When the Milwaukee Brewers first opened Miller Park back in 2001, it was a state-of-the-art facility and one of the most beautiful ballparks in Major League Baseball. So beautiful, in fact, that Milwaukee was awarded the All-Star Game just one year after it opened. However, that was 22 years ago and things have changed. In an exclusive report by Newstalk 1130 WISN, it was revealed that MLB has issued a serious warning to the Brewers regarding the state of American Family Field.
The Milwaukee Brewers Are Required to Make Repairs to American Family Field
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According to the exclusive report written by Dan O’Donnell:
“Major League Baseball has told the Milwaukee Brewers that they need to repair American Family Field to ensure it remains an MLB-caliber ballpark, “The Dan O’Donnell Show” has learned exclusively.
“While the league did not give the Brewers an explicit ultimatum, it was made clear that MLB will not allow American Family Field to “deteriorate” as Oakland-Alameda County Stadium (home of the Oakland A’s) has. Last month, the A’s announced a land purchase agreement that will move the team from Oakland to Las Vegas following the 2024 season.
“MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred will be in Milwaukee for the Brewers’ game against the San Francisco Giants Thursday as part of a tour of all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. A source familiar with the discussions who spoke on condition of anonymity said Manfred will further outline the league’s expectations when he meets with Brewers officials.
“The Brewers said earlier this year that American Family Field needs an estimated $448 million in repairs.”
Back in February, Wisconsin’s Democratic governor Tony Evers presented a budget that would provide the Brewers with $290 million from 2023-2025 to help fund the needed repairs. Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin’s assembly, however, are not keen on allowing the budget to pass.
When Miller Park was first approved, it was paid for using the taxes of the five counties surrounding the stadium. If the state budget does not include funds for the stadium, those local governments may be asked to fund the repairs, too.
Discover the latest Milwaukee Brewers News to learn about the MLB’s warning to the Brewers about the necessary repairs at the American Family Field.
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Frequently Asked Question’s
Why is it called American Family Field?
Previously known as Miller Park, the stadium that is home to the Milwaukee Brewers had a name change in 2021. The new name, American Family Field, reflects a 15-year naming rights agreement with American Family Insurance, a Wisconsin-based insurance company. The change came after the expiration of the $40 million naming rights agreement with Miller Brewing Company, which had been in place until the end of 2020.
Did the Milwaukee Brewers used to be in the American League?
Yes, the Milwaukee Brewers used to be in the American League (AL) and spent their first 29 seasons (1969-1997) with them. In 1998 they moved to the National League (NL) as per MLB's realignment. Currently, the Milwaukee Brewers is a member of the National League Central division.
3 Comments
This is a shakedown of taxpayers. The stadium has been well Maintained, and not to mention a new BREWERY and some golf thing have been added to increase year round use of the facility.
So what are we getting for $450 million? Repairs seems vague.
We’ve only been granted ONE All-Star game in those 20+ years and that was right after the stadium opened. If Manfred is pressuring us to make repairs and tax payer money is used, I’d want a guarantee that we get 1 more All-Star game immediately after the repairs, and another within the next 10 years after that!!! Otherwise, Manfred can go eat a big bag of d!ck$.