Give us your best tips on watching a game at AmFam

[Brock Beauchamp]

Ahead of the new season Brewer Fanatic is looking to publish a new resource on the site: A Fan's Guide to American Family Field. We are looking to provide all the best secrets, deals, hidden gems for people who are attending the ballpark from inside or out of town. I want to crowdsource this a bit and make sure we're not overlooking any goodies. If you have a chance, could you please share some of your personal favorite:

• Places to eat before the ballpark
• Things to eat AT the ballpark
• Places to park, shuttle options, etc.
• Places to sit in the stands (and favorite values)
• Bars or other attractions in the stadium
• Hidden gems (memorabilia, sight-seeing, team shop savings, things to do with kids, etc)

 

I'm hoping I can get some contributions from some of our passionate AmFam diehards in the group. This could be a really nice resource that we offer to Brewers fans, updating it every season. Thanks, all!

[patrickgpe]

My favorite pregame spot / shuttle spot is ice house. It’s under new ownership so I’ll have to see if it is as good for food and a shuttle. Drinks were cheap. Food was good and it was so close to the stadium shuttles left often. 
 

Favorite spot to sit in the stadium  was loge outfield, 1st base side. Good site lines and in the shade for afternoon games. 
 

most underrated food item was the baked potatoes. 

[MrTPlush]

- Best place to eat before going in is the parking lot. Nothing like good tailgating food to fill you up.

- The food inside sucks. If someone was asking me before hand the answer is to simply not waste your money eating inside for, at best, cafeteria quality food. If you asked me this question after already entering, tenders and tots are usually a pretty good value.

-If you are planning your trip ahead of time I find the OF Loge to be one of the best spots. This is because it is incredibly easy to get first row and have a really great vantage point of the game. LF is great because you get to watch the first base line…though afternoon games are going to be sunny. Terrace level can also be an incredible value, but you have to be careful and check sites that show seat pictures (aviewfrommyseat is clutch) to make sure a railing isn’t in the way…the terrace can be awful for that.

-Things inside the park…Brewers Park is honestly pretty darn boring outside of the game. If you have kids there is the great area on the first base side on the field level, there is also an area for smaller kids up in the terrace (I think). For adults, you can watch the game in your seat…or, well, that’s it. There are hardly any areas to even relax away from your seat. If you are someone that needs a bar to relax at or away from the busy concourse, you will need to buy club tickets. That has a middling bar in the concourse and some seating.

-Hidden gems. There is a fairly new Marriott hotel that was actually built just south of the ballpark a few years back. It’s a bit closer than the Best Western most would be familiar with. It is great for the morning after with an IHOP and McDonalds right next door.

Things to not do:

- Don’t go into the stadium through the home plate gate…it’s always overly crowded and takes forever. Just walk over to the RF gate or to the LF gate. 

- Unless you want to tailgate with the beautiful view of the front of the stadium…flat out don’t park in the preferred parking on the home plate (main side) side. It is a nightmare to get out of and all traffic gets forced eastbound or westbound onto the interstate…I can’t remember which way specifically. Memory makes me think you have to go westbound. The preferred parking beyond the OF is easier to get out of and you will have the option get on the interstate whatever direction you want. Also, it isn’t that much farther to walk if you just go to the general parking just beyond that…though that parking lot is bigger and usually longer to get out of. 
 

[Outlander]

One thing I always do with my kids is go to customer  relations and get a free pack of baseball cards. If we are sitting in the Terrace, can go to customer relations up there and get a pack as well.

If you pay for parking go the the designated driver booth to the left of the main entrance to get a free soda voucher.

You used to be able to bring pretty much any food into the ballpark but more restrictive now. Can bring an unopened bottle of water/soda for each person plus a snack (peanuts, licorice, chips etc.) for each person.

Agree with T that the food inside is bad, the price is understandable because that is ballpark prices but not paying for expensive and bad. I do like the fresh popcorn on the main level by the entrance.

The Bud Selig Experience on the Loge level beyond Left Field is good if you have never seen before, hasn't been updated though. Is free, about 15 minutes or so and some memorabilia to look at after the video is done.

 

 

[Brock Beauchamp]

Great tips, everyone, keep them coming!

