Got tickets first time!

[nvbeav]

[hope this forum is okay to post these questions]

 

This is my first major league baseball game! We're all pretty excited to go :^)

 

Taking my family to the Brewers v. Pirates game on 6/22/17. We've never been to Milwaukee (from Reno, Nevada), so I have questions on where to stay, eat, tour, etc. Suggestions are appreciated!

 

- How early should we arrive to the game (starts at 1:10pm Thursday)? Are there food concessions open early? Is the food at Miller field good?

- Is there a souvenir shop at the stadium, or should we go somewhere else? (Need baseball hats, t-shirts, bobble-head(?), etc.)

- Any suggestions on good places to eat that have a historic local flavor?

 

Being kind of forgetful, there will be other questions when they're remembered!

 

Thank you in advance for letting me pick your brains!

Scott

[nate82]

Haven't been in Milwaukee for awhile but the Old German Beer Hall will give you the taste of Milwaukee. If you are going to be in town on a Friday I hope you like fish because that is basically what is served on Friday's at nearly every restaurant in Wisconsin.

 

http://www.oldgermanbeerhall.com

 

For custard you can go to Leon's but I prefer Kopps over Leon's.

 

leonsfrozencustard.us

 

https://www.kopps.com

 

If you bring something to trade people will generally allow you to join their tailgating. The food at the park is not bad but it is rather expensive. If you are driving to the game you should be fine as it is a day time game on Thursday there shouldn't be an issue with finding parking and getting into the stadium.

 

There is a team store in the stadium which is probably the best place to get what you are looking for.

[patrickgpe]

- How early should we arrive to the game (starts at 1:10pm Thursday)? Are there food concessions open early? Is the food at Miller field good?

- Is there a souvenir shop at the stadium, or should we go somewhere else? (Need baseball hats, t-shirts, bobble-head(?), etc.)

- Any suggestions on good places to eat that have a historic local flavor?

 

 

*The parking lots open up at 10am, will you be tailgating? If not there are plenty of bars in the neighborhood where you can grab lunch and take a bus to and from the game

https://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/millerparkshuttles.html

*The gates to the stadium opens up at 1130 and you can grab food inside the stadium. the food is very good and the new concession stands are pretty good, but of course if its your first time you got to get a brat with stadium sauce.

*the fan zone on the 3rd base field level is the largest concession stand and has anything you could possibly want. its very expensive though, if you are looking to purchase alot of items, id look at a kohls in the area. they have a good selection at much cheaper cost.

* where will you be staying, downtown?. i could recommend places nearby then.

[nvbeav]

Thanks for the good information! We'll try to arrive early to visit the team store.

 

Adding your suggestions to possible places to visit - seems like there's a lot to see and do, and food usually weighs in a little more than something like a museum.

[nvbeav]

- How early should we arrive to the game (starts at 1:10pm Thursday)? Are there food concessions open early? Is the food at Miller field good?

- Is there a souvenir shop at the stadium, or should we go somewhere else? (Need baseball hats, t-shirts, bobble-head(?), etc.)

- Any suggestions on good places to eat that have a historic local flavor?

 

 

*The parking lots open up at 10am, will you be tailgating? If not there are plenty of bars in the neighborhood where you can grab lunch and take a bus to and from the game

https://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/millerparkshuttles.html

*The gates to the stadium opens up at 1130 and you can grab food inside the stadium. the food is very good and the new concession stands are pretty good, but of course if its your first time you got to get a brat with stadium sauce.

*the fan zone on the 3rd base field level is the largest concession stand and has anything you could possibly want. its very expensive though, if you are looking to purchase alot of items, id look at a kohls in the area. they have a good selection at much cheaper cost.

* where will you be staying, downtown?. i could recommend places nearby then.

 

Cool! We'll check that website for shuttles and whatnot... We're looking at staying at the Best Western that's a little south-west of the stadium; it seemed to have reasonable "ratings".

 

The concession stands look like a great choice - a friend mentioned that we need to try them to get the full flavor of a major league game.

 

Kohls sounds like a good idea too! - we'll at least get a couple hats or something at the fan zone.

 

Thanks!

[hawing]

Welcome to Brewerfan and (soon) to Wisconsin, Scott.

