Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Following the White Sox invade Milwaukee




So this past Saturday I made my inaugural trip to Miller Park to see the White Sox take on the Brewers.

I have seen the Brewers play before, but that was in the old Milwaukee County Stadium (Made Famous in Major League) and I had heard nothing but fantastic things about the Brewers new stadium Miller Park.

We packed up the car and headed north, forecast was for 70s and sun, we were driving away in 50s and rain. I was thinking, at least they have a retractable roof so the game won’t be rained out. After a quick stop at my cottage we made it to Miller park about 2 hours and 15 minutes before first pitch. As we pulled into the parking lot (reasonably priced at $15) the sun came out, and the sky cleared up. We pulled up and the roof was closed, and 5 minutes out of our car we see a tiny crack open in the roof that steadily got bigger until 20 minutes later the roof was open.

We started tailgating and made friends with out neighbors, and what a nice set up for tailgating. There were Tons of people out, lots of space to play bags, or tailgate golf, or whatever people wanted. The Brewers provided lots of trash cans and areas to put hot charcoal. A first class experience all the way. We decided to head in early to walk around and get a feel for the ball park. Unlike Sox Park and some other ball parks a ticket into the stadium allowed you access to walk around the entire concourse about the 100 level. It was very clean and lots of room to walk as well. Every 100 yards was another beer stand or place to buy a sausage. Even had what appeared to be a nice beer garden outside the stadium.

Our seats were in the right field outfield. We had a good crowd around us of mostly Sox fan. Overall the stadium had a good amount of Sox fans there, probably not a majority, but I’d say roughly 40% of the fans in attendance were wearing the Black and White.

Jose Contreras had another phenomenal outing pitching 8 innings of 1 hit ball again. The Sox rolled to an easy victory over a tough opponent.

My biggest disappoint about the game? I was in a beer line during the Sausage Race! Come back to find out my pick, the Brat, did not fare to well and the Hot Dog won relatively easily.

I enjoyed the experience enough that I think I might be making an annual pilgrimage to Miller Park to see a game no matter who they are playing. If you are ever in or around Milwaukee in the summertime you should as well.

2 comments:

  1. Yeah Noffke! Way to carry the squad this weekend, buddy.

    I have also enjoyed myself up at Miller Park in the past. It and Petco (is that the name of the Mariners' place?) seemed similar in overall vibe and openness to me, as well as affordability.

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  2. Petco is in San Diego, (which stands for whale's ...) SafeCo is in Seattle

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