What American Family Field Is and Where It Sits
American Family Field is the home stadium of the Milwaukee Brewers, the Major League Baseball team that plays in the National League Central division. The ballpark opened in 2001 and is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the south side of the city near the intersection of South 1st Street and West Russell Avenue.
The stadium holds roughly 41,900 people and is known for its retractable roof — one of the first in baseball when it was built. The roof lets the Brewers play games in open air on good-weather days and close it during rain or cold. The field itself is natural grass, and the ballpark's design includes views of the Milwaukee skyline from certain seating areas.
The name changed to American Family Field in 2021 after American Family Insurance bought the naming rights. Before that, it was called Miller Park for 20 years, named after the Miller Brewing Company.
Key Takeaways
- American Family Field opened in 2001 and has a retractable roof that closes during bad weather or opens for fair-weather games.
- The ballpark holds about 41,900 people and sits on Milwaukee's south side near South 1st Street and West Russell Avenue.
- Parking is available in multiple lots around the stadium, with some reserved for season ticket holders and others open to single-game visitors.
- Public transit options include the Hop streetcar line and regional bus routes that serve the stadium area.
- Food, drinks, and merchandise are sold throughout the stadium at concession stands and team shops.
Getting to American Family Field by Car and Parking
If you drive to the ballpark, several parking lots surround the stadium. The main lot is the American Family Field parking structure, which is a multi-level garage attached to the stadium. Single-game visitors can park there, though spaces fill up on busy game days, especially for weekend games or matchups against popular opponents.
Additional surface lots are scattered around the neighborhood. Some are operated by the Brewers organization, while others are run by private lot owners. Prices vary — expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $20 for a single game, depending on the lot and how close it is to the stadium entrance. Reserved lots for season ticket holders are separate and not open to single-game visitors.
Arrive early on game day if you want a convenient parking spot. Lots near the stadium fill quickly, especially two hours before first pitch. If the main garage is full, attendants will direct you to overflow lots farther away, which may require a short walk.
Public Transit Routes to the Stadium
The Hop is a free streetcar line that runs through downtown Milwaukee and stops near American Family Field. The Hop connects the stadium to the Third Ward, downtown hotels, and other entertainment areas. If you're staying downtown or in a nearby neighborhood, the Hop is often faster and cheaper than driving and parking.
Milwaukee County Transit System buses also serve the ballpark area. Routes 15 and 16 stop near the stadium. Check the transit system's website or use Google Maps to find the exact stop closest to where you're coming from and the current schedule for game day.
If you're traveling from outside Milwaukee, Amtrak trains arrive at the Intermodal Station downtown, which connects to the Hop streetcar line. From there, you can ride the Hop directly to the stadium area without needing a car.
What to Bring and What the Stadium Allows
The Brewers have a clear bag policy for most events. You can bring a clear plastic bag (like a gallon-size freezer bag) or a small clutch purse no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Backpacks, large purses, and non-clear bags are not allowed. Exceptions exist for medical bags and diaper bags — bring documentation if needed.
Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the stadium, but you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at fountains inside. Sunscreen and sunglasses are useful for day games, especially if you're sitting in the sun. Blankets are allowed for evening games when temperatures drop.
Cameras and phones are allowed. Professional video equipment and tripods require prior permission from the Brewers. Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, are prohibited. Check the Brewers' official website before your visit for the most current list of prohibited items, as policies can change.
Food, Drinks, and Concessions Inside the Stadium
American Family Field has concession stands throughout the seating bowl and in the concourse areas. You'll find typical ballpark fare: hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, and candy. The stadium also has pizza stands, sandwich shops, and a few restaurants with sit-down seating in premium areas.
Beer is sold at multiple locations — the Brewers play in Milwaukee, home of major brewing traditions, so beer selection is a focus. Non-alcoholic drinks include soda, water, coffee, and lemonade. Prices are higher than outside the stadium, as is standard at sports venues.
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, ask a concession worker about ingredients. Some stands can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free requests, though options may be limited. It's worth asking rather than assuming nothing is available.
Seating Sections and Where to Sit
The stadium is divided into sections numbered around the field. Lower-bowl seats (sections 101–130) are closest to the action and cost more. Upper-deck seats (sections 201–230) offer a full view of the field and are less expensive. Standing-room-only tickets are sometimes available for less money if you don't mind watching from a designated area.
Outfield seats in left field and right field give you a different angle on the game and are popular with fans who want a more relaxed atmosphere. The upper deck in center field can be far from home plate, so consider binoculars if you sit there. Seats behind home plate are premium and sell out quickly for popular games.
The retractable roof means weather is rarely a problem, but if you're concerned about sun exposure during a day game, choose seats on the shaded side of the stadium or bring a hat and sunscreen.
Brewers Game Schedule and Ticket Information
The Milwaukee Brewers play 81 home games per season, typically from late March through September. The regular season schedule is released in the fall of the previous year. You can find the full schedule on MLB.com or the Brewers' official website.
Tickets are sold through the Brewers' official ticketing website, Ticketmaster, and resale platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek. Prices vary widely depending on the opponent, day of the week, and time of year. Weekend games and matchups against popular teams (like the Chicago Cubs or St. Louis Cardinals) cost more than weekday games against less-popular opponents.
Single-game tickets usually go on sale in the spring. Season ticket holders get first access, followed by the general public. Popular games sell out, so if you want to see a specific matchup, buy tickets early rather than waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food and drinks into American Family Field?
Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the stadium. You can bring an empty water bottle and refill it at fountains. Concession stands inside sell food and beverages at ballpark prices.
Is there accessible parking and seating for people with disabilities?
Yes. Accessible parking spaces are available in the main parking structure and nearby lots. Accessible seating is distributed throughout the stadium. Contact the Brewers' accessibility office before your visit to reserve accessible spaces and learn about accommodations.
What time should I arrive before a game?
Arrive at least one to two hours before first pitch. This gives you time to park, walk to the stadium, go through security, find your seat, and grab food if you want it before the game starts. Popular games may require arriving even earlier.
Does the retractable roof close for every game?
No. The roof opens on pleasant-weather days and closes during rain, cold, or extreme heat. The Brewers decide whether to open or close the roof based on the forecast and game-time conditions.
Can I take photos or videos during the game?
Personal cameras and phones are allowed for your own use. Professional video equipment and tripods need prior permission from the Brewers. Do not interfere with other fans' views while taking photos.