Going to the game and want a beer? Where might you find some “value”?
Everything you have heard, everything you have seen and everything you know about drinking in Wisconsin turns out to be true: Wisconsin drinks.
In fact, five Wisconsin cities lead the nation (and maybe the world- we’ll have to dive deeper on that) in terms of the number of bars per resident. Per VinePair, Wisconsin has 2,732 total bars. Minnesota, by comparison, has 872. (That does not include liquor licenses or Grocery Store Bars which might exceed over 17,000 liquor licenses spread out across the state.) Lacrosse, Eau Claire, Oshkosh, Stevens Point and Green Bay routinely vie for the most bars per resident.
People like to drink here. It is imbedded in Wisconsin culture.
People in Wisconsin also love sports. It stands to reason that those two activities are often combined.
So when you are at the game and want a beer, where is it “cheapest”? Where does it cost the most? (Where should you make sure to “pregame”?) Spoiler alert here: minor league baseball is still your absolutely best value play. If you time it right, $1 beer nights still exist there as they vie for your sports dollars.
Let’s take a closer look at the numbers. This research is cobbled between internet specifics, personal anecdotes and other sources. Let’s start with an “unusual” one.
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Camp Randall
Beer is not usually not available to the general public
It seems many Big Ten schools don’t sell alcohol at football games: Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn State, and Wisconsin are the remaining Big Ten schools to not sell alcohol to the general public during football games.
However, if you do want to drink you often can with a V.I.P. experience on the south end of the stadium (Touchdown Club, Victory Club, Fifth Quarter Patio). It’ll cost you! Those game-day experiences are in the 100’s of dollars.
Fiserv Forum
This one is probably one of the most expensive places to casually drink.
Recently the Fiserv switched from Miller Products to Bud products. (From Beer Capitol to Beechwood, the two behemoths of Wisconsin alcohol.) So that comes with a whole other set of thoughts. And again, a can of Bud Light is not cheap here.
- Bud Light $12
- 16 Oz Craft Cans $14-18
- Some craft cocktails can be as high as 28 dollars. (Watch out if you order a “double”)
Related: Should the Bucks make a massive trade?
American Family Field
Great news, beer prices are actually ticking down here. Also, the club tried, and stopped, selling beer past the 7th inning.
- Miller Lite 16 oz can $9
- Generally $0.69 per ounce on craft beer, so between $10-15 on a craft can
Lambeau Field
- 16 oz Miller Lite Can $9.75
- 24 oz Miller Lite Can $14
- Craft Beers/Cans: $11-16
- Craft Cocktails range from $8-20
Just looking at the great times in this photo above makes me miss football and tailgating.
Franklin Field
- Domestic Drafts $5
- Craft and Imports Can $8
- Cocktails: $5-10
The key here is to get a $12 bleacher seat. That comes with a free beer and hot dog. It’s almost like they are PAYING you to go see baseball. I’m also not totally sure how it works but you can purchase a wristband for unlimited beer and drinks with your ticket. What a steal!
Related: The Milkmen are back in 1st Place
Klotsche- UW-M
UW-M is a “dry” campus. Now that is not how I necessarily remember it partying in the North Tower, but I guess memory can be deceiving.
Oshkosh Civic Center (Herd)
- 16 oz Miller Lite Can $7
- Craft Beers/Cans: : $10-$16
So cheaper than the Fiserv but still a little higher than one might expect.
Timber Rattlers (A ball Brewers)
- $2 for a 16 oz Miller Lite Can on “Bang Your Buck” Nights
- $6 otherwise
- $6-12 or Craft and Import Cans
- Cocktails from $6-12
Final Verdict:
Both Lambeau and Fiserv and the most expensive stadiums to drink in. For $50 you might manage 3-4 beers and a maybe a cocktail.
Am Fam is right in the middle- some value but not much. Again for $50 you might end up with 4-5 beers and a cocktail.
The Milwaukee Milkmen and Appleton Timber Rattlers (Brewers Single A club) are your “steals”. Check out a game this summer, bring your money and know you’ll go home with the pump primed and some cash leftover. In fact, on $1 beer night if you bring $50, you are certain to make some quick friends. But please, please, please don’t drink $50 worth of beer! Just know they make more beer and you’ll want to be able to live, and drink, for another day.
Follow me on Twitter at @authorrudylb and check out my other writings at www.rudylb.com. Follow us at @WiSportsHeroics! For all things Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
