A Guide to American Family Field
American Family Field (formerly known as Miller Park) has served as the home of the Milwaukee Brewers since 2001. Built to replace the beloved but aging Milwaukee County Stadium, it is an engineering marvel defined by its signature fan-shaped convertible roof, the only one of its kind in North America. This distinctive architecture not only guarantees baseball in the unpredictable Wisconsin climate but also creates a uniquely boisterous, enclosed atmosphere that amplifies the energy of the passionate fan base.
Getting to the Ballpark
The stadium is located just west of downtown Milwaukee. Unlike many urban ballparks, it is not woven directly into a city grid, which impacts how you arrive.
- Bar ShuttlesThis is the most unique option. Dozens of bars across Milwaukee offer free shuttle buses to the game if you buy a drink at their establishment. It allows you to park for free or cheap near a bar, enjoy pregame food/drinks, and get dropped off right at the stadium entrance. There are six different pick up zones near the Home Plate Gate. Check herehere for the current participating bars.
- Driving & ParkingThe stadium is surrounded by massive parking lots. If you drive, tailgating is a massive culture here, often more elaborate than the game itself. The Brewers use a License Plate Recognition (LPR) system for all lots, meaning there are no cashiers or scanners, and all parking is cashless. Parking is divided into General and Preferred areas. Preferred lots are closer to the gates and generally more expensive.
- RideshareThe designated rideshare zone is at the south side of the Molitor Lot, about a half mile walk (10 min) from the Home Plate Gate via Yount Drive.
- Public TransitPublic transit is not especially strong in Miluwakee. Two bus routes are walking distance to the stadium: the CONNECT BRT on Wisconsin Avenue with bus stops located on Wisconsin & 44th Street and the MCTS Route 18 bus which runs along National Avenue and stops near Miller Park Way, requiring a roughly 15-20 minute walk to the stadium.
Pregame Festivities
The Neighborhood
Strictly speaking, there isn't one. The stadium sits in an industrial valley separated from residential areas by highways and parking lots. You cannot easily walk to a bustling entertainment district of bars and restaurants right outside the gates. Due to this tailgating is the primary pregame activity
Shuttle from Nearby Bars
- Bluemound RoadA strip of bars north of the stadium. Kelly's Bleachers, J&B's Blue Ribbon Bar & Grill, Dugout 54, Magoo's on the Mound and McGinn's Sports Bar are all staples. Story Hill BKC offers a higher end dining option. These are the closest bars to the stadium
- Other Bar ShuttlesA number of other bars throughout the city offer shuttle service to the stadium. This mapThis map shows the shuttle pick up locations for the various bars. It's important to confirm that each of these locations is running a shuttle for the game you attend. Downtown on MLK Drive and on Brady St on the Lower East Side are two more popular areas 4th Base: South of the stadium, 4th Base is a steakhouse and seafood restaurant inside a neighborhood sports bar with unique sports memorabilia (including a former manager's wooden leg). While clearly Brewers' themed, note that 4th Base does not offer a shuttle to the stadium so you'll still have to drive or Ride Share in.
Monuments & Unique Features
While the stadium itself is modern, the grounds are rich with history from the stadium that stood there before it.
- Parking Lot History
- Hank Aaron's 755th Home Run MarkerLocated in the parking lot just beyond the outfield fence of Helfaer Field, look for a plaque embedded in the asphalt. This marks the exact spot where Hank Aaron's final home run (and then-record 755th) landed in 1976.
- Old County Stadium Home PlateJust outside the front door of American Family Field lies Helfaer Field, a little league park built on the footprint of the old Milwaukee County Stadium. Within this area, there is a specific marker denoting the original location of Home Plate from the old stadium. You can stand exactly where Aaron, Yount, and Molitor batted.
- Statues & Monuments
- Home Plate PlazaThe area surrounding the Home Plate entrance features statues of franchise icons Hank Aaron, Robin Yount, Bud Selig, and Bob Uecker. You can also find a second Uecker statue inside the stadium in section 422 of the upper deck, behind home plate.
- Walk of FameLocated on the main plaza (home plate), this exhibit features home plate shaped granite slabs. It recognizes individuals (players, coaches, executives) who made significant contributions to Major League Baseball in Milwaukee, encompassing the history of both the Brewers (since 1970) and the Milwaukee Braves (1953-1965).
- Wall of HonorLocated on the exterior wall near the Hot Corner (left field), this exhibit features bronze plaques that strictly honor former Milwaukee Brewers players, coaches, and executives who meet set criteria based on service time and club accomplishments.
- The Teamwork StatueLocated near the clock tower, this honors the three ironworkers (Jeffrey Wischer, William DeGrave, and Jerome Starr) who tragically lost their lives during the Big Blue crane collapse during the stadium's construction in 1999.
- Retired NumbersThe Brewers have six retired numbers displayed on the upper ring of the stadium flanking either side of the centerfield video board. There is also a plaque featuring a microphone for the late broadcaster Bob Uecker
- #4 Paul Molitor
- #19 Robin Yount
- #34 Rollie Fingers
- #44 Hank Aaron
- # 42 Jackie Robinson (league wide)
- #1 Bud Selig
- The Selig ExperienceA small theater/museum on the Loge Level that details the fight to bring the Pilots to Milwaukee (becoming the Brewers) and the history of the team under Bud Selig. It includes a holographic presentation.
