American Family Field in Milwaukee. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) – Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is in Milwaukee today and will hold a press conference urging the state to approve funds for renovations to American Family Field.
Manfred says the ballpark needs “major and long-term renovations” and according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the upgrades to seating areas, concourses, and gathering spaces would cost an estimated $428 million over the next 20 years.
The lease with the Brewers and American Family Field currently expires in 2030, but a deal like this would extend it to 2043.
Gov. Tony Evers, proposed this year spending $290 million on repairs to American Family Field which was rejected by state Republicans. Speaker Robin Vos says he’s working to help his caucus understand the economic impact if the Brewers were to leave Wisconsin.
Back in April, Vos stated he wants a long-term deal that is fiscally responsible saying, “We’re negotiating on shared revenue first, so we haven’t really gotten to the point of getting into all the details of a Brewers deal or what it potentially would look like.” “I think for many of my colleagues who don’t live in the southeastern Wisconsin region, the idea of writing a check out to any professional sports team in Wisconsin, is probably a nonstarter.”
A resolution opposing the use of any county tax money to finance stadium upgrades was approved earlier this month by a committee of the Milwaukee County Board.
The team has been known as the Brewers since 1970 and played at Milwaukee County Stadium from 1970 to 2001. During the 2001 season, the team moved across the parking lot to Miller Park now known as American Family Field, and the Brewers have played there ever since.
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