A New Year and New Ideas for Miller Park

[KeithStone53151]

An even bigger concern than the shuttle line is their setup for uber and lyft. So often that line is so long that it impacts people leaving from general and preferred parking. I hope figure out something, that problem is only going to get worse

[long ball]

I just looked up the ride share info for Miller park and you’re right. That seems like a horrible spot for it.

 

I avoid parking on that side of the stadium when I drive. It’s a little bit of a hike, but I’ve found that the Molitor lot is the best parking lot as far as getting in and out with little trouble.

[Bombers]

Definitely agree on the shuttles and Uber, they are a disaster. The whole interchange around MP needs to be redone to get cars onto the freeway faster and not slow down 94. Expanding 94 to 4 lanes is in dire need. But they need to figure something out in the short term. I normally park over the river in the Yount lot. I get it's a huge lot but I am always surprised they allow cars to head westbound on Canal (say from Potowatami) and into the traffic snarl around the park. You would think they would shut traffic down heading into the park temporarily via Canal. If you need to get into MP (Uber / Lyft) you need to take the freeway or come up 43rd st. When I head out of Yount I am frequently delayed by the traffic cop stopping cars exiting the lot to let a few cars into the mess.

 

As for Friday's, I take my 9 year old son there and have gotten tables near the bullpen. It's a blast and he loves it. The staff is fantastic there too. It's a good question on the lease, not sure on that. I would image it isn't indefinite.

[AdvantageSchneider]

My company's office in Cobb County is across the freeway from the new Braves stadium. It is huge. Miller Park would have to give up all the premium parking spots to even come close to developing something like that. Not sure it's worth it.

 

The Braves stadium is designed so that the hotels and condos/apartments and even some of the bars can see into the stadium. Miller Park isn't designed that way. Who would want to pay for a hotel or condo to look at the outside of Miller Park. And the weather is obviously a lot more conducive to that type of development, not to mention the general size of Atlanta too. I don't think Milwaukee could really support that kind of development, at least not where Miller Park is now.

[DocLuna7]

I think the team needs a Brewers Hall of Fame to highlight the organization and its history. Could probably be built around the Selig Experience which would become a part of the larger HOF. 2019 will be the 50th season of Brewers baseball in Milwaukee and not a peep from the team about it. If they want to encourage a love of baseball in the younger generation and do something to bind fans of all ages to the team and the city then maybe try and go with the rich history of the game instead of a shopping mall but that’s just me.

[Patrick425]

It really is a joke Fridays is the restaurant they chose. I thought it was lame when it opened, even worse now. But stuck with it I guess.

 

My idea would be to get rid of beer vendors. There's enough drunks, don't make it even easier for them. Yes, I realize this will never happen. But aren't the Brewers concerned about the liability involved with over-serving? I enjoy beer, but I'm getting to be an old fart so all the drunken language and actions going on around me has become the worst part of attending games by far.

 

I guess I became an "old fart" at about the age of 24 or 25 (over 25 years ago). That's when I stopped going to opening day because I was fed up with the drunken fan antics. Also started sitting in the family section around that time. I like to drink and I can tolerate a drunk in a bar. In fact it can be amusing in that setting. However, I have zero tolerance for sloppy drunks at a sporting event.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

It really is a joke Fridays is the restaurant they chose. I thought it was lame when it opened, even worse now. But stuck with it I guess.

 

My idea would be to get rid of beer vendors. There's enough drunks, don't make it even easier for them. Yes, I realize this will never happen. But aren't the Brewers concerned about the liability involved with over-serving? I enjoy beer, but I'm getting to be an old fart so all the drunken language and actions going on around me has become the worst part of attending games by far.

 

At the time, they were probably happy to get a commitment from anybody. MP was a very polarizing project. I think if the space opened today there is no way they would re-up with Friday's.

[Outlander]

Do people still go to TGI Fridays during the offseason? Just curious if it gets good business when there aren't games. Also, for game day, is it a good place for a family with young kids, so they have more room to move around?

 

Not a good place for young kids on game day.

It is fine if you buy one of the outdoor tables. Sat near the bullpen and kids even got autographs. However, inside is a different story. Hated even taking them to the restroom and walking past the bar area.

[paul253]

I’ve always thought it made a ton of sense to buy up some land east of the Yount and Uecker lots, tear down buildings that are currently being used by manufacturers and turn into a entertainment area with housing and,restaurants and hotels. The keys would be to get places that people want to go to year round. Maybe a Dave and Busters. You’d also have to do a lot of road work to make access better but I really do think it could work as a stadium district. Remember the casino right there, as is the Hank Aaron State Trial. The Domes aren’t too far and there is an idea going around of rebuilding the public museum next to the Domes. Eventually you could extend the street car down Canal Street to the Stadium too. Tons of possibilities but it would take time and money.

[Patrick425]

Do people still go to TGI Fridays during the offseason? Just curious if it gets good business when there aren't games. Also, for game day, is it a good place for a family with young kids, so they have more room to move around?

