Miller Park is the replacement for the old Milwaukee County Stadium, which was 30 years old by the time the Milwaukee Brewers moved into their new facility. After a lengthy construction and funding process, Miller Park opened on April 6th, 2001 at a final cost of $400 million. The 0.1% sales tax that went into the funding of this stadium was controversial, causing the mayor to lose a recall election due to support for the build, which was one of the largest projects in the state of Wisconsin at the time.
One of the reasons that the project was so expensive was due to the unique, fan-shaped retractable roof, which is the only one of its kind in North America. This roof has allowed for fans to be comfortable in their seats during colder spring and fall weather, which includes unpredictable precipitation. The roof also helps to make sure that the natural grass playing field remains usable after tough Wisconsin winters.
Located near Story Hill on the north west region of Milwaukee, Miller Park is close to Menomonee River and the Interstate 94 interchange. The most recent additions to this field include new scoreboards and HD screens, as well as a picnic area where you can watch the game only feet away from the right fielder.
Milwaukee Brewers Stadium
The 2014 season for Milwaukee was a mediocre affair, in which their home record of 42-29 was only slightly better than their road record of 40-41. In 2015, the Brewers suffered through a difficult, sub-.500 season, with their home and road win totals once again trending towards a bit more success for home games.
The rate of run production at Miller Park is far ahead of most MLB stadiums, finishing in the top six for the 2015 season. In terms of home runs, Miller Field ranks tops in the big show. In terms of hit production, doubles and triples, this venue ranks in the top third of all stadiums.
Fan attendance is somewhat inconsistent for the Brewers, although their attendance average jumped from 16th to 8th among all teams from the 2013 to the 2014 season. Despite performing well at home between 2011 and 2013, attendance dropped every year before its resurgence for the 2014 season.
Miller Park statues include Hank Aaron, Robin Yount, Bud Selig and a memorial statue in tribute of workers who passed away while building this stadium.
Stadium Vitals
Date Opened: April 6, 2001
Construction Cost: $400 million
Architect: Eppstein Uhen Architects; HKS, Inc.; NBBJ
Ballpark Type: Retro Modern
Capacity Attendance: 41,900
Playing Surface: Kentucky Bluegrass
Previous Milwaukee Brewers Stadiums
Sick’s Stadium; Milwaukee County Stadium
Other Major Events
2002 MLB All-Star Game
The 2002 Major League Baseball All-Star game was hosted at Miller Park. This All-Star game ended in the least baseball-like fashion possible, with the American and National League teams battling to a tie, which went against everything that Yogi Berra taught fans about the game.
Historic No-Hitter
When Hurricane Ike forced the Houston Astros and the Chicago Cubs to move two games to this field, Carlos Zambrano spun the first no-hitter ever to take place at a neutral site, and the first ever to happen at Miller Park. Ted Lilly almost did it against the next day, holding a no-hitter until the 7th.
Professional Bowling
On October 28th, 2007, the United States Bowling Congress played their masters finals at Miller Park, which resulted in a quartet of bowling lanes installed on the field.