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Opening Day 2001 marked the passing
of the old to the new for Baseball fans of Milwaukee as Brewers fans bid farewell
to County Stadium and said hello to Miller Park. With over a decade of planning
and 4 1/2 years of construction, Miller Park opened its doors for Milwaukee Brewers
Fans on April 6, 2001. President George W. Bush was on hand to throw out the ceremonial
first pitch, officially marking the opening of Miller Park.
Miller Park is a traditional ballpark reflecting local architecture, but has a retractable
dome roof to protect against the cool weather in Wisconsin during the spring and
fall. At a cost $400 million, Miller Park was partially financed by a five county,
1/10th of a cent sales tax increase. Beginning in January 1996, the Southeast Wisconsin
Professional Baseball District began levying the tax to help finance its $160 million
contribution to Miller Park.
As construction of Miller Park finally began in 1999 there were delays along the
way, most notably when three construction workers tragically lost their lives in
a crane accident on July 14th of 1999. The accident caused a year delay for the
opening of Miller Park, as well as an additional $100 million.
Miller Park truly is state-of-the-art; so much so that Major League Baseball chose
Milwaukee for its mid-summer classic, the All-Star Game, to be played at Miller
Park in 2002. The signature fan-shaped convertible roof (the only of its kind in
North America), a color replay board of epic size and four-level seating begins
to show how Miller Park is one of baseball's crown jewels. In fact, Miller Park
marked the largest construction project in Wisconsin history.
In less than 10 minutes, the convertible roof of Miller Park opens or closes in
virtual silence. Reaching 200 feet above the playing field, the roof consists of
seven panels, each as large as the roof of the Bradley Center. Below sits the turf
made of natural grass. A home run to center field in Miller Park would have to scale
the 8 foot wall and clear the 400 foot distance from home plate.
Miller Park can seat 42,400 spectators through its stadium and suite seating. There
are a total of 70 suites in Miller Park, each with spectacular views of the play
on the field. Miller Park's .300 Club offers season-ticket holders access to an
elegant spot for dining, entertaining and cocktails. There are three family sections
in Miller Park, addressing the needs of families with youngsters. As stated, a fan-friendly
ballpark, Miller Park accommodates the needs of its visitors with plenty of food
and beverage options, as well as an ample supply of much needed restrooms.
During a Brewer game at Miller Park, fans will hopefully see Bernie Brewer go down
his slide, which he does after one of the Brewers hits a home run. Fans will also
see the famous Klement's Sausage Race in the 7th inning, as well as sing Take me
out to the Ballgame during the 7th Inning Stretch.
Overall, the Miller Park site covers 265 acres, with the building covering 25 acres.
It has been noted that it would take 4,655,926,995 baseballs to fill Miller Park.
Displayed inside Miller Park are the retired numbers of past Brewers greats: Henry
Aaron (44), Rollie Fingers (34), Robin Yount (19) and Paul Molitor (4). In 2005,
the number 50 was added to honor hall of fame announcer Bob Uecker's 50 years in
professional baseball.
Outside Miller Park, on the spot where the original County Stadium field was, sits
Helfaer Field, a tremendous spot for youth baseball and softball. The $3.1 million
Field was funded by a generous grant from the Helfaer Foundation, as well as additional
funding from the Miller Park budget. Mr. Helfaer was actually an original investor
in the Milwaukee Brewers years ago. Near Helfaer field, there lies a monument to
the Miller Park construction workers, a pair of bronze statues of Hall of Famers
Hank Aaron and Robin Yount alongside other tributes to other Brewer greats. It is
said that the original home plate in County Stadium would be located somewhere near
third base in Helfaer Field.
A visit to Miller Park isn't dependent on the Brewers being in town. Options for
visitors include: tours of Miller Park are available on a daily basis (subject to
game schedules), Friday's Front Row Sports Grill is a year-round dining option with
great views of the Park, and of course, a Little League game at Helfaer Field would
be a treat!
Children 2 years of age and younger do not need a ticket to see a game at Miller
Park. Preferred and general parking is available at Miller Park via Miller Park
Way.
Miller Park
One Brewers Way
Milwaukee, WI 53214
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