The Bucks are playing a game in their old arena next season as part of a ‘classic’ look

The Bucks are taking the term “classic” to the next level.

The Bucks are one of eight teams getting a classic edition of their NBA jerseys from Nike, but for one game, they’ll take things another step further. Instead of just taking on the look of a simple throwback night, the Bucks are going all in and adopting the feel, too.

Not only will they wear classic jerseys for an Oct. 26 TNT game against the Celtics, but they’ll even play the game in the old UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena — known locally as the MECCA.

The Bucks played at the MECCA from 1968 to 1988, turning it into one of the most iconic venues in the league. The arena is still in operation and currently houses the Milwaukee Wave, Milwaukee Admirals, Brewcity Bruisers, and the Milwaukee Panthers.

It’s not the most modern arena in the world, but for one night, none of that will matter.

This is a nostalgia play

Younger Bucks fans won’t remember the days when the team was one of the best in the league, but the team has a rich history. During that 20-year stretch, Milwaukee was one of the league’s flagship franchises, winning an NBA title in 1971 and making the playoffs 16 times. The last time the Bucks were truly relevant in the NBA’s landscape, they played in the Mecca.

They’re inching their way back to that same relevance with Giannis Antetokounmpo the same way they did when they had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, Jack Sikma, Sidney Moncrief, and others. For one night only, they’ll capture that old energy in the same arena where their relevance took shape.

For older Bucks fans, that will be a treat. For younger ones, it’ll be an experience.

Yes, the arena is small. It was built in 1950 and has a current capacity of 12,700. In comparison, the BHO Bradley Center the Bucks normally play in holds 18,717. Even that facility is considered out of date: The Bucks have a new one on the way that will be open by the beginning of next season.

There will be some fans who miss out on the experience, but the Bucks are OK with that. For one night, this is a neat idea.

The Bucks are going above and beyond to bring back the feel of the old arena. First, they’re playing the Celtics who they faced 48 times in total throughout their stint in the arena — this game will make it 49.

The Bucks are going an extra step with this idea. The only idea that comes close is the Toronto Raptors rebranding themselves and their court as the Toronto Huskies for a few throwback nights out of the year. This is an entire venue change.

Just simply switching uniforms doesn’t cut it as far as feel goes, but an arena switch summons an entirely different feeling. This is a special court with a special floor filled with fond memories for longtime Bucks fans. The Bucks haven’t yet announced what they have in store for their floor design, but if they’re doing this right, it will be something special.

Fans have done their best to preserve its history and the Bucks can take it an extra step. Hopefully it isn’t something we only see once.