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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 against the
Cincinnati Reds. 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 massive 105 feet high by 168
feet wide HD video/scoreboard
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 with his classic home and slide. 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 that is located in the left field area
known as The Front Row. Located directly behind the right field fence,
groups of fans can watch the game directly behind the right fielder at
the Mercedes Benz Field Haus. Kids can enjoy the Miller Park Kids Zone,
an 8,000 square foot interactive play area, that includes a replica of
Bernie the Brewer's slide. Fans can buy their favorite Brewers
merchandise at the team's new store at the homeplate entrance at Miller
Park. Upscale dining can be found at the Metavante Club on the club
level down the left field line where fans can dine and have a panorama
view of the ballpark. Brewers fans are some of the most passionate fans
in baseball as they support their team whether winning or losing. A
great atmosphere can always be found at Miller Park from tailgating
outside before games to the action on the field inside during games.
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