Milwaukee Bucks book first Latin act, J. Balvin, to headline new arena

The Milwaukee Bucks have booked the first Latin act for the forthcoming, $524 million arena: serial hitmaker J. Balvin. 

The Colombian reggaeton singer had a string of smash singles — including "Sola," "6 AM" and "Safari" featuring Pharrell Williams — before he crossed over in a major way last year with "Mi Gente," which replaced "Despacito" at the top of Spotify's Global Chart last summer. The song's music video was one of the fastest-growing in YouTube's history, achieving more than 1 billion views. 

That was before Beyoncé jumped on a "Mi Gente" remix last September; she also invited Balvin as a guest to perform the song at her Coachella set this Saturday. 

Balvin also performed during Cardi B's Coachella set Saturday; he's on her new track "I Like It," which is a very strong early contender for song of the summer.

This week, he will be up for 12 Billboard Latin Music Awards, including Artist of the Year, Hot Latin Song of the Year and Top Latin Album of the Year for "Energia." 

Despite Balvin's popularity, this could be a risky booking for the new arena. Following the explosive success of "Mi Gente" (but ahead of the Beyoncé remix), Balvin headlined the Riverside Theater last September, but the 2,500-capacity venue was largely empty.

RELATED:Armed with megahit 'Mi Gente,' J. Balvin shows crossover potential in Milwaukee

Tickets for the Bucks arena show, priced between $45 and $350, are available at 10 a.m. Friday by calling (800) 745-3000 or (866) 448-7849, or visiting ticketmaster.com. 

It's going to be a busy fall for shows at the arena, with Kevin Hart (Sept. 13); Maroon 5 with Julia Michaels (Sept. 16); Justin Timberlake (Sept. 21); Jim Gaffigan (Sept. 22); Metallica (Oct. 16); Foo Fighters (Oct. 17); Eagles (Oct. 18); and Josh Groban with Idina Menzel (Nov. 3). 

RELATED:Josh Groban, Idina Menzel playing the new Milwaukee Bucks arena Nov. 3

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More shows are expected for the fall, including a grand opening concert, to take place in late August or early September. Elton John is also playing a sold-out show at the arena, on Feb. 19, 2019, as part of his final tour. 

Under construction with $250 million in public money, the tentatively titled Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center is likely to get a name change soon. 

Bucks co-owner Wes Edens told the Journal Sentinel Sunday that a naming rights deal was "imminent" with a local company that has a national following. 

RELATED:Milwaukee Bucks arena naming rights going to a local company with a national presence

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