Ballpark Game Plan: Milwaukee Brewers & American Family Field

Field: American Family Field

Official Site: https://www.mlb.com/brewers/ballpark

Year Completed: 2001

Capacity: 41,900

Covered: Yes

Mascot: Bernie Brewer

The Game We’ll See: Tuesday, August 22: Minnesota Twins vs. Milwaukee Brewers (see all 30 here!)

Parking & Transportation:

American Family Field allows tailgating in all its lots. Parking lots open three hours before the first pitch. Fans can purchase parking in advance or onsite, with a credit card. The price is lower when purchased in advance and runs $13 to $40.

Oversized vehicle: American Family Field allows RV parking. The cost is $75 on weekdays and $100 on weekends.

There are two bus lines that serve American Family Field. Route 18 and CONNECT BRT both stop within walking distance of the stadium.

Stadium Tours:

American Families Field does not offer traditional public tours. However, they do offer Bernie’s Slide! For $150 on weekdays and $175 on weekends, up to 8 people can register for Bernie’s Slide. Participants get a tour of the stadium and five rides down Bernie’s Slide, the long slide down which the Brewer’s mascot slides whenever the team scores a home run.

General Information:

Bags: American Family Field allows fans to bring in single compartment, clear bags no larger than 16” x 16” x 8”, or a clear, 1-gallon, sealable bag, or a clutch/small bag no larger than 9” x 5” x 2”. The only exceptions are for medical bags and diaper bags. Lockers are not available.

Food & Beverages: Fans may bring their own food, but everything must be packaged inside a clear, gallon-sized plastic bag. Fans may also bring in one, factory-sealed plastic bottle of non-alcoholic beverage no larger than 32 ounces.

Cashless transactions: All transactions are cashless.

Signs: Signs are permitted if they are baseball-related, don’t block views, interfere with the game, contain advertising, or contain offensive materials.

Foul Balls: Fans may keep foul balls, as long as they don’t interfere with play or enter the playing area to retrieve them.

Gates: Gates open 90 minutes prior to first pitch.

Cameras: While cameras are permitted, camera bags must fit within the bag size limitations, lenses must be no longer than 8”, and monopods and tripods are prohibited.

Umbrellas: Umbrellas are permitted.

Where to Sit:

For shade, sit on the first base line. Look for seats in 109, 208, 209, 409 to 416, 103, 104, 218 and 219.

If you aren’t on a tight budget, get Field Infield Boxes in Sections 110 (first base) to 125 (third base). For slightly less expensive seats that are almost as good, look for seats in sections 126 and 128.

The best value, according to Ballpark E-Guides, are the Loge Boxes. The Ultimate Baseball Road Trip agrees, and suggests the Loge Bleachers in 201 to 205, 233 to 238, in rows above 3 and under 16. Loge 210 – 227 are also good seats, as long as you stay under row 18.

There are lots of inexpensive seats at American Families Field. If you arrive early, you can purchase Uecher Seats in Sections 421 and 422 for just a dollar or so. Be forewarned: the seats are obstructed! However, you can get up and wander around the stadium for better views elsewhere. You can also purchase seats in Bernie’s Terrace, which are also obstructed and a long ways from the plate. The advantage to these seats is that they can be purchased in advance.

Avoid the 300 level and the Terrace, and the 400 level, if possible.

Food:

By all accounts, the trademark food at a Brewers game is a Bratwurst with Secret Sauce. If you like the zingy tomato sauce, you can purchase it at local grocery stores to take home as a gift!
If you are partial to burgers, Ballpark E-Guides recommends Bernie’s Bombers Burgers near Section 107 and 125.
Several fans commented about the Brachos, homemade potato chips smothered in shredded bratwurst, beer cheese, salsa and green herbs. Find them in Sections 111 and 123.
Ballpark Chasers on Facebook also recommend checking out J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard in left field. It’s an operating brewery with excellent seating from which to watch the game. It’s open on both game days and non-game days.

First Time Visitors:

American Family Field offers First Game Certificate at the Brewers Guest Relations kiosks located near Sections 116, 221, 333, and 419.

Autographs:

No official policy is outlined, but Lake Country Family Fun said that, if you arrive early, players will sometimes sign autographs near third base.

Other Stadium Tips & Highlights:

Miller Lite sponsors the Milwaukee Brewers’ designated driver program. Sign up at the Designated Driver Kiosk behind Section 120 or any Guest Relations desk and receive a voucher for a free fountain drink.

During the seventh inning stretch, be prepared to sing “Roll Out the Barrel!”

The Brewers’ Famous Racing Sausages race during the middle of the 6^th inning for home games. The Sausages include the Brat a.k.a. Bratwurst (#1), Polish Sausage (#2), Italian Sausage (#3), Hot Dog (#4), and Chorizo (#5).

Outside of the Home Plate Gate, the 1901 Milwaukee Brewers Monument honors the first American League team to play in Milwaukee. The 1957 Milwaukee Braves Monument outside Helfaer Field celebrates the Milwaukee Braves’ championship over the Yankees. The Milwaukee Braves Wall of Honor, near the Left Field Gate, honors famous Braves players and coaches. The Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor, in the same area, recognizes famous Brewers. The Walk of Fame starts at Home Place Plaza and recognizes greats from both teams.

The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Wall of Honor is located on the Field Level near the Left Field Gates. The American Family Field Statues include baseball greats Hank Aaron, Bud Selig, Bob Uecker, and Robin Yount. Autograph Alley, near the Left Field Gate, features a collection of autographed baseballs. The Wisconsin Natives Wall of Honor recognizes MLB players who are Wisconsin natives. On the Loge Level, in the Left Field corner, the Selig Experience is a multimedia presentation of Bud Selig’s role in saving Major League Baseball.

The retired numbers are displayed on the beam near the scoreboard, and includes: