Fan Stay
Best Western Plus Milwaukee West
Hotel located just behind American Family Field, close enough to walk to the ballpark in about 20 minutes.
MLB Ballpark
American Family Field
Milwaukee Brewers · Milwaukee
American Family Field is the home of the Milwaukee Brewers, a brick-clad ballpark best known for its distinctive fan-shaped retractable roof. The roof lets baseball be played comfortably in any Wisconsin weather, and the park is famous for its tailgating culture.
Address: 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee, WI 53214
History
The ballpark replaced the aging, open-air Milwaukee County Stadium, the Brewers' home since the franchise arrived in 1970. Funded substantially by public money, construction began in November 1996. The project was struck by tragedy in July 1999 when a massive crane known as "Big Blue" collapsed while lifting a roof section, killing three workers and delaying completion by roughly a year. The park opened for the 2001 season as Miller Park, a name it carried for two decades. In January 2019 the Brewers announced an agreement with American Family Insurance, and the venue was rechristened American Family Field beginning with the 2021 season.
The Ballpark Experience
The signature feature is the fan-shaped convertible roof, often described as the only one of its kind in North America, which can open or close in roughly ten minutes. Inside, the red-brick architecture with arched windows gives a classic feel, while real grass grows beneath the retractable panels. The Brewers' traditions are central to the fun: Bernie Brewer descends a slide after every home run and win, and the costumed Racing Sausages sprint around the field during the sixth inning. The surrounding parking lots host one of baseball's most celebrated tailgating scenes.
Food & Drink
The ballpark is renowned for its bratwurst, with Johnsonville brats sold throughout the park. The trademark order is a brat topped with Secret Stadium Sauce, a tangy condiment first improvised at old County Stadium in the early 1970s. Sausage options also include Italian, Polish and chorizo.
Visiting Tips
For budget-minded fans, the upper-deck Uecker Seats — named for legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker and famous for their obstructed views — are a longstanding cheap-ticket tradition. The roof means weather is rarely a reason to skip a game. The park sits just off Interstate 94 with extensive on-site parking, built for the drive-and-tailgate experience.
Famous Moments
- 2002 — The ballpark hosted the MLB All-Star Game, which ended in a controversial 7-7 tie.
- 2008 — Carlos Zambrano threw a no-hitter against the Astros in a game relocated here due to Hurricane Ike.
- 2025 — The Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 3-1 in Game 5 of the NL Division Series.
Where Fans Stay, Eat & Drink near American Family Field
Hotels, bars and restaurants near American Family Field — every pick web-researched and source-cited.
Where to Stay
Fan Stay
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
Modern boutique hotel in downtown's Historic Third Ward, a short drive from the ballpark with a rooftop bar.
Fan Stay
The Iron Horse Hotel
Industrial-chic boutique hotel near Walker's Point, with a courtyard of fire pits and live music.
Bars & Pubs
J&B's Sports Bar & Blue Ribbon Taproom
Popular pre- and post-game sports bar near American Family Field, with a game-day shuttle to the ballpark.
Who's on Third
Downtown American pub focused on craft beer and pub fare, with a shuttle to Brewers home games.
Restaurants
Fan Eats
CASSIS
French bistro in the Historic Third Ward serving bistro classics with chilled seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Fan Eats
Saz's State House
Longtime west-side Milwaukee restaurant known for barbecue ribs, offering a shuttle to and from the game.
Fan Eats
Story Hill BKC
Laid-back neighborhood bottle shop, kitchen and cafe close to American Family Field.
Milwaukee Brewers Rivalries
Frequently Asked Questions: American Family Field
American Family Field opened in 2001. American Family Field is the home of the Milwaukee Brewers, a brick-clad ballpark best known for its distinctive fan-shaped retractable roof. The roof lets baseball be played comfortably in any Wisconsin weather, and the park is famous for its tailgating culture.
Milwaukee Brewers play their home games at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
The ballpark is renowned for its bratwurst, with Johnsonville brats sold throughout the park. The trademark order is a brat topped with Secret Stadium Sauce, a tangy condiment first improvised at old County Stadium in the early 1970s. Sausage options also include Italian, Polish and chorizo.
For budget-minded fans, the upper-deck Uecker Seats — named for legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker and famous for their obstructed views — are a longstanding cheap-ticket tradition. The roof means weather is rarely a reason to skip a game. The park sits just off Interstate 94 with extensive on-site parking, built for the drive-and-tailgate experience.
Sources
Planning a trip? See the full Milwaukee travel guide for where to stay, eat and drink around American Family Field.