[owbc]

I think the loge level is one of the best and most unique viewing perspectives in MLB. Most stadiums have a lower field level that is about the size of the field+loge level combined at AmFam. When you sit in the back of those larger field levels, you tend to be sitting lower and don't have as good of a perspective of the field and in particular tracking batted balls. Plus there are too many people going in/out because of how large the lower section is and the lower concourse is more crowded than it is at AmFam. 

On the flip side, the entire terrace level is a weird angle that is super high relative to other stadiums. I personally don't like it at all except for maybe the first few rows. 

AmFam is close to the worst in MLB in terms of location and accessibility. Fourth Base on National is a good pregame spot if you are a southsider like I was and there is sometimes free parking on the side streets. You can walk to the stadium from there through the VA, it's less of a walk than the Bluemound bars. 

[Brock Beauchamp]

What are all of your favorite pre-game activities (other than tailgating). Where do you start your game experience? And then how do you get to the stadium? Are some of the Bluemound bars still offering shuttles? I haven't used them in over 10 years so I'm unsure of what still exists.

[TURBO]

3 hours ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

What are all of your favorite pre-game activities (other than tailgating). Where do you start your game experience? And then how do you get to the stadium? Are some of the Bluemound bars still offering shuttles? I haven't used them in over 10 years so I'm unsure of what still exists.

I've taken the Kelly's Bleachers shuttles several times.  Costs $20, but they give you a $20 food voucher, so we just go there, park, go into the bar and eat (using the $20 voucher), then shuttle over to the stadium.  I highly recommend it to anyone!  The shuttle ride back to the bar after the game can be pretty rowdy with the drunks though, probably not the best for young kids.

 

[brooks_quichenick]

If you're living on or staying near the East Side, Jack's American Pub on Brady St. is (as far as I know) the only game in town for shuttles to the stadium. Not my favorite spot personally, but the shuttle is a very useful option.

[rickh150]

On 1/23/2023 at 6:42 PM, owbc said:

I think the loge level is one of the best and most unique viewing perspectives in MLB. Most stadiums have a lower field level that is about the size of the field+loge level combined at AmFam. When you sit in the back of those larger field levels, you tend to be sitting lower and don't have as good of a perspective of the field and in particular tracking batted balls. Plus there are too many people going in/out because of how large the lower section is and the lower concourse is more crowded than it is at AmFam. 

On the flip side, the entire terrace level is a weird angle that is super high relative to other stadiums. I personally don't like it at all except for maybe the first few rows. 

AmFam is close to the worst in MLB in terms of location and accessibility. Fourth Base on National is a good pregame spot if you are a southsider like I was and there is sometimes free parking on the side streets. You can walk to the stadium from there through the VA, it's less of a walk than the Bluemound bars. 

How is it worst in location and accessibility? I view it as one of the best…. Off an interstate, plenty of parking, and one of the best places to tailgate. If you are looking for other things beside a baseball game, as in more entertainment or restaurants nearby, sure.

[Brock Beauchamp]

44 minutes ago, rickh150 said:

How is it worst in location and accessibility? I view it as one of the best…. Off an interstate, plenty of parking, and one of the best places to tailgate. If you are looking for other things beside a baseball game, as in more entertainment or restaurants nearby, sure.

I'm a big advocate of baseball stadiums being right in the heart of a metro area, which I find frustrating about AmFam. But that's just me, I'm not a big tailgater. I love parks like Petco and Target Field largely because they're so walkable. You find a way to get to the area and then do a bunch of stuff sans car.

[MrTPlush]

Location I guess is a bit debatable depending on your tastes. The tailgating scene and the fact it is by itself makes it a very unique baseball experience. Everything there and everyone there are ready for a classic baseball experience. The crowd is very middle class and casual fan. The entire lower level behind the plate isn’t like a business meeting. Sometimes it is is nice to get there early, relax, and take a nice walk around the outside of the stadium. Not being downtown it is very non congested and doesn’t bring the stress of elbow to elbow foot traffic.

 

As far as accessibility, well, it is arguably the most accessible. Can get there by car, bus, Uber, shuttle, etc…and it is extremely fast and easy to get there. Whatever your definition, there is no way it is worse than Dodgers Stadium or similar. That isn’t even downtown and a nightmare to get in and out of.Even taking an Uber is a total disaster.

