Family Guide to Marquette Golden Eagles Basketball

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Marquette Golden Eagles basketball games at Fiserv Forum offer an exceptional family experience with extensive kid-friendly amenities, interactive entertainment zones, and comprehensive family services. The 17,500-seat arena in Milwaukee's Deer District provides a modern, accessible environment where families can enjoy college basketball in a venue designed specifically for comfort and convenience.

Fiserv Forum stands out as one of the most family-friendly basketball venues in the country, featuring seven dedicated Wellness Rooms for nursing and baby care, 14 single-occupancy family restrooms, and a specialized kids' activity zone. The venue's partnership with KultureCity ensures sensory-friendly accommodations, while the official Marquette Kids Club creates year-round engagement opportunities for young Golden Eagles fans.

Family seating and accessibility options

Fiserv Forum accommodates families throughout all seating sections, with children under 2 admitted free when sitting on a ticketed adult's lap. The venue offers accessible seating in multiple locations across both the Main Concourse (100 level) and Upper Concourse (200 level), with padded removable chairs and up to three companion seats available.

For families seeking premium experiences, Loge Tables provide four-person private spaces with all-inclusive food and beverage service in sections 102, 103, 120, and 121. The Tower Club offers suite-level experiences with gastropub fare in a family-friendly atmosphere, while the Jockey Club provides upgraded amenities near sections 105, 107, and 116-118.

The venue excels in accessibility features, offering sensory rooms with soft carpeting and tactile wall hangings for children with developmental disabilities. Free assistive listening devices, wheelchair rentals, and ASL interpretation services (with two weeks' advance notice) ensure all families can enjoy the games comfortably.

Marquette Kids Club and programming

The Marquette Kids Club operates year-round programming designed specifically for young Golden Eagles fans, with a dedicated website at marquettekidsclub.com. Members receive exclusive access to Iggy the Golden Eagle mascot graphics, special merchandise through the Marquette Spirit Shop, and priority participation in family-oriented events throughout the season.

Iggy the Golden Eagle serves as the centerpiece of children's entertainment, appearing at every home game with specialized programming for kids of all ages. Named after St. Ignatius of Loyola, the mascot provides interactive activities, photo opportunities, and high-energy entertainment that adapts to the venue's atmosphere—more intimate at smaller venues and energetic at Fiserv Forum.

The club integrates with broader Athletics Marketing Department programming, offering First Game Certificates for children attending their first Marquette basketball game. These certificates are available free at Guest Services desks located behind sections 109 and 212, creating memorable keepsakes for young fans.

Game day activities and entertainment

Kohl's Court serves as the primary family entertainment hub, located in the northeast corner of the Main Concourse. This interactive zone features an oversized basketball hoop perfect for photo opportunities, replica Milwaukee Bucks lockers, DJ entertainment, and hands-on crafts and activities designed for children of all ages.

Pre-game entertainment centers around the official Marquette Gameday mobile app, which provides live audio coverage, interactive stadium maps highlighting family-friendly amenities, and exclusive content for families. The app also delivers special offers and need-to-know information about timing and events throughout the game day experience.

National Marquette Day on February 1, 2025, represents the season's premier family celebration with a special pep rally at the Baird Center's Rooftop Ballroom. The event features face-painting, Marquette-themed activities, and special pricing for children—$20 for ages 3-12 and free for children 2 and younger. The celebration includes a dinner buffet, hosted beverages, 360 photo booth, and yard games specifically designed for families.

Concessions and family dining options

Fiserv Forum showcases Milwaukee's local food culture with family-friendly options throughout the venue. Johnsonville Products serves as the official sausage partner, offering bratwursts, beef hot dogs, and specially-sized "Rookie Dogs" designed for children. Other local favorites include Cousins Subs, Cedar Crest Ice cream, Sargento cheese curds, and Colectivo Coffee.

The 2024-25 season menu emphasizes kid-friendly choices with MECCA Burger Bar offering MKE Burgers and vegetarian options, The Cluckery serving honey butter biscuits and chicken and waffles in waffle cone bowls, and traditional arena favorites like chicken tenders, pizza, soft pretzels, and popcorn available at multiple locations.

Mobile ordering through the Fiserv Forum app allows families to order from their seats and receive text notifications when food is ready, significantly reducing wait times. Self-checkout options and Amazon Just Walk Out technology at select locations further streamline the dining experience for families with children.

Typical concession prices range from $5-7 for soft drinks, $8-12 for hot dogs, and $10-15 for pizza, with complete family meals averaging $40-80 for a family of four. The venue accommodates special dietary needs including gluten-free, kosher, and vegetarian options, with advance notice recommended for specific allergy accommodations.

Parking and accessibility information

The 5th Street Parking Structure provides the most convenient family parking option at 1215 N. 5th Street, accessible only from McKinley Avenue. Connected to the arena via skybridge, this structure offers 25 ADA accessible spaces on the 1st and 3rd levels, elevators on all levels, and free bicycle parking at street level. Event parking typically costs $30-35.

