American Family Field long-term rejig plans

Article posted by Coliseum, February 22^nd, 2023

Image: MLB

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced recently that his 2023-2025 State budget proposals would include $290 million for long-term improvements to the Major League Baseball (MLB) team Milwaukee Brewers’ digs – the American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (US).

‘brewcrewball.com’ stated that the State has a current surplus of $7 billion, creating what Evers called a historic opportunity “to keep Major League Baseball here in Milwaukee for another 20 years.”

The Milwaukee Brewers are an American professional baseball team based in Milwaukee (US). They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League Central division. The Brewers are named for the City’s association with the brewing industry.

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The 41,900-capacity American Family Field is a retractable roof stadium used primarily for baseball. It is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (US), just Southwest of the intersection of Interstate 94 and Brewers Boulevard. It serves as the home stadium of the Milwaukee Brewers.

‘brewcrewball.com’ further stated that the lease on the stadium, which is guaranteed through 2030 with an additional set of five two-year options through 2040, would be extended through 2043, keeping the Brewers in Milwaukee until at least that time.

Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said in a statement, “The Governor’s Brewers proposal, like all of the other things he has leaked before his budget address, is just an idea. The legislature will write the budget and we will work with our colleagues throughout the State to explore our options and build a budget that makes sense for everyone in Wisconsin.”

A study previously conducted by the team found that improvement costs would total $428 million over the next 20 years. The $290 million from the State, paired with interest earned on that payment and another $70 million from the stadium district’s current reserve fund, would go toward a variety of improvements, “such as repairs to the ballpark’s retractable roof, replacing the seats and dozens of other items”.

Additionally, by extending their lease at the American Family Field, the Brewers would generate State income and sales taxes totaling an estimated $400 million through 2043.

The Brewers would also continue to spend money to make improvements in the stadium, such as the recent additions of the Cream City Cocktail Bar and the X-Golf experience.

While talks of improvements in and around the stadium have been going on for several years, this could be the first step in actually seeing some of those improvements come to fruition, including a potential mixed-use commercial development similar to the Deer District near the Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee, as first explored in a study last Summer.

Developed on 30 acres of land that formerly was home to the Park East Freeway, the Deer District is more than Milwaukee’s premier location for sports and entertainment, it is Milwaukee’s newest neighborhood – a neighborhood built for Milwaukee to live, work and play.

Featuring the 17,385-capacity Fiserv Forum at the center, the Deer District strives to be a 365-day destination, serving as a hub for Milwaukee’s vibrant future and connecting its existing downtown neighborhoods. From 150+ events a year, myriad dining and entertainment options and best-in-class commercial and real estate opportunities, the Deer District redefines downtown Milwaukee.

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