. The event is part of the Bucks' annual tradition of connecting with their community before the season begins, offering a rare glimpse into how the team prepares.

Special bonus: Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to take home select autographed items following the event, making this an even more memorable experience for dedicated supporters.

Securing your free tickets

While admission is free, you must claim tickets in advance at www.bucks.com/practice. This isn't a walk-up event, and tickets are limited, so don't delay. The registration process is straightforward through the Bucks' official website—just claim your tickets and download them to your phone.

The Bucks organization uses mobile ticketing for nearly everything now, so download the official Milwaukee Bucks app before game day. You'll use it for ticket access, and it's also handy for ordering food, accessing venue maps, and getting real-time updates.

Getting there and parking smart

Arriving early serves two purposes: securing good seats and avoiding parking headaches. The 5th Street Parking Structure (1215 N. 5th Street) is your best option, located adjacent to Fiserv Forum with a covered pedestrian skybridge that keeps you dry regardless of weather. With roughly 1,200 spaces, it's the most convenient choice, though you can only access it from McKinley Avenue. Parking typically costs $15-25, and you can book in advance through SpotHero, ParkMobile, or ParkWhiz to lock in rates and guarantee a spot.

Alternative parking includes the Highland Structure (1030 N. 6th Street, about a four-minute walk), Lot H at the MATC Downtown Campus for more affordable rates, or street parking which becomes free after 6 PM—though that won't help for an 11 AM doors opening. If you're environmentally conscious, the 5th Street garage offers electric vehicle charging stations, and free bicycle parking is available both in the garage and in front of the Bucks Pro Shop.

For those without cars, Milwaukee County Transit System routes 19, 33, and 80 all stop within walking distance. The Hop Streetcar offers free service through downtown, with a station at Cathedral Square Park about 15 minutes from the arena on foot. Lyft is the official rideshare partner, with designated pick-up and drop-off locations on Juneau Avenue or at the intersection of Vel R. Phillips Avenue and Highland Avenue.

What you'll experience inside

Open practices differ from regular games—they're more intimate, more educational, and offer unprecedented access to player interactions. You'll watch the full team run through actual practice drills and scrimmages in game conditions, seeing how coaches structure plays and how new players integrate with established stars. This is basketball in its purest form, without the production elements of regular games but with all the athleticism and strategy.

The Bucks typically enhance these events with additional activities that transform the experience beyond just watching practice. Based on historical open practice events, you might see on-court player interviews, photo opportunities with Bango (the mascot), and interactive games. Some past events have included chances to shoot free throws on the actual Bucks court, NBA 2K video game stations, and exclusive merchandise sales.

Autograph opportunity: One of the biggest highlights this year is that fans will have the chance to take home select autographed items following the event. Stay until the end and follow staff instructions for how this will be distributed—this is a rare opportunity you won't want to miss.

Player accessibility varies, but open practices historically offer the best opportunity of the year for casual fans to interact with players. Position yourself strategically and be ready to engage respectfully when opportunities arise. Bring a quality Sharpie marker just in case additional signing opportunities present themselves.

Rules you need to follow

Fiserv Forum enforces a strict bag policy that catches many first-time attendees off guard. Regular bags, purses, and backpacks are not allowed. Period. Your wallet must be 4" x 6" x 1" or smaller. Clear bags under 14" x 14" x 6" may be permitted after screening, but your best strategy is to travel light—leave bags in your car or at home entirely. Exceptions exist for medical bags and diaper bags, but expect additional screening.

Prohibited items include professional cameras (lenses over 3.5 inches or detachable lenses), tripods, selfie sticks, outside food or drink, laser pointers, large banners over 11" x 17", aerosol cans, and any weapons. Standard point-and-shoot "pocket" cameras are typically allowed for practices, and binoculars are fine. Flash photography is prohibited, so adjust your camera settings accordingly.

The venue is entirely cashless—bring credit or debit cards only. All guests go through metal detector screening before entry, so factor extra time into your arrival plans. Smoking and vaping are prohibited anywhere inside the arena or on the plaza. Most importantly, respect the general admission seating—it's first-come, first-served, so arriving when doors open at 11 AM gives you the best shot at prime courtside positions.

