Milwaukee Brewers Foundation
Home of the Milwaukee Brewers since 2001.
American Family Field, known as Miller Park until 2020, is a retractable roof stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is the ballpark of Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers.
- Affiliation
- Major League Baseball (MLB)
- League History
- American League (1970–1993), National League (1994–Present)
- Home Stadiums
- County Stadium, Miller Park, American Family Field
- Notable Legends
- Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Cecil Cooper
- Status
- Active Franchise
Lore & Background
The stadium opened in 2001 under the name Miller Park as a replacement for Milwaukee County Stadium. It was built with $290 million of public funds from a 0.1% sales tax that began in 1996 and ended in 2020. The tax was controversial, and state senator George Petak lost a recall election after casting the deciding vote. Construction was delayed after a crane collapse on July 14, 1999, killed three workers. The stadium features North America's only fan-shaped convertible roof.
In Their Own Story
The air smelled faintly of cut grass and hot dogs as the gates opened on a crisp September evening. Old fans walked past the statues in the concourse, touching the bronze plaques that recorded the names of those who came before. Inside, the lights hummed to life over the diamond, casting long shadows across the infield dirt. It wasn't just about the game tonight; it was about the continuity, the feeling that no matter how much the world changed outside the walls, this place remained a constant home for the city.
Reader's Guide
The stadium is located southwest of the intersection of Interstate 94 and Brewers Boulevard. It has a fan-shaped retractable roof that can open and close in less than 10 minutes. Large panes of glass allow natural grass to grow, augmented with heat lamps in the off-season. Additions include LED scoreboards, a field-level picnic area, and sensory-friendly areas. Parking technology from Interstate Parking Company allows advance purchase or QR code payment.
Did You Know?
- The stadium opened in 2001 at a cost of $392 million.
- The roof's bogie system was replaced after the 2006 season at a cost of over $13 million.
- In 2023, Wisconsin lawmakers agreed to spend nearly half a billion dollars of public funds on renovations.
- The center field scoreboard installed for the 2024 season ranks 3rd in MLB size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Milwaukee Brewers Foundation?
It serves as the official charitable arm of the organization, dedicated to improving lives across Wisconsin through education and youth sports. Through various programs, it connects fans and players with local communities to foster civic engagement.
What are the main responsibilities or powers of the Foundation?
The group focuses on leveraging the team's popularity to drive positive social change throughout the state rather than managing baseball operations. Its primary objective involves building strong relationships with locals by emphasizing fair play and active participation in neighborhood initiatives.
How does the Foundation relate to changes in home stadiums?
While the franchise moved from County Stadium to Miller Park and now American Family Field, the Foundation has remained a constant presence in Milwaukee. It ensures that every venue serves as a hub for gathering community support regardless of roster turnover.
Why is the Foundation considered important to team culture?
It strengthens the bond between the club and state residents by prioritizing local needs over purely commercial interests. Fans often participate in events hosted by the group, making them active partners in regional growth and pride.
Do historic players support the Foundation's mission?
Yes, former players like Robin Yount and Paul Molitor frequently support these charitable efforts to inspire young athletes. Their involvement helps sustain the legacy of sportsmanship that defines the franchise's history in the Midwest.
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