 

patrickgpe is correct that Brewers clothing is much more reasonably priced at Kohl's department stores. For non-clothing Brewers items like bobbleheads, the team stores at Miller Park may be your best bet. There are two on the field (1st) level, with the LF corner store the largest. There are smaller stores on the club (3rd) and terrace (4th) levels.

The team stores also have some clothing items not available elsewhere, if that is more your thing.

 

The field, loge (2nd level) and terrace levels have guest relations booths. Their staff have a wealth of information, right down to which concession stands are open on a given day. They can also give you a "first Brewers game" certificate, or even one for each member of your family if you each want one. (You fill in the name.)

 

What section are your seats in? Knowing that might help us give you further advice (like whether you need sunscreen or a jacket).

 

And if you'll excuse my asking, how has a Pirates-at-Brewers contest come to be your first MLB game? There's no wrong answer to that.

[Outlander]

Since you are staying at the Best Western I might recommend just walking to Miller Park from there if it is a nice day, save you money on parking. The closest store to there that would have Brewers gear is the Target not too far from the Best Western, would be cheaper than the team shop. There are a bunch of stores/food on Miller Park Way directly south of the stadium. The Brewers have a very lenient carry in policy so feel free to bring in peanuts, bottled water and soda (no cans), candy or an entire tub of KFC as they don't really care as long as it is not alcohol.

[pacopete4]

Here is a LIST of all the shuttles. Punching them in Google maps is pretty easy to help see how close they are to where you are staying. Or maybe someone else with a bit better knowledge of the area would be able to tell you which is closes to that Best Western you are staying at.

[nvbeav]

Welcome to Brewerfan and (soon) to Wisconsin, Scott.

 

patrickgpe is correct that Brewers clothing is much more reasonably priced at Kohl's department stores. For non-clothing Brewers items like bobbleheads, the team stores at Miller Park may be your best bet. There are two on the field (1st) level, with the LF corner store the largest. There are smaller stores on the club (3rd) and terrace (4th) levels.

The team stores also have some clothing items not available elsewhere, if that is more your thing.

 

The field, loge (2nd level) and terrace levels have guest relations booths. Their staff have a wealth of information, right down to which concession stands are open on a given day. They can also give you a "first Brewers game" certificate, or even one for each member of your family if you each want one. (You fill in the name.)

 

What section are your seats in? Knowing that might help us give you further advice (like whether you need sunscreen or a jacket).

 

And if you'll excuse my asking, how has a Pirates-at-Brewers contest come to be your first MLB game? There's no wrong answer to that.

 

Section 212 - the lady I talked with when ordering tickets suggested this side to be in the shade. I'm just glad to be somewhat close to the field - figured it's better to spend a little more than kick myself later on.

 

The "first game certificate" will be a good, touristy thing :^) The whole trip came about for a relative's wedding (near Stevens Point), so we decided to make it a vacation and see the Brewers. We'll spend a couple days in Amherst/Stevens Pt, Wilton (middle of nowhere), Madison, and lastly 3 days in Milwaukee.

[nvbeav]

Since you are staying at the Best Western I might recommend just walking to Miller Park from there if it is a nice day, save you money on parking. The closest store to there that would have Brewers gear is the Target not too far from the Best Western, would be cheaper than the team shop. There are a bunch of stores/food on Miller Park Way directly south of the stadium. The Brewers have a very lenient carry in policy so feel free to bring in peanuts, bottled water and soda (no cans), candy or an entire tub of KFC as they don't really care as long as it is not alcohol.

 

That sounds like a great idea! A little exercise would do me good...

 

Speaking of "carry in" policy, will I be able to bring in my camera bag? The local college will kick you out of the game for bringing in a DSLR, which seem really weird to me. Even at a women's basketball game with 100 fans they'll get after you.

[nvbeav]

Here is a LIST of all the shuttles. Punching them in Google maps is pretty easy to help see how close they are to where you are staying. Or maybe someone else with a bit better knowledge of the area would be able to tell you which is closes to that Best Western you are staying at.

 

A lot of great information there! Will have to look more closely when I get off work :^)

Thanks!

[bjkrautk]

Speaking of "carry in" policy, will I be able to bring in my camera bag? The local college will kick you out of the game for bringing in a DSLR, which seem really weird to me. Even at a women's basketball game with 100 fans they'll get after you.

