Brewers Applaud Bipartisan Assembly Vote to Maintain Ballpark

MILWAUKEE – Following today’s bipartisan vote in the State Assembly on historic legislation that would extend the Milwaukee Brewers lease at American Family Field to at least 2050, Rick Schlesinger, President of Business Operations for the Milwaukee Brewers, released the following statement:

“Today’s vote by a bipartisan majority of the State Assembly shows that momentum continues to grow for a solution to maintain American Family Field and to keep the Brewers in Milwaukee for the next generation. We are very grateful for the leadership of legislative and local officials, as well as that of Governor Evers, who have helped to negotiate creative solutions that protect taxpayers and avoid the return of the five-county sales tax.

“The MMAC study demonstrated that American Family Field has contributed north of $2.5 billion in statewide economic impact since opening its doors in 2001, and by extending the ballpark’s useful life, we are working to preserve an important economic driver for the future.

“The Brewers will continue to work with all stakeholders in the days and weeks ahead. As the Brewers landlord, the Stadium District needs resources to honor its current lease agreement with its tenant. Today’s bipartisan vote creates a path to provide those resources, as well as the resources needed to help keep Major League Baseball in Milwaukee for the next generation.”

Owned primarily by the Stadium District, American Family Field’s sole tenant – and only reason for the facility’s existence – is the Milwaukee Brewers. Under the team’s lease agreement with the Stadium District, the District is responsible for all major capital repairs, all retractable roof repairs, and necessary improvements – including those required for legal or Major League Baseball (MLB) compliance.

In addition to the $2.5 billion-plus in direct statewide impact referenced in the study released by the MMAC, the ballpark supported 3,000 jobs in 2022 alone. Total state and county sales taxes generated by Brewers activity at the stadium in 2023 is a projected $24.1 million, and with the new City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County shared revenue legislation, an additional $5.2 million is forecast to be added to that total in 2024.

Located in the smallest market as defined by Major League Baseball, the Brewers require a premier ballpark to drive ticket sales and continue to field competitive teams – making maintenance of the ballpark all the more critical.