American Family Field facts for kids

"Miller Park" redirects here. For other uses, see Miller Park (disambiguation).

Quick facts for kids
American Family Field
Construction

American Family Field (then Miller Park) in 2016
American Family Field Location in Wisconsin Show map of Wisconsin American Family Field Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Former names	Miller Park (2001–2020)
Address	1 Brewers Way
Location	Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Coordinates	43°1′42″N 87°58′16″W / 43.02833°N 87.97111°W / 43.02833; -87.97111
Owner	Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District
Capacity	41,900
Record attendance	46,641 (Concert; George Strait; June 3, 2023) baseball: 46,218 (September 6, 2003, Cubs vs Brewers)
Field size	Left Field – 342 feet (104 m) (2021 posted 342, original 344 feet) Left-Center – 371 feet (113 m) (Not Posted) Center Field – 400 feet (122 m) Right-Center – 374 feet (114 m) (Not Posted) Right Field – 337 feet (103 m) (345 posted) Backstop – 56 feet (17 m)
Surface	Kentucky Bluegrass
Scoreboard	12,077 square feet 8mm LED digital display
Broke ground	November 9, 1996 (1996-11-09)
Built	1996–2001
Opened	April 6, 2001 (2001-04-06)
Construction cost	US$400 million ($661 million in 2022 dollars )
Architect	HKS, Inc. NBBJ Eppstein Uhen Architects
Project manager	International Facilities Group, LLC.
Structural engineer	Arup/Flad Structural Engineers
Services engineer	Arup/Kapur & Associates
General contractor	HCH Miller Park Joint Venture (Hunt Construction; Clark Construction; Hunzinger Co.)
Tenants
Milwaukee Brewers (MLB) 2001–present

American Family Field is a cool stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It has a special roof that can open and close! This stadium is the home field for the Milwaukee Brewers, a professional baseball team. It opened in 2001, replacing an older stadium called Milwaukee County Stadium.

For many years, the stadium was known as Miller Park. This was because a company called Miller Brewing Company paid to have their name on it. In 2020, a new company, American Family Insurance, took over the naming rights. That's why it's now called American Family Field.

One of the most unique things about American Family Field is its fan-shaped roof. It's the only one like it in North America! The roof can open or close in less than 10 minutes. It also has big glass panels that let sunlight in, helping the natural grass field grow. During the colder months, special heat lamps are used to keep the grass healthy.

The stadium cost about $392 million to build. A lot of the money came from a small sales tax that people in the area paid between 1996 and 2020. In 2023, lawmakers in Wisconsin agreed to spend more money to make sure the stadium stays in great shape for many years.

Building the Stadium
Fan Attendance
Fun Attractions
Exciting Events
Images for kids
See also

Building the Stadium

American Family Field was a huge building project for Wisconsin. A big part of the money, about $290 million, came from a small sales tax. This tax was collected from 1996 to 2020 in Milwaukee and nearby counties. Some people didn't like using public money for a private sports team.

Construction started on November 9, 1996. The stadium was supposed to open in 2000. However, there was a sad accident on July 14, 1999. A large crane, nicknamed "Big Blue," collapsed while lifting a heavy roof section. Three construction workers died in this accident. This caused delays, and the Brewers had to play in their old stadium for one more year. American Family Field finally opened in 2001.

The stadium was first named Miller Park because Miller Brewing Company paid $40 million for the naming rights. This deal ended in 2020. Then, American Family Insurance bought the naming rights for 15 years, giving the stadium its current name.

Roof Challenges and Upgrades

The unique fan-shaped roof has needed some special care over the years. Even after the crane accident, parts of the roof's moving system had to be replaced.

In 2006, the roof's "bogie" system was replaced. Bogies are like wheels that help the roof move. This big project cost over $13 million. The new parts were designed to last for the entire life of the stadium.

Cool New Features

Over the years, American Family Field has added many cool things for fans.

New Scoreboards: In 2006, new LED scoreboards were added. One shows scores from other Major League games. Another long scoreboard around the stadium shows announcements and player stats.
Picnic Area: A special picnic area was added in right field. It's a fun spot where up to 75 fans can watch the game up close.
New Grass: In 2009, the outfield got new "Lo-Mo" Kentucky bluegrass. This new grass is better for baseball, making the ball bounce more predictably.
Giant Video Board: Between 2010 and 2011, the old scoreboard in center field was replaced with a huge, high-definition video board. It was one of the biggest in MLB at the time!
Recent Renovations: In 2024, the stadium got even more upgrades. There are new, even bigger LED screens in center and right field. The center field screen is now the third largest in Major League Baseball! A popular food hall from downtown Milwaukee, called 3rd Street Market Hall, also opened with four different restaurants. The team store was also updated.
Easier Parking: New technology was added to make parking faster and easier for fans. You can even buy parking tickets ahead of time.
Future Plans: There are plans to make the stadium ready for winter and improve the roof, elevators, and other areas.

Sensory Friendly Zone

In 2022, the Brewers created a quiet "sensory friendly" area at the stadium. This area is designed to help fans with sensory processing disorders. It offers "sensory bags" with things like noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys to make the game more comfortable for everyone.

