MILWAUKEE -- Here's one of the most common questions from Brewers fans:
If we cannot come inside Miller Park for games, can we tailgate outside in the parking lots?
Brewers president of business operations Rick Schlesinger addressed that question on Monday, standing adjacent to the lots which are usually packed with beer-sipping, bratwurst-grilling fans. So popular is the pastime in Milwaukee, many fans are accustomed to listening to Bob Uecker's call of the first inning or two on the radio outside before heading inside for the game.
As manager Craig Counsell said at the start of the Brewers' socially distanced Summer Camp, "outside is better than inside." So, many fans have asked, how about some tailgating?
"Tailgating is such a part of our culture, and we have gotten a lot of requests and calls and emails asking, 'Can we do tailgating?'" Schlesinger said. "I