 

We usually do one annual visit to Fridays in January or February and get a seat by the window. I like the surrealistic vibe of looking out a dark empty stadium in the dead of Winter. There is generally not many people there (in Fridays), especially if we go on a weekday.

[Samurai Bucky]

I went to a Badger basketball game back in November, and it was over in an hour 45, and it just seemed like it flew by. Didn't feel like by the end I was sitting there like "come on, can we just get this over with?"

 

Last night's game was over at halftime... by I digress.

[Samurai Bucky]

Ok... here is the "non-pc" answer... for discussion only...

 

Is the Civil War cemetery really honoring those who are buried there? Could you relocate the graves to a place in a more rural setting with grounds that are more honoring to them? That would alleviate a lot of issues with the freeway, more buildings, etc.

[owbc]

Ok... here is the "non-pc" answer... for discussion only...

 

Is the Civil War cemetery really honoring those who are buried there? Could you relocate the graves to a place in a more rural setting with grounds that are more honoring to them? That would alleviate a lot of issues with the freeway, more buildings, etc.

 

It's way too controversial to be touched and nothing will ever happen. Probably borderline too controversial for this thread as well...

[tmwiese55]

What's always made me laugh are the people (mostly 20s and early 30s) that buy a ticket to get in and spend the ENTIRE game on the patio outside drinking. It's not just at cheap games either.

 

Ya, see this all the time and I just don't get it. On the rare chance I actually go to a game I'm going to get decent seats, usually around the Brewers dugout, and there's always some group of 20 somethings that show up in the third inning double fisting beers and bloody mary's who watch for an inning and then leave only to come back around the 7th with more beer and bloody mary's and then leave for good after the stretch. You spent like $80 on a seat (plus probably another hundred on alcohol) to sit in it for 20 minutes. But I'm just a 30 year guy with the temperament of a 70 year old man so what do I know.

 

Ha, I get this point. That said, once or twice a year I might be this type based on who I'm there with. Sometimes though you just bounce from area to area and still kinda watch the game from different spots. Still, why buy a good ticket then right? When I'm with a group like that who's not as into baseball as me I'm fine with buying $20 bleachers.

 

Still, I think the solution to this would be more open 'hangout' areas around the park. I think I mentioned it in a different thread about young people and someone mentioned here as something ATL did. Sure it would cost some seats but it would appeal to a younger demographic that views it more as a social event than purely to watch the game. Areas similar to the duck blind at Mallards games. Stick them in corners or in the outfield and let people mingle like in a bar.

[clancyphile]

I think the team needs a Brewers Hall of Fame to highlight the organization and its history. Could probably be built around the Selig Experience which would become a part of the larger HOF. 2019 will be the 50th season of Brewers baseball in Milwaukee and not a peep from the team about it. If they want to encourage a love of baseball in the younger generation and do something to bind fans of all ages to the team and the city then maybe try and go with the rich history of the game instead of a shopping mall but that’s just me.

 

This would be a good thing.

 

A Brewers Hall of Fame, maybe an indoor training facility for baseball (batting cages, that sort of stuff), a nice apartment/condo complex, a few good restaurants, maybe even a decent hotel or two - one where visiting teams could stay. Have the Brewers own that complex, and it would be a new revenue stream.

 

Add tailgating areas and wi-fi for a reasonable fee. Open the tailgating lots for away games, charge for the wi-fi and parking, and that makes Miller Park a gathering place for Brewers fans all season.

[KeithStone53151]

What's always made me laugh are the people (mostly 20s and early 30s) that buy a ticket to get in and spend the ENTIRE game on the patio outside drinking. It's not just at cheap games either.

 

Ya, see this all the time and I just don't get it. On the rare chance I actually go to a game I'm going to get decent seats, usually around the Brewers dugout, and there's always some group of 20 somethings that show up in the third inning double fisting beers and bloody mary's who watch for an inning and then leave only to come back around the 7th with more beer and bloody mary's and then leave for good after the stretch. You spent like $80 on a seat (plus probably another hundred on alcohol) to sit in it for 20 minutes. But I'm just a 30 year guy with the temperament of a 70 year old man so what do I know.

 

Ha, I get this point. That said, once or twice a year I might be this type based on who I'm there with. Sometimes though you just bounce from area to area and still kinda watch the game from different spots. Still, why buy a good ticket then right? When I'm with a group like that who's not as into baseball as me I'm fine with buying $20 bleachers.

 

Still, I think the solution to this would be more open 'hangout' areas around the park. I think I mentioned it in a different thread about young people and someone mentioned here as something ATL did. Sure it would cost some seats but it would appeal to a younger demographic that views it more as a social event than purely to watch the game. Areas similar to the duck blind at Mallards games. Stick them in corners or in the outfield and let people mingle like in a bar.

 

Couldn't agree more on the open hangout areas. From a purely fiscal perspective it makes a ton of sense. Pack people in like sardines to those areas, have a ton of alcohol options nearby...the Brewers would make a fortune off those people. And again, pack them into the OF corners or other bleacher-type areas.