[Underachiever]

I love the club seats. I know that they can get pricey, but the view is good, there are some better food options, and it never feels crowded up there. 

Regarding the location discussion, since I come from Madison, the location is good, and probably saves 20-30 minutes over what it would take to get all the way downtown at game time. However, I agree with an earlier poster that there is nothing better than a downtown location for a park. SF, Colorado, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Minnesota, all have great locations. Taking the train to Busch is so easy, and you get dropped off across the street from the park. I think that getting out of the parking lot after the game and heading West on I-94 is a breeze from the lots on the Northwest side of the stadium. 

[rickh150]

Thousands upon tens of thousands have no interest in seeing baseball in downtown Milwaukee, primarily for the crime alone. Others would go less because of no tailgating and just to avoid traffic.  

[wiguy94]

18 minutes ago, rickh150 said:

Thousands upon tens of thousands have no interest in seeing baseball in downtown Milwaukee, primarily for the crime alone. Others would go less because of no tailgating and just to avoid traffic.  

Ah yes just so much crime near Fiserv Forum which is probably in the general area where a downtown baseball stadium would be put. 

[MrTPlush]

On 1/31/2023 at 4:45 PM, Underachiever said:

Regarding the location discussion, since I come from Madison, the location is good, and probably saves 20-30 minutes over what it would take to get all the way downtown at game time. However, I agree with an earlier poster that there is nothing better than a downtown location for a park. SF, Colorado, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Minnesota, all have great locations. Taking the train to Busch is so easy, and you get dropped off across the street from the park. I think that getting out of the parking lot after the game and heading West on I-94 is a breeze from the lots on the Northwest side of the stadium. 

I mean...yah, if it is a nice city with a great downtown atmosphere. Also helps, as you mentioned, if there is sweet public transit. You can go to a game in St. Louis zoom from the airport to the stadium, and never need a car....could probably fly from Wisconsin to St Louis, watch a game, and fly back all in the same day. Milwaukee isn't what those other cities are nor are the handful of cool things in Milwaukee anywhere near each other. If you could go plop an outdoor stadium on the lake and surround it with the good parts of Milwaukee....that would be pretty cool on paper (not that an outdoor stadium would sell many tickets). But like Fiserv? There isn't that much around it for being downtown and you would have to drive. Then hoping your window isn't smashed out or at least that your car is still there.

I think the Brewers made the best decision in the city they are in and the crowd they have to attract. 

[Brock Beauchamp]

Could everyone answer two questions:

What's your favorite pre-game food?

What's your favorite in-game food?

I know the food selection at AmFam isn't great but there has to be something some of you like.

But also, why is the food selection so bad? I thought we were past that era of the baseball experience.

[sveumrules]

Tailgating or getting food from whichever bar one catches a shuttle from are probably the best pre-game options. 

Haven’t been over there in awhile, but there used to be a couple restaurants by like 52nd & Blue Mound where you could street park for free, grab a bite and then walk in to AmFam through Mitchell Blvd Park.

I don’t think the food or selection inside the stadium are bad, necessarily, it’s just that the quality is inconsistent and people love to complain about overpriced things in general.

For me personally, I normally get in a lil early so stuff is fresher off the grill & lines aren’t crazy, and rotate through the staples. Burger, dog, brat. Buy a couple two tree tallbois of Champagne to support my local beer vendor.

Personal fave are the cheese fries on loge level. They have a better sauce that isn’t just nacho squeeze. If you’re on club level they have a carving station with different sandwiches throughout the year. Also think Ian’s Pizza is on field level by the kids area now and they have Mac n Cheese plus the more standard slices.

[Jake McKibbin]

I remember going to a place with insane hot wings and eating them in the car park, blew me away! My only experience at then Miller park, but have to say I'd recommend it big time

[rickh150]

On 2/2/2023 at 7:53 PM, wiguy94 said:

Ah yes just so much crime near Fiserv Forum which is probably in the general area where a downtown baseball stadium would be put. 

You are getting droves of people from outside the city…. they do not want the hassles of downtown. And you need droves of people in baseball for 81 home games. And if you thought parking was bad for the Bucks at times with long walks to the car, double that with a baseball team in the heart of the city.

