Miller Park Stadium

The Milwaukee Brewers after spending three decades at County Stadium began lobbying for new ballpark in the 1980's. More than a decade of planning and four and a half years of construction concluded in grand fashion on April 6, 2001 . President George W. Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch. In the home opening game Milwaukee Brewers star Jeff D'Amico fired a strike to Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin. The Brewers won the game by 5-4. Miller Park was build to replace Milwaukee County Stadium. Miller Brewing Co. bought the naming rights to the ballpark. Owned by Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball District and Milwaukee Brewers the stadium was built with $310 million of public funds and $90 million from the Brewers owners. The groundbreaking ceremonies of the new stadium were held on October 22, 1996 , in a parking lot behind County Stadium .

The construction of the facility was marred by several delays. Death of three construction workers in a crane accident in July, 1999 was also prime reason for the delay. The delay meant that the 1999 All Star game was not played in Milwaukee as scheduled. However, the stadium played a host to Major League Baseball All Star Game in 2002. On June 9, 2005 , Yankees' Alex Rodriquez hit his 400th homerun at the Miller Park . Sean Casey of the Cincinnati Reds got the first hit here on April 6, 2001 , a single in the top of the second inning. Three days later he hit a home run to get the first hit ever at PNC Park in Pittsburgh . Jeromy Burnitz hit the first official Brewers home run, a solo shot in the bottom of the sixth inning on April 6, 2001 . Miller Park is very massive and seems to have a machine theme. The stadium has a retractable roof, built in a unique convertible style, with the roof panels opening and closing simultaneously in a sweeping manner from the first base and third base sides towards center field. The $50 million, 7-panel retractable roof opens and closes in about 10 minutes. The roof weighs 12,000 tons and covers 10.5 acres. The main four tier grandstand extends from home plate to both foul poles.

The second, third, and fourth decks extend around the left field foul into left center field. Additional seating is behind the right field fence. Seats are distinctly closer to the field than they were at County Stadium . The outfield bleachers are inclined directly towards the home plate. The stadium has the seating capacity of 42,500 has all retro aesthetics, such as a brick facade, with modern amenities. The split-bowl seating system brings fans closer to the action on the field. The Uecker Seats, named after legendary Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker are installed in the upper deck terrace level behind home plate and cost only $1, because the view from there is hindered due to the roof pivot. Concourses on the field level facilitate the fans to see the game while walking around the ballpark. There are only 70 suites in the stadium, including 20 field-level suites. Down the left-field line is the Hot Zone where fans can enjoy meals at TGI Friday's Front Row Sports Grille. The 300 Club offers upscale (and pricey) food in an elegant restaurant atmosphere in left field.

There are five murals in the ballpark. Each mural covers an era of Milwaukee baseball and highlights the five main industries in Wisconsin . The concession stands on each level offers foods, like hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, beer, and more. Warm Secret Stadium Sauce is served at the at the condiment stands. There are also specialty brews available at the stadium. BBQ is a big theme at the park and offers BBQ pork, chicken nachos, and Klements BBQ pork sandwiches. Bernie's Clubhouse located on the Terrace Level behind home plate features an interactive playground, Kids Zone store and concession stands. Big League Blast on the Loge Level in the left field corner is also an interactive area. The stadium is properly ventilated and keeps the temperature of the ballpark thirty degrees above the outside temperature when the roof is closed. A huge video board is above the hitters backdrop in centerfield. Manual scoreboards located on both the left and right field walls. Outside the ballpark are the bronze statues of Milwaukee icons, such as Hank Aaron. There is also a clock tower near the main entrance of Miller Park . A Brewers Hall of Fame, open air patios, and walkways are located throughout Miller Park . There are nearly 13,000 parking spaces within walking distance of the ballpark. Areas around the park include numerous amenities and landscaping, including a monument to the County Stadium site.