Miller Park has been the home of the Milwaukee Brewers since the start of the 2001 season. That year can be described as the year before the dark year of 2002 for the Brewers (their statistically worst record of franchise history.) It was a new marvel in a way of new ballparks at the time for the MLB and one that has withstood a lot of criticism in the 17 years. Yours truly has attended plenty of games in the spring and summer for the Brewers, most recently earlier this year in late July against the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, this year was far different from years past for visiting this ballpark. Along the way, I explain why the ballpark has much improved.
First, upon entering the park, the way in is still the same despite the massive construction in and around Milwaukee. On this particular game day, we had a bus take us and there is special parking for those buses which is good on the Brewers to have this. For fans, it's typically easy to follow for parking, and this is something that has been maintained for the duration of time of Miller Park. The pricing on lots vary, so do look for which lot you want and the price prior to the game so you aren't lost at what is going on.
Upon entering the stadium, you'll notice if you are a Brewers fan or someone whom has frequented Miller Park, the Klement's Sausage Haus has become the Tailgate Haus. They had a change of sponsorship of the brats/hot dogs/pretty much everything besides the beer and the Friday's restaurant. The thing about this however, it is much better and more refreshing to the aesthetics of the ball park. The food is much better than years past in every facet. Johnsonville is the new brat/hot dog vendor, and they are miles better than Klement's. However, the other food is miles better as well than last year. I had chicken tenders and fries and it was absolutely great to have. That, along with a soda, is twelve dollars. It is a huge step that the Brewers staff undertook to improve the food experience of the park but the Brewers succeeded in this regard. The soda is what you expect and obviously the beer being Miller products is what is offered as well.
The one thing I will always have against Miller Park is in the summer, that park is a sauna waiting to happen. You have to stay hydrated in the park because you will scorch in there. This was the same case on this day after they opened up the roof. A lot of people will likely tell you the same, but that's just my perspective. The other aspects about the park are you have multiple areas of cell phone chargers, the fan stores are plentiful so there are multiple areas to shop for your favorite stuff. The park is pretty easy to walk around and go up to the levels you need with the ramps or escalators. However, the Brewers got destroyed on this given day, so it lost a lot of fun really quickly.
All in all, I would say the ballpark experience at Miller Park is much improved from the last few years. I believe the food and drink experience have gotten miles, miles better from the last couple of years and the Brewers succeeded in giving fans a better time with this. The team also has done well in improving fan experiences elsewhere. As for the park itself, it still ranks below Target Field, Great American Ball Park and Busch Stadium in parks that I have been to. However, I would suspect it to be in the top 10 to 12 of all parks now with how improved they have made things in the course of the last two years. Brewers fans should be happy about the changes and the future of the team.
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