I'm calling out the Milwaukee Brewers' management team. Why? The chances of any of them reading this article are roughly the same as the Brewers' chances of winning a three-game home stand.
Milwaukee Brewers' first baseman Richie Sexson fouled a pitch that sailed into the bleachers on Monday. But there was no applause for a great catch by an avid fan. Nor did a chorus of boos echo through the steel rafters for a missed souvenir or dropped bottle of Miller Lite. In most ball parks one of the two usually occurs.
Not at Miller Park.
Only 10,684 witnessed the Brewers and Cardinals play on a crystal clear Monday evening with the temperature hovering around 84 degrees. That's just short of 33,000 vacant seats. I can't imagine the brand new $400 million stadium with a retractable roof that leaks, squeaks and is just downright unattractive was the culprit.
If only that was the main reason for the lack of fan support. The real cause, however, is the outrageous ticket and concession prices the Brewers expect fans to pay to watch an awful sports team.
Bernie Brewer negotiates the installation of air conditioning in his balcony dugout but the concession stand prices remain unchanged. It is not uncommon to spend $15 on two beers and two hot dogs, and that's not including the $20 price of admission to watch a dead-last Milwaukee powerhouse either: a) get blown out 7-2; or b) take a 8-5 lead into the ninth and watch closer Mike DeJean give up five runs on four hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning.
It's no surprise that, as of Tuesday afternoon, Milwaukee is 0-4 this season at Miller Park. Most Major League teams seem to be out of the playoffs by Memorial Day. Yet the Brewers, already in the Central Division cellar, can kiss any playoff hopes good-bye on St. Patrick's Day, about the time spring training is in high gear.
More than $300 million of Miller Park's cost is funded by city, Milwaukee County and state taxpayers. At the very least it would be nice to see a break on soft pretzels and popcorn. But with the Brewers deep in red figures and involved in a multi-million dollar lawsuit with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of America-the roof's builder-concession and ticket prices will likely remain high. About the only draw these days are the foul balls sitting in seats made famous by Brewers play-by-play legend Bob Uecker.
Sexson's lies near section 413 and it's yours for only $20.
wrcooney@wisc.edu.