[AKCheesehead]

This would be a good thing.

 

A Brewers Hall of Fame, maybe an indoor training facility for baseball (batting cages, that sort of stuff), a nice apartment/condo complex, a few good restaurants, maybe even a decent hotel or two - one where visiting teams could stay. Have the Brewers own that complex, and it would be a new revenue stream.

 

Add tailgating areas and wi-fi for a reasonable fee. Open the tailgating lots for away games, charge for the wi-fi and parking, and that makes Miller Park a gathering place for Brewers fans all season.

 

Am I understanding you correctly? Are you saying have tailgating at MP when the Brewers are on the road?

[clancyphile]

This would be a good thing.

 

A Brewers Hall of Fame, maybe an indoor training facility for baseball (batting cages, that sort of stuff), a nice apartment/condo complex, a few good restaurants, maybe even a decent hotel or two - one where visiting teams could stay. Have the Brewers own that complex, and it would be a new revenue stream.

 

Add tailgating areas and wi-fi for a reasonable fee. Open the tailgating lots for away games, charge for the wi-fi and parking, and that makes Miller Park a gathering place for Brewers fans all season.

 

Am I understanding you correctly? Are you saying have tailgating at MP when the Brewers are on the road?

 

Yes.

 

Why not do that?

[FVBrewerFan]

Most of this was recently discussed in a thread over in Off Topic, but I don't see any of that working. The Brewers have obviously looked into all these things, and nothing has happened. This tells me studies have been done, and nobody thinks it's profitable.

 

If MP was downtown, or even closer to it, all of that would work. But the decision was made at the time that parking/ tailgating was a bigger need so they used the current site. Right decision at that time I think, plus remember downtown was a ghost town back then.

 

MP is just not in an area that would attract people, even if you put up a couple hotels/ restaurants. A Brewers HOF wouldn't draw very well either off-season. Let's face it, their history isn't exactly at the Packers/Yankees level.

 

Too bad really, all of Milwaukee's attractions are relatively close- but not close enough. Zoo, State Fair Park, MP, Poto/valley, Dtown/Summerfest grounds are 5 specific areas. If you could do it all over again, make it into two areas- and then you could add hotels, restaurants, shopping, other activities around that. Everything is just too scattered.

[tmwiese55]

Agree, the decision was to be downtown type environment or tailgaiting. They chose tailgating and it was clearly the right choice, this is what makes Brewers game-days special or different from most teams. It's their 'thing' so to speak. Sure it would be nice to have it all but with the layout of the city that's just not possible and it would take up so much space to do both. think about this way too, as fans it's much more cost beneficial to us to have it be this way as tailgaiting is waaaay cheaper than bars/restaurants. So in a way thank them for not making the greedy move that most teams do.

[long ball]

Want bars close to the stadium?There's a crap ton of them along Bluemound that are within walking distance if you want or they all have shuttles. I don't think building up around Miller Park is feasible or necessary. People coming in from out of town don't need a hotel right next to the stadium (teams don't either). That hotel becomes pretty pointless once the season ends.

 

I do like the idea of more gathering/social areas. Most ballparks I've been to have these and while I don't think I'd use them I definitely think they'd be popular with the locals.

[KeithStone53151]

If the Brewers stayed good for a while, they could probably attract quite the crowd during road playoff games or important September games if they put up some projectors with the game on and put some resources into drawing people. I don't think it would work as an every game type thing though.

[AJOHNSON104]

If the Brewers stayed good for a while, they could probably attract quite the crowd during road playoff games or important September games if they put up some projectors with the game on and put some resources into drawing people. I don't think it would work as an every game type thing though.

 

I expect the Bucks to do this in area outside the Forum.

[AKCheesehead]

Am I understanding you correctly? Are you saying have tailgating at MP when the Brewers are on the road?

 

Yes.

 

Why not do that?

 

Sure I suppose, why not? People do all sorts of things that I find bizarre. Maybe it would catch on. If a friend asked if I wanted to go with them to tailgate at Miller Park for the game in Atlanta I wouldn’t be upset. I’d just figure they’d gone nuts. But who knows maybe it’d appeal to the young partiers.

 

Heck why not go one step further. Show the game on the Jumbotron and charge admission.

[FVBrewerFan]

If the Brewers stayed good for a while, they could probably attract quite the crowd during road playoff games or important September games if they put up some projectors with the game on and put some resources into drawing people. I don't think it would work as an every game type thing though.

 

Projectors? Couldn't they just use the scoreboard? I've thought about that, not sure if it would work. I can tell you if they charged $20 or whatever for parking plus $10-$20 to get in to MP it wouldn't work. But if it was like $10 total and they had the concessions open behind home plate it might attract a few thousand people.

 

Or if you mean just using projectors in the parking lot, same thing. I could see a decent crowd being there if they didn't charge too much for parking. Looking back to last season, we probably would have gone to something like that.