Fan Attendance

The view from behind home plate.

Since American Family Field opened in 2001, lots of fans have come to watch the Brewers play. On average, over 31,000 fans attend each game, adding up to more than 2.5 million people each season! Even though Milwaukee is a smaller city, the Brewers often rank high in total attendance compared to other MLB teams.

From 2004 onwards, the Brewers have attracted at least two million fans every year, which is a long streak in baseball history. Except for the years 2020 and 2021, when fewer fans were allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the stadium has consistently seen large crowds.

Fun Attractions

The sausages running along the 3rd base side.

American Family Field is full of fun things to see and do!

Bernie Brewer: The team's mascot, Bernie Brewer, has a clubhouse high above the left field seats. After every Brewers home run and victory, Bernie slides down a slide onto a home plate platform! Fireworks also shoot off, and the famous words of radio announcer Bob Uecker, "Get Up, Get Up, Get Outta Here, Gone!", light up.
Hank the Dog: This real dog became a mascot in 2014 after being found at the team's spring training camp. He was named after baseball legend Hank Aaron and became very popular.
The Barrelman: This mascot, who looks like a man in a barrel, joined the team in 2015. The Barrelman was the team's main logo from 1970 to 1977.
The Johnsonville Sausage Race: During the middle of the 6th inning, five costumed sausages (Bratwurst, Polish, Italian, Hot Dog, and Chorizo) race around the field. It's a fan favorite!
Sing-Alongs: During the 7th inning stretch, fans sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and "Roll Out the Barrel" to celebrate Milwaukee's history of making beer.
Statues of Legends: Outside the stadium, you can find statues of famous Brewers players like Robin Yount and Hank Aaron. There are also statues for former team owner Bud Selig and beloved radio announcer Bob Uecker. A funny sculpture of Uecker is even placed in the highest seats, referencing his famous commercial line, "I must be in the front row!"
Teamwork Sculpture: This sculpture honors the three construction workers who died during the stadium's building.
Helfaer Field: Right outside the main stadium is a youth baseball field. It's built on the spot where the old County Stadium infield used to be, but with smaller dimensions for kids' games.
Walk of Fame: This area outside the stadium honors great players from both the Milwaukee Brewers and the Milwaukee Braves. Recent additions include Prince Fielder, Ben Sheets, and Ryan Braun.
Brewers Wall of Honor: This wall celebrates Brewers players, coaches, and executives who have made a big impact on the team.
The Selig Experience: This exhibit honors Bud Selig, who was a Brewers owner and later the Commissioner of Major League Baseball.

Exciting Events

Baseball Games

On opening day, April 6, 2001, President George W. Bush and MLB Commissioner Bud Selig threw out the first pitches. The stadium also hosted the 2002 MLB All-Star Game.

Special Baseball Games

Sometimes, American Family Field hosts games that aren't played by the Brewers!

In 2007, a big snowstorm in Ohio forced the Cleveland Indians to move some of their home games to Milwaukee. Fans could buy tickets for just $10, and it was a fun series. It even reminded many people of the movie Major League, which was about a fictional Cleveland Indians team and filmed parts in Milwaukee.
In 2008, Hurricane Ike caused some games between the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros to be moved to American Family Field. During one of these games, Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano threw a "no-hitter," which means no player on the other team got a hit! It was the first no-hitter ever at the stadium.

Other Sports and Shows

Bowling: In 2007, the stadium was turned into a bowling alley for the United States Bowling Congress Masters finals!
Concerts: Many famous musicians have performed at American Family Field. Some of the biggest concerts have included Paul McCartney, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, and P!NK. In fact, P!NK's concert in August 2023 set a new record for the most people at a concert at the stadium!
Soccer: The stadium has hosted international friendly soccer matches between teams like Swansea City and Chivas of Guadalajara, and Club Atlas and Newcastle United.
Basketball: In November 2022, the Wisconsin Badgers college basketball teams played games at American Family Field in an event called the "Brew City Battle."

Community Events

Movie Premiere: In 2012, the stadium hosted a special event called "Field of Honor," which included the premiere of a documentary film called Honor Flight.
Arctic Tailgate: This is a fun yearly tradition where fans camp outside the stadium in late February to be the first to buy tickets for the upcoming season. The Brewers even provide coffee, hot chocolate, and lunch for the waiting fans!
In Movies: American Family Field was a main filming location for the movie Mr. 3000, which starred comedian Bernie Mac as a fictional Brewers player.
25th Anniversary Alumni Home Run Derby: In July 2025, the Brewers celebrated the stadium's 25th anniversary with a Home Run Derby featuring former players like Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun. Nearly 42,000 fans stayed after a game to watch the exciting event!

Images for kids

American Family Field, then known as Miller Park, during construction on March 31, 2000. Milwaukee County Stadium is adjacent.
Exterior view showing retractable roof.
American Family Field in 2006.
American Family Field in 2009.
American Family Field panorama (August 20, 2013).
American Family Field with the roof closed in 2023.
Former logo as Miller Park