- Bernie's ChaletLocated in left field. When a Brewer hits a home run, the mascot (Bernie Brewer) slides down a giant yellow slide.
- The Sausage RaceThe famous race occurs in the middle of the 6th inning. Five sausages (Brat, Polish, Italian, Hot Dog, and Chorizo) race around the warning track.
- "Roll Out the Barrel"During the 7th-inning stretch, after Take Me Out to the Ballgame, the entire stadium sings this polka classic—a nod to Milwaukee's brewing heritage.
- X-GolfA year-round golf simulator facility located in the left field corner (Club Level) that is accessible during games.
Seating & Special Sections
- The "Uecker Seats" ($1 Tickets) & The Hidden StatueNamed after legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker, these are obstructed view seats in the Terrace Level (Section 422). They are sold for $1 at the box office on game days. This section features a bronze statue of Bob Uecker sitting in an empty seat behind a structural pillar. This is a hilarious photo op and a nod to his famous Miller Lite commercial ("I must be in the front row!").
- All Inclusive SectionsIf you've got a large group consider some of the following all inclusive group sections located in prime and unique spots throughout the stadium:
- Aurora Health Care BullpenLocated on the Field Level in right center field, this area sits directly next to the visitors' bullpen. It offers a unique player's eye view of the game and often feels like you are sitting on the field itself. It is primarily used as an all-inclusive group space, making it perfect for parties that want a private feel with intense proximity to the action.
- X GolfLocated on the Club Level above the Left Field Bleachers there are 3 different sized suites depending on how big your group is. These suites offer a full buffett, free drink tickets, and a golf simulator with club rentals
- Brew Room + Bullpen Porch PatioFor groups of 30 and up there are a couple of different options for this all inclusive section that puts you directly over the Brewers bullpen
- Casual optionsSeveral other more casual options with patio like setups are positioned throughout the outfield for large groups. These include the Miller Lite Landing (left center), Casamigos Patio (left field), Vizzy Loft (right field), Toyota Territory(right center), and Associated Bank Power Alley (left field, above the Brew Room + Bullpen Porch)
Concessions
- Local Culinary PartnershipThe Brewers partnered with local James Beard-nominated restaurateurs, Black Shoe Hospitality, to revamp several concession stands, offering elevated comfort food across the ballpark. The signage for these stands generally tell you the basic food being offered with a "Powered By…" to let you know which concept the stand encompasses
- Maxie's (Southern Comfort)Specializing in Chicken Sandwiches & Tenders, including a popular Fried Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich served with comeback sauce.
- Blue's Egg (Brunch/Comfort Food)Offering Specialty Sausages and Nachos, including unique offerings like the Chorizo Breakfast Sandwich and various loaded nacho options.
- Story Hill BKC (Seasonal American)Specializing in Burgers and Topped Hot Dogs, featuring creative combinations like the Peppered Brandy Burger (with caramelized brandy onions) and the Wisconsin On My Mind Dog (with cheddar and fried cheese curds).
- Wisconsin Staples
- Brats with Secret Stadium SauceYou cannot visit without trying a bratwurst topped with "Secret Stadium Sauce," a unique condiment (a mix of BBQ and ketchup flavors) invented at the old stadium.
- Cheese CurdsFried cheese curds are available at nearly every concession stand.
- Unique Venues
- J. Leinenkugel's Barrel YardA functioning brewery and restaurant located inside the stadium (Left Field) overlooking the field. They brew specialty beers on-site that are exclusive to the ballpark.
- 3rd Street Market Hall AnnexA newer area on the Loge Level featuring local Milwaukee vendors like Kompali (tacos/tamales) and Smokin' Jack's BBQ. This area also features elevated craft beer and cocktail stands
- The AlleyA food truck park concept located on the Loge Level (left field) that features a central bar and rotating local vendors, such as Chucho's Red Tacos (birria tacos) and Baron's Gelato.
- The "414 Menu"A value menu offering items like junior hot dogs, nachos, and sodas for roughly $4 each.
- DrinksIn addition to the Leinenkugel brewery and restaurant there are two other bars featuring specialty drinks. If you're looking for more basic options check out any of The Marketplace stands that dot the concourse
- Local Brews Stand(Loge Level, near Section 207) A dedicated stand that features a rotating selection of up to 24 different draft beers exclusively from Wisconsin breweries.
- Cream City CocktailsA dedicated bar located in the right field corner on the Loge Level. The bar features a rotating menu of craft cocktails, including the state's signature drink, the Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned, alongside options like the Blood Orange Moscow Mule and Pineapple Margarita, often utilizing local spirits.
Field Dimensions
Stadium Information
Distinguishing Features
- Retractable roof
- Bernie Brewer's slide
- Tailgating
- Sausage Races (middle of the 6th)
- "Roll Out the Barrel" song in addition to Take Me Out to the Ballgame during 7th inning stretch
Notable Events
- Opening: April 6, 2001
- 2002 MLB All-Star Game
- Construction tragedy memorial (1999)
- 2002 All Star Game (the infamous tie)
- Carlos Zambrano No-Hitter 2008 (1st Neutral Site No Hitter. Game moved from Houston due to hurricane)
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this stadium
Fan Scorecards
See how fans rated their experience at this stadium