What ballpark greets you with the aroma of brats sizzling on grills and the sound of fans cracking open their favorite cold beverages? If you guessed American Family Field in Milwaukee, you’re absolutely right. The Brewers’ ballpark is home to the best tailgating experience in all of baseball. Brewers fans are passionate about their team, showing up to support them at American Family Field regardless of the Brewer’s record. The Milwaukee Brewers played their first game here on April 6, 2001, against the Cincinnati Reds, marking the start of a new era for the franchise.

The quest to replace the aging County Stadium began in the 1980s when Brewers owner Bud Selig advocated for a new facility to generate additional revenue. By the 1990s, Milwaukee officials were exploring financing options for a new ballpark. While most city officials and the team favored building the stadium in the parking lot beyond County Stadium’s center field, others pushed for a downtown Milwaukee location. Fans opposed to the move formed a group called “Save Our Brewers” to preserve County Stadium, but the Brewers remained steadfast in their goal of constructing a modern venue.

In December 1995, the Brewers unveiled plans for a retractable-roof ballpark, and by 1996, financing was approved. Construction began on November 9, 1996, and fans attending games at County Stadium could watch the new ballpark gradually rise beyond the outfield bleachers. Unfortunately, a tragic crane accident in 1999 claimed the lives of three workers and destroyed part of the first-base side of the stadium, delaying its completion to 2001. For its first 20 seasons, the ballpark was named Miller Park, after the Miller Brewing Company. However, in January 2019, the Brewers announced a new naming rights deal with American Family Insurance. Starting in 2021, the stadium was officially renamed American Family Field as part of a 15-year agreement.

American Family Field is an impressive structure with a façade of red brick, arched windows, and a clock tower at the home plate entrance. Outside the stadium, fans can find statues of Milwaukee legends such as Hank Aaron and Robin Yount. Perhaps the most striking feature of the ballpark is its retractable roof. Weighing 12,000 tons, the roof has a unique fan-shaped design, can open or close in just 10 minutes, and sits 175 feet above the playing field. While the stadium lacks air conditioning, its air circulation system ensures the interior remains 30 degrees warmer than the outside temperature when the roof is closed, keeping fans comfortable on chilly nights.

Inside, fans can enjoy great views of the field from a variety of seating areas. The ballpark seats just under 42,000, with a four-tier grandstand that stretches from home plate to both foul poles. One unique seating option is the Uecker Seats, named after legendary Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker. Located in the upper deck terrace level behind home plate, these $1 seats come with obstructed views due to the roof’s pivot.

The stadium features a massive video scoreboard above the center-field batter’s eye, upgraded before the 2024 season to over 12,000 square feet, making it one of the largest in baseball. A smaller 2,840-square-foot LED scoreboard is positioned above right field, while manual scoreboards on the left and right field walls provide updates on other MLB games.

Moving to American Family Field brought beloved traditions and new amenities. Bernie the Brewer’s chalet and iconic slide were rebuilt in left field, and the famous Racing Sausages are still a fan favorite. The ballpark boasts features that were impossible at County Stadium, including a Brewers Hall of Fame, children’s play areas, brew pubs, open-air patios, and scenic walkways. Fans can enjoy a meal at the Front Row Sports Grill in left field or let kids explore the 8,000-square-foot American Family Field Kids Zone, complete with a replica of Bernie’s slide. Merchandise is available at the team store near the home plate entrance, while upscale dining with panoramic views can be found on the club level down the left field line.

Brewers fans are among the most passionate in baseball, supporting their team through wins and losses alike. Their enthusiasm and love for the game make the atmosphere at American Family Field unforgettable. With its modern amenities, rich traditions, and unmatched tailgating culture, this ballpark offers an exceptional experience for baseball fans.

American Family Field Pictures