The Highland Structure at 1030 N. 6th Street provides an alternative four-minute walk to the arena with ADA accessible spaces and elevator access, generally priced at $25-30 for event parking. Both structures offer SpotHero advance reservations with up to 50% savings for families who plan ahead.

For families using public transportation, Milwaukee County Transit System routes 19, 33, and 80 stop within walking distance of the venue. Ride-share services use designated pickup and drop-off zones on Juneau Avenue, while passenger drop-off is available at the northeast corner of Juneau Avenue and Vel R. Phillips Avenue.

Ticket pricing and family packages

Season ticket sales set a program record for 2024-25, with limited availability remaining. Season tickets require a $100 non-refundable deposit that applies to the final payment, and holders receive access to the "We Are Marquette" Club loyalty program plus one complimentary ticket per season ticket for non-conference games (excluding Purdue and Wisconsin).

Mini-plans offer families partial-season packages with the Blue Plan featuring four games including Butler, Creighton, and Villanova, while the Gold Plan includes high-profile matchups against Purdue, Xavier, and St. John's. Both plans include one bonus game from early-season matchups against Stony Brook, Central Michigan, or Stonehill.

Family-specific pricing includes free admission for children under 2 when sitting on a ticketed adult's lap, following standard Fiserv Forum policies. Group discounts are available for extended family gatherings, with special "Organization Nights" arranged through the athletics department for larger family groups.

Official tickets are available through the Marquette Ticket Office at (414) 288-4668 or online at gomarquette.com. The ticket office, located in the Al McGuire Center, operates weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM and accepts cash, credit cards, and advance checks. Accessible seating requires purchasing regular tickets first, then exchanging for ADA seating at Will Call on game day.

Pre-game and halftime entertainment

Pre-game activities begin 60 minutes before tip-off when doors open, allowing families to explore Kohl's Court, visit the Marquette Spirit Shop, and participate in interactive activities throughout the concourses. The venue's DJ provides continuous entertainment, while the Marquette pep band creates an energetic atmosphere perfect for young fans.

Halftime entertainment consistently features Iggy the Golden Eagle engaging directly with children and families through interactive contests, photo opportunities, and activities tailored to different age groups. The student sections contribute to the excitement with organized cheers and activities that welcome family participation.

Special promotional nights throughout the season offer themed entertainment and activities beyond regular programming. Alumni pregame receptions welcome families and children, while student-only games at the more intimate Al McGuire Center (3,700 capacity) provide alternative experiences with enhanced family programming.

Safety and security considerations

Fiserv Forum maintains strict security protocols requiring all guests to pass through metal detectors upon entry. Families should plan to arrive 60-90 minutes before tip-off to allow sufficient time for security screening and finding their seats comfortably.

The venue enforces a comprehensive no-bag policy with limited exceptions for diaper bags and medical necessity bags, both subject to X-ray screening. Wallets smaller than 4" x 6" x 1" are permitted, but all other bags including backpacks, purses, and totes are prohibited regardless of size.

Emergency preparedness includes First Aid stations located outside sections 110 and 212, with AED equipment available at both locations. Guest Concierge Desks behind sections 109 and 212, plus the BMO Entrance, provide immediate assistance for lost children, medical concerns, or other family emergencies.

The venue's Buddy Band program provides child wristbands with names, seat locations, and phone numbers for quick family reunification in case children become separated. This free service, available at Guest Concierge Desks, is strongly recommended for all families attending games.

Essential tips for first-time families

Successful family visits begin with proper preparation including downloading the Fiserv Forum app before arrival for mobile ordering and venue navigation. The strict no-bag policy requires leaving purses and backpacks at home, bringing only essential items in a small wallet.

Early arrival maximizes the family experience by allowing time for security screening, obtaining Buddy Bands, exploring Kohl's Court, and settling into seats before the pre-game excitement begins. The venue's 17,500-seat capacity means concourse areas can become crowded, making early arrival especially beneficial for families with young children.

During games, families should take advantage of the venue's family amenities including the seven Wellness Rooms for nursing and privacy, 14 family restrooms throughout the building, and nine free water fountains. The Guest Concierge Desks provide device charging assistance, lost and found services, and general information about the venue and surrounding area.

Post-game planning proves essential given the venue's downtown location and potential traffic congestion. Families should arrange transportation in advance, considering that games typically last 2-2.5 hours and parking structures can become congested immediately after games. The venue's no re-entry policy means families cannot leave and return, so planning for the full game duration is crucial.

Conclusion

Marquette Golden Eagles basketball at Fiserv Forum delivers an outstanding family experience that combines the excitement of college basketball with comprehensive amenities designed specifically for families with children. The venue's modern facilities, extensive accessibility features, and dedicated family programming create an environment where parents can relax while children enjoy interactive entertainment and educational opportunities about Marquette athletics.