Maximizing your experience with insider tips

Arrive at 11 AM sharp when doors open, not at the noon start time. This gives you an hour to claim the best general admission seats, explore the venue, and position yourself strategically. The lower bowl fills quickly, and the difference between arriving at doors versus tip-off could mean courtside versus upper sections.

Since the Bucks are offering autographed items after the event, plan to stay until the end. Don't rush out when practice concludes—the best rewards go to fans who stick around. Listen carefully to any announcements about how autographed items will be distributed.

If you're bringing children, take advantage of Kohl's Court, the family activity center on the main concourse's northeast corner, and locate the seven Wellness Rooms throughout the venue for nursing or baby care. All restrooms have baby changing stations. Children under two get free admission with lap seating.

Download the Milwaukee Bucks mobile app before arriving—it's your hub for mobile tickets, contactless food ordering from your seat, venue maps, and real-time announcements. Connect to the free Wi-Fi network "FiservForum" once inside. Guest Concierge Desks near Sections 109 and 212 offer phone charging, general assistance, and can check strollers if needed.

Health and safety protocols

As of October 2025, masks are optional for all guests at Fiserv Forum, with the venue following CDC guidelines for Milwaukee County. There are no vaccination or negative test requirements. The arena operates at full capacity with enhanced ventilation and air filtration systems.

Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the venue. Those at higher health risk should consult their healthcare provider about personal masking decisions. First aid rooms staffed with certified emergency medical personnel are outside Sections 110 and 212. For any medical emergencies, arena staff will call 911.

Policies may change based on public health conditions, so check fiservforum.com/health-and-safety-policies a day or two before attending for any updates.

Questions and assistance

The Milwaukee Bucks make it easy to get help. For general inquiries, call the main office at (414) 227-0599 or toll-free at 1-877-428-BUCK (2825), Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM CT. The Ticket Office can be reached at (414) 227-0511 or tickets@bucks.com.

For specific event questions, live chat is available through the Bucks website. Follow @Bucks on Twitter/X for real-time updates and announcements. If you have accessibility needs, contact the venue in advance. Group sales and experiences for 10 or more people can be arranged through groups@bucks.com or (414) 227-0599.

What comes next: The season ahead

After this special open practice, the Bucks kick off their regular season with the home opener on Wednesday, October 22, versus the Washington Wizards at Fiserv Forum. If you fall in love with the atmosphere at the open practice, single game tickets, full season memberships, and partial ticket plans are still available for all Bucks home games at www.bucks.com/tickets.

Open practices are rare—typically just once per season, almost always in October before regular play begins. The rest of the year, practices at the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Science Center are closed to the public. This is your singular chance to see behind the curtain, so treat it as the special opportunity it is.

Making it memorable

This open practice represents something special—the intersection of accessibility and exclusivity. You're seeing the same players who command premium ticket prices during the regular season, but you're experiencing them in an intimate, unscripted setting. The energy differs from regular games because practices reveal personality, work ethic, and team chemistry in ways polished performances don't.

Bring your enthusiasm, your team gear, and your camera phone. Engage with fellow fans in line and in your section—these events attract the most passionate supporters. If you see Bango, grab a photo. If the Bucks offer video game challenges or activities, jump in. These moments create the stories you'll tell about being a Bucks fan.

Most importantly, stay until the end for your chance at autographed items. These are the kinds of keepsakes that make the experience unforgettable.

Final checklist before you go

✓ Register for free tickets at www.bucks.com/practice
✓ Download the Milwaukee Bucks mobile app
✓ Plan parking or transportation—arrive by 11 AM
✓ Leave bags at home; bring only small wallet (4" x 6" x 1")
✓ Bring credit/debit cards (cashless venue)
✓ Pack Sharpie marker (just in case)
✓ Charge phone fully for photos and mobile tickets
✓ Check weather and dress in layers
✓ Review Fiserv Forum policies at fiservforum.com
✓ Follow @Bucks on social for day-of updates
✓ Plan to stay until the end for autographed items

The Milwaukee Bucks open practice on October 19 isn't just free basketball—it's a celebration of community, access, and the shared excitement of a new season. Whether you're a lifelong fan or bringing children to their first Bucks event, this experience offers memories that hundred-dollar tickets can't replicate. See you at Fiserv Forum. Fear the deer.