Miller Thriller

Official Review by Matt Trebby, Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

Miller Park opened in 2001 and was one of the first stadiums in the United States to feature a retractable roof. In Milwaukee, a new stadium was very necessary at the time of its construction to replace County Stadium, and the Brewers made sure they did it right with Miller Park.

There are 41,900 seats in Miller Park, and with standing room only tickets the record attendance for a game is over 46,000. The ballpark has featured multiple concerts and events outside of just Brewers baseball, including Professional Bowlers Association events in 2004 and 2007.

As time has passed, Miller Park has become more diverse and dynamic in its attractions. It features different bars throughout the stadium and is one-of-a-kind in regards to ballparks in Major League Baseball.

Food & Beverage    5

The food and drink inside the ballpark is likely Miller Park's best feature. The variety of food available at the stadium is extremely impressive, and as you would expect in Milwaukee the selection of beer is very impressive as well.

There are very good baked potatoes, the best kettle corn I've had, many nachos and sausage stands, multiple deli stations, places for Dippin' Dots and other ice cream, and a stand that features a food item from the city that the team facing the Brewers is from.

Miller Park's website has a listing of all of the stands. If you make it to a game, though, I would suggest getting there about 20 minutes before you were originally planning so you can walk around the stadium and go over the food options thoroughly before making a decision.

Atmosphere    4

Regardless of how the Brewers are doing, the start of a game at Miller Park has a bit of a festive atmosphere. Part of that has to do with people being happy to be at a game, but the main reason for that is the late arriving crowds that tend to inhabit Miller Park.

Because of the amount of people that tailgate, many fans do not see the first pitch. For some fans it can be annoying because there are some that enter the stadium in the middle of an inning. It is not an issue most of the time, but it can be annoying.

For the most part, the game is divided into two parts. As long as the Brewers aren't losing by more than a couple runs in the first three or four innings, people are just getting settled in. When the fourth or fifth inning comes along, fans become attentive and engaged. Even if fans who have had a couple adult beverages too many are into the game.

Milwaukee may not be known for its quality baseball fans, but they sure do love a winner and appreciate their Brewers. The team is the only professional franchise that people value so they put a lot into the "Brew Crew," and that's evident come game time at Miller Park.

Neighborhood    4

Miller Park is not in downtown Milwaukee, but it is only five or 10 minutes away by car. There are still many bars that are within walking distance from the stadium on Bluemound Avenue, including Kelly's Bleachers or Rounding Third, and both places (and others) offer a shuttle to and from the game.

There are many different great bars and restaurants around Milwaukee, including different places downtown that also have shuttles that go both ways, before and after the game. Mo's Irish Pub and the Milwaukee Brat Haus are a couple of the more noteworthy places that offer shuttles from downtown, along with Steny'sTavern and Grill, and Oscar's on Pierce.

While the stadium isn't easy walking distance of too many establishments, it is not in a bad area of Milwaukee and has an impressive number of places to park. On certain game days, there are so many people tailgating that it's like a new mini-neighborhood full of people tailgating!

Fans    4

There is always a motley crew of fans at Miller Park. The Terrace level and loge bleachers are primarily where people who tailgate and have more adult beverages beforehand than most sit.

It is unlikely that you will experience any issues with fans at Miller Park. The only bad experiences I've ever had (and I've been to at least 15 games every season since Miller Park opened) were at the home opener in 2009 and any Wednesday afternoon game while school is still in session. In 2009, I was in the Terrace level and there were way too many people that were drunk and could not stay seated. The latter reason (Wed afternoon games), the kids have no interest in the game.

So there's a chance you'll find a fan that could annoy you, but there is a pretty small chance you'll leave Miller Park just remembering one person that ruined your experience. Fans in Milwaukee love their baseball, no matter how poorly the Brewers might be playing at any certain point in time.

Access    4

There are many different places that can take you from downtown or around the stadium to the game via a shuttle. Also, if you don't want to pay for parking and are coming from downtown, there is a bus that will take you to the game that runs up Wisconsin Ave.

Parking, though, will never be an issue. There is an incredible number of parking spots and it is only $10 ($15 for preferred which is closer to the stadium, but may give you more trouble when leaving).

Return on Investment    5

Tickets to a game at Miller Park are some of the least expensive in baseball. You can get in the stadium for $10 most of the time and it is rare that there is not some deal for a weekday series.

If you are looking for a quality seat, then you won't have to burn too big of a hole in your wallet. The best seats right behind home plate are usually $100, and the next most expensive are only $56. You will be able to spend about $40 for good seats from the Brewers, otherwise there are plenty of people outside that will be willing to give you tickets possibly for cheaper.

Extras    4

The racing sausages are a unique extra at Miller Park, but there is plenty more to it. The stadium is one of the more modern in baseball with its retractable roof and brand new video board.

Among other things, walking through all the tailgaters at Miller Park is still at times surreal, especially on weekends. To see all those thousands of people tailgating for a baseball game is really incredible. It's regular on NFL Sundays, but when there are 81 games a year instead of just eight at one stadium, you can really appreciate Brewers' fans dedication in drinking and grilling.

Final Thoughts

Along with Chase Field, Minute Maid Park, and Safeco Field, Miller Park is one of few stadiums in baseball to have a retractable roof which can be very useful when dealing with Wisconsin's springs and autumns.

If you're ever in the area, Miller Park is a must-see. The Brewers do a wonderful job of keeping you entertained in between innings, and the stadium itself is extremely unique. It has a modern feel to it that you will not get anywhere else in the MLB.