And you may be right that this part of the city isn’t THAT bad with crime. However, the other bad parts of Milwaukee have ruined that dialogue.  People from a half hour plus away still come regularly to AmFam in droves because it is not city driving, traffic is usually good, and parking is plentiful. 

[rickh150]

15 hours ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

Could everyone answer two questions:

What's your favorite pre-game food?

What's your favorite in-game food?

I know the food selection at AmFam isn't great but there has to be something some of you like.

But also, why is the food selection so bad? I thought we were past that era of the baseball experience.

Pregame- Arbys in the suburbs

During- Free pop and brought in candy bars

After- McDonalds cone

[hawing]

I'll admit that the hawing household has scaled back how much ballpark food we eat, mostly because my partner is diabetic and a lot of ballpark staples are not diabetic friendly.  We have also continued to mask at games, so we are more likely to stop for Cousins subs or the like en route to the park. 

Having said that, when I do eat at AFF, I enjoy the baked potatoes, the big warm pretzels (greatly improved since they switched to Milwaukee Pretzel Co products) and (betraying my Madisonness) Ian's Pizza.  There's a grilled cheese stand by the hot corner team store which I've also enjoyed, but it was frequently closed during our games in 2022.

For beverages, I bring in water or a soft drink and Tom gets a designated-driver voucher. 

We're rarely in the club seats, but when we have that access, we've had success with the taco bar.  You choose your fillings and can ask for enough lettuce to basically have a taco salad instead of a taco. 

For seating (besides first-base side to stay mostly shaded, because I have two skin settings - pasty and crispy), I love love love our seats in the central loge, below the press box.  We've become acquainted with several of the press box regulars and some of the announcers, and I like being able to hear the press box announcements. 

We also have a 20 pack in the terrace box, and I think it's a best kept secret in terms of the view you get for the price.  The key is to land in the sections closer to home plate.  Having said that, most of our terrace games are weeknights, which tend to not be super rowdy.  Terrace boxes are small enough for guest relations staff to actually be able to keep an eye on things and nip unruliness in the bud.  The terrace reserved sections are so much larger that there's no way an usher can see everything. 

Both our loge and terrace seats are in the family sections.  We originally got family section seats when they were designated at County Stadium, because it was the only place in the seating bowl where you couldn't smoke - but we got to appreciating the relative lack of rowdiness/fighting/puking.  In both of our family sections, the ushers are attentive, which we also appreciate.

 

[zurch1818]

I think the last game I was at was at least 7 years ago.  However, my family swears by tailgating/parking in the Blue Mound lot (I believe it is called the Molitor lot if you look at a map).  It's usually easy out after the game and seems to be more of a local crowd that parks there as it really isn't advertised on how to get there from the interstate.  Coming from Madison, you actually have to get off at Hawley (or earlier if traffic is really bad) and turn East on Bluemound.  The walk to the stadium is pretty painless too.  For whatever reason, it seems this lot fills up slower than the other lots, so if you aren't planning on tailgating and just get to the game, it can still cut down on your walk time.

[Outlander]

Regarding the Molitor lot, I am with you. I live in Madison now but Milwaukee most my life and it is the easiest in and out lot. If you don't know the area it isn't right off the highway so many wouldn't bother trying to find. Have had decent luck getting free street parking on south 44th Street right by the park but a lot of employees/ volunteers park there as well so does fill up.

[NeedMoreFans]

9 hours ago, zurch1818 said:

I think the last game I was at was at least 7 years ago.  However, my family swears by tailgating/parking in the Blue Mound lot (I believe it is called the Molitor lot if you look at a map).  It's usually easy out after the game and seems to be more of a local crowd that parks there as it really isn't advertised on how to get there from the interstate.  Coming from Madison, you actually have to get off at Hawley (or earlier if traffic is really bad) and turn East on Bluemound.  The walk to the stadium is pretty painless too.  For whatever reason, it seems this lot fills up slower than the other lots, so if you aren't planning on tailgating and just get to the game, it can still cut down on your walk time.

I usually go north on the freeway spur, get off on Wisconsin, make a couple of right turns onto Blue Mound then into the lot.  The downside of the Molitor lot from a Madison perspective is getting back onto the freeway.  I usually end up going east to 35th then getting on 94 there.