 

I got this one!

 

From the Miller Park A-to-Z Guide:

 

Cameras & Video Equipment Guests are permitted to bring cameras and video equipment into Miller Park, provided that they are intended for personal use only. Videotaping of any field activity, Brewers staff, or its agents is strictly prohibited. Guests are not permitted to stand in the aisles, wells or walkways, or obstruct others from viewing the game while taking photographs. Monopods and tripods are not permitted. Persons deemed to be violating these rules may be ejected, and the footage may be confiscated.

 

Carry-in Policy Guests may not bring any cans, glass containers or alcohol into Miller Park. Soda, water or juice must be contained in factory-sealed plastic bottles. Guests may bring food items into Miller Park using appropriate containers. All bags, purses, fanny packs or soft-sided coolers must be 16" x 16" x 8" or smaller and are subject to inspection. Hard-sided coolers are not allowed in the ballpark. Only food purchased within Miller Park will be allowed into Suite areas.

 

--

I've never tried to take a camera bag into the park, since it's not the greatest environment to switch lenses. I regularly take a DSLR into the park, with a hefty 200mm lens on the thing, and security never gives me a hard time about it.

 

(Gratuitous link to my Flickr album from last Sunday's game...taken from Section 216, a few sections over from where your seats are!)

[nvbeav]

Speaking of "carry in" policy, will I be able to bring in my camera bag? The local college will kick you out of the game for bringing in a DSLR, which seem really weird to me. Even at a women's basketball game with 100 fans they'll get after you.

 

I got this one!

 

From the Miller Park A-to-Z Guide:

 

Cameras & Video Equipment Guests are permitted to bring cameras and video equipment into Miller Park, provided that they are intended for personal use only. Videotaping of any field activity, Brewers staff, or its agents is strictly prohibited. Guests are not permitted to stand in the aisles, wells or walkways, or obstruct others from viewing the game while taking photographs. Monopods and tripods are not permitted. Persons deemed to be violating these rules may be ejected, and the footage may be confiscated.

 

Carry-in Policy Guests may not bring any cans, glass containers or alcohol into Miller Park. Soda, water or juice must be contained in factory-sealed plastic bottles. Guests may bring food items into Miller Park using appropriate containers. All bags, purses, fanny packs or soft-sided coolers must be 16" x 16" x 8" or smaller and are subject to inspection. Hard-sided coolers are not allowed in the ballpark. Only food purchased within Miller Park will be allowed into Suite areas.

 

--

I've never tried to take a camera bag into the park, since it's not the greatest environment to switch lenses. I regularly take a DSLR into the park, with a hefty 200mm lens on the thing, and security never gives me a hard time about it.

 

(Gratuitous link to my Flickr album from last Sunday's game...taken from Section 216, a few sections over from where your seats are!)

 

I thought I replied to this on Friday, but it was really busy that afternoon... Distractions, another side effect of old age :^)

 

That's great news that we can bring in not only the camera, but food and water! The rules look very reasonable.

 

Thanks for sharing your pictures!

[Baldkin]

If you're a beer drinker, and you're in Amherst, be sure to stop at Central Waters brewery! Amazing!

[nvbeav]

If you're a beer drinker, and you're in Amherst, be sure to stop at Central Waters brewery! Amazing!

That was one the first places on my itinerary I hoped to visit, but it might be difficult with a 13-y-o. Trying to work out a plan to be dropped off and let the girls shop somewhere

[Baldkin]

Wisconsin is very much okay with kids being around most drinking establishments. They usually have food trucks there and I'm pretty sure they serve root beer (as well as water, of course)

[Bikeage77]

First and foremost: I'd look on eBay or Amazon for shirts. Target has "official" Brewers gear but most of it is pretty limited, and what they do have is usually very craptacular IMO. The jerseys/shirts they offer don't look anything like the actual team would wear. Different fonts, etc. Kohl's is better, but choices again will be limited. Lids is your best option for hats, and they usually have some kind of deal and free shipping.

 

Tailgating: You can get a disposable grill for under $10 at hardware stores. If you can't find one, get a small grill ring for $6-7 and you can use a foil pan for charcoal. But you also have to get a spatuala, charcoal, food, etc. Personally I think it's worth it if you haven't gotten to tailgate before, but depending on the time you have, you might not want to run around and shop for all these things if you are renting a car.

 

Food inside: I think a must is a brat/polish/italian with onions or kraut and "dipped" in secret sauce. Cactus League nachos are pretty great too. Miller Park recently added a lot of micro brews. Third Spaces Happy Place or Good City's Motto are my favorite beers in Milwaukee right now if you are into pale ales. Lakefront's Riverwest Stein and New Glarus' Spotted Cow are the Wisconsin micro flagships though.

 

As for things to do in the city:

I'm not sure how long you have in Milwaukee (I haven't read everything posted previously), but my highest recommended thing to do is the Lakefront Brewery tour. I feel it's a staple tourism thing to do and they have a great fish fry to boot. You will most likely have to get the tickets for the tour in advance as the tours tend to sell out. They have root beer for minors.

 

The Milwaukee Art Museum is worth checking out, as is the Milwaukee County Zoo. Both pretty good options for kids (not sure how old they are).

[nvbeav]

I'd like to thank everyone for all the suggestions and help on things to do in Wisconsin! Our vacation came and went too fast, but we really appreciated all your help.

 

[sorry this will probably be a little long.]

 

The original reason for going to WI was my cousin's grandson's wedding at Riverside Bible Camp near Amherst. The ceremony was held on an island surrounded by the Tomorrow River and the verdant countryside. My life is wealthier having seen such beauty.

 

For such a short vacation, we had more pizza than we usually do. Stevens Point (Polito's - excellent), Rockton (Blue Goose - excellent), Milwaukie (National @ BW - pretty good). It's refreshing to see such quality at so many place; even MKE's pizza looked good.

 

AT&T really has problems in WI - almost 2 days with no/spotty reception on our trip. ...Although, it was nice getting the daughter off the phone for a while!

 

We like looking at old mansions, so we stopped at both Al Ringling's Mansion in Baraboo and the Pabst Mansion in Milwaukie. Both are a continuing work of restoration, and both were rescued from being razed fairly recently. If you enjoy craftsmanship, beauty, and history, they're both highly recommended.

 

In Madison, the State Capitol tour was not only free, it was jaw-dropping. People don't make things like that anymore.

 

Also in Madison, the Olbrich Park Botanical Gardens was a nice visit. There's no entrance fee, the gardens are very nice, but the Thai pagoda was stunning.

 

We could see that custard is a highly valued food in the region (as well it should be :^)... We tried some in Madison at a little chain custard place - it was reasonable, but nothing compared to either Kopp's or Leon's. We would have tried some more places, but I didn't want the airline to double-charge me when I returned. As to my favorite place... I don't want to start any wars, but I agree strongly both ways.

 

We took a tour at Lakeside Brewery and tasted some amazing beers! I think it's $10 for the tour and you get 4 tokens to get 4 full pours. We ended up using most of our tokens for several bottles of their Maple Root Beer to use as gifts on our return. Two of my favorites are the Riverside and Eastside (?).

 

Not sure if I imbibed too much, but Lakeside's food was awesome! I got the fish fry with fries and could have eaten another. Like I said, I've forgotten what my wife and daughter ordered.

 

Besides the blessed wedding, going to the Brewer's baseball game was an amazing highlight. We walked to Miller Park from the Best Western on National Avenue, which took maybe 15 or 20 minutes. I found that pocket knives are not allowed, so I ran back to the trail and quickly noticed that I could push through a thicket of bushes and hide my expensive knife without being observed :^)

 

Miller Park is huuuge! The roof was closed and opened during the game - a remarkable feat of engineering! There were a few really high popups that seemed near to the roof, but in reality were probably not even close.

 

Good thing the concessions opened 1.5 hours before the game - we were able to shop around and look at souvenirs and food. Too bad everything closed so quickly after the game - that'll teach us to hesitate before buying.

 

Lastly, and if you're still awake, I can see another trip should be made to catch some stuff we missed (like Central Waters Brewery, more stuff in Milwaukie, etc.). My wife and daughter really loved it there too, so it won't be too hard to convince anyone to return!

 

Thank you all!

[homer]

Gald you had a good time. I feel our city/state are quite underrated.

 

Also, it's Milwaukee - with two e's. Milwaukie is in Oregon