Miller Park
Milwaukee, WI

For more than three decades the Milwaukee Brewers played at what was generally known as a poor and bland facility, County Stadium. However that changed when the Brewers moved into Miller Park in 2001. Brewers owner, Bud Selig began lobbying for a new ballpark in the 1980s because a new ballpark was seen as a way to generate additional revenues that County Stadium could not. By the early 1990s discussions were ongoing on how to finance a ballpark for the Brewers. The team and most city officials wanted the ballpark built in the centerfield parking lot of County Stadium. Others wanted to see it built in downtown Milwaukee. Before the Green Bay Packers (NFL) announced they would no longer play games in Milwaukee after the 1994 season, there were plans for a possible multipurpose stadium for the Brewers and Packers. The group, Save Our Brewers, was formed in order to try to save County Stadium and get the Brewers to renovate the stadium. However, the Brewers were adamant about building a new ballpark and unveiled plans in December 1995. After years of lobbying and political debates approval for new retractable roof stadium for the Brewers came in 1996. On November 9, 1996 groundbreaking ceremonies were held. During the following years, fans attending games at County Stadium were able to watch the new ballpark rise as it was constructed in the parking lot beyond centerfield. Originally to be completed by April 2000, a tragic crane accident killed three workers in 1999, pushing the completion date to 2001. In 1997, Milwaukee based Miller Brewing Company purchased the naming rights to the ballpark, thus getting its name Miller Park.

On April 6, 2001 the Milwaukee Brewers played their first game at Miller Park. From the outside, Miller Park is a grand structure with its facade consisting of red brick, arched windows, and clock tower at the main entrance. Directly outside Miller Park are statues of Milwaukee icons, such as Hank Aaron. More impressive whether inside or outside Miller Park is the retractable roof. The 12,000 ton, seven panel roof has a unique fan shape design. It can open or close in ten minutes and sits 175 feet above the playing field. Miller Park has no air conditioning. However an air circulation system keeps the ballpark thirty degrees above the outside temperature when the roof is closed to keep fans warm on chilly nights.

Once inside Miller Park, fans can chose from a variety of seating areas, all with great views of the field. The ballpark has a seating capacity of just under 42,000 consisting of the main four tier grandstand that extends from homeplate to both foul poles, with the second, third and fourth decks extending into left centerfield. Additional seating is located in right field. The Uecker Seats, named after legendary Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker are located in the upper deck terrace level behind home plate and are only $1 because the seats have an obstructed view caused by the roof pivot. A huge video board is above the hitters backdrop in centerfield. Manual scoreboards located on both the left and right field walls keep fans notified of scores of other MLB games.

With the move from County Stadium to Miller Park, came Bernie the Brewer and the racing sausages. A new home for Bernie the Brewer was built and is located in left field. Miller Park has many amenities that could not be found at County Stadium. A Brewers Hall of Fame, children’s area, brew pub, open air patios, and walkways are throughout Miller Park. Fans can enjoy dinner and a ballgame at T.G.I. Friday's Front Row Sports Grill and the .300 Club that are found in the left field area known as The Front Row. The future looks promising for the Milwaukee Brewers and their fans. A great atmosphere can be found at Miller Park from tailgating outside before games to the action on the field inside during games.

Miller Park Facts, Information & Pictures