The Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday unveiled plans for a $20 million, stadium-wide overall of concession areas and bars throughout Miller Park.
The project, which Brewers chief operating officer Rick Schlesinger called “the singular most expensive and most comprehensive upgrade that we’ve done to the ballpark since it opened in 2001” is expected to be completed in time for the Brewer’s home opener on April 3, 2017.
“This process started one year ago,” Schlesinger said during a press conference on Wednesday morning while standing on home plate at Miller Park. “The Milwaukee area is undergoing a food and beverage renaissance. New restaurants, creative chefs imaginative operators and incredible dining experiences. We are now joining in that renaissance. ”
Renovation plans call for redesigns of all existing concession stands throughout Miller Park, as well as two new areas called the “First Base Ward” and the “Third Base Ward” on the field level that will feature 11 new concession stands and two new full-service bars with MillerCoors products and views of the field.
A craft beer bar called “Local Brews” will also be added to the Loge Level. The bar will feature 30 taps of craft beers brewed around the state.
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- A video announcing Miller Park renovation plans plays behind Brewers, Howard & Sergi and Hospitality Democracy representatives on Wednesday morning.
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- Rendering of planned First Base Ward Bar in the concession area behind the first base line.
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- Representatives from organizations involved with the project hit the concrete wall of a stand in the third base concession area with sledge hammers on Wednesday.
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- Rendering of Local Brews bar planned for Loge Level of first base concourse.
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- Rendering of renovated field-level home plate concession area.
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- Rendering of planned First Base Ward Bar in the concession area behind the first base line.
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- Rendering of First Base Ward.
Schlesinger said the project is being paid for entirely by the Brewer’s organization and Delaware North, the food and beverage service company that runs concessions at Miller Park.
A Brewers representative confirmed the project will cost around $20 million.
Also involved in the project is Milwaukee-based Hospitality Democracy, which owns and operates Smoke Shack, AJ Bombers, Zaffiro’s Pizzeria, Swig, Water Buffalo and Holey Moley. Hospitality Democracy already offers products from AJ Bombers, Smoke Shack and Holey Moley at Miller Park, but will expand its offerings to include Zaffiro’s pizza.
New food items offered at Miller Park after the renovations will include mac and cheese, frozen custard, cheese curds, tacos and a new line of Klement’s sausages that will be sold only at Miller Park.
Schlesinger said the Brewers worked with consulting firm Howard & Sergi to develop concepts for the food and beverage redesign as well as feedback from fans.
Milwaukee-based Uihlein-Wilson Architects is the project architect and Brookfield-based Hunzinger Construction has been selected as the project’s general contractor. Construction is already underway.
