Miller Park (Milwaukee Brewers)
4
I was able to see Miller Park on a tour before construction was complete... and so when I came to the first game, I was excited to see how it all wrapped up. When I walked inside, I was in for a small surprise - it didn't look all that much different from the tour! It has a decidedly unfinished, exposed metal look that could leave some wondering when are they going to finish this thing already?. It's overall approach to the field is far different than County Stadium, with 4 levels, a lot of open sight lines from the concession areas and walkways, and the ability to just stand around behind seating sections and watch the game without really having to head back to your seat. In order to keep the 4 levels closer to the game, they loom over one another, meaning if you want to get a suntan in the afternoon, you'd better be close to the field. Miller Park adds a TON of additional non-game features over County Stadium, which you can read about at their web site - but I personally feel that many of these detract a bit from the purpose of going to the game in the first place. At County Stadium, it was all about the game on the field... But at Miller Park, the game itself is much less of a focus, as if they expected fans to get bored with the game and go looking for other things to do. Given the team, they probably didn't have much choice. Here are my good/bad lists for Miller Park, and some easter egg notes at the end:
Good:
1) A roof in Milwaukee - Finally!
2) Much more open sight lines from concessions/walkways to the field, letting you see the game without having to run back to your seat.
3) More bathrooms (a big factor for women, who felt severely shortchanged at County Stadium, many times having to wait in lines)
4) Onsite restaurant (some might consider this a negative, but I think makes the park seem more upscale)
5) Overall, few bad seats - you can see the game well from most anywhere
Bad:
1) People died building it. This is sad & those individuals should never be forgotten (as the Brewers website seems to do).
2) Much more of a canned in feeling, like you are inside a... well, a can. This is primarily because of the support needed for the roof.
3) NO REAL BLEACHERS! Well, there are some in the corners - but nothing like County Stadium, and that's a real shame. Instead of throngs of fans, most of the outfield backdrop looks empty and void.
4) General parking areas can make for a LONG LONG walk - I mean, you get out of your car, and need binoculars to even see the stadium! Get preferred passes if you can.
5) When the roof is closed, it seems a little dreary. It's like the lights just don't cut it. Makes the stadium feel a little impersonal, especially when there aren't a lot of fans.
Easter Eggs:
1) Although at the expense of parking, they placed a great little junior stadium next to Miller Park, and it's something to check out. A great thing for local little league teams to use, complete with concessions, etc.
2) If you are struggling with food budget, try out the KIDS area, where things are a bit cheaper. While you are right that portions may be smaller, some things, like ICE CREAM, are nearly the same size at a much reduced price. (You don't have to have a kid to buy there).
3) When going to purchase tickets, consider being at the FRONT of the next level up, versus at the BACK of a level - the tickets will be cheaper, you won't feel as canned in, and you might actually get a better angle on the game.
Overall, I think it is a somewhat dreary, impersonal place when there are few fans - because you notice it's unfinished look and it has the feel of an empty amusement park. BUT it's a neat and exciting place when it's loaded with people, as it has been lately. But I suppose you could say the same thing about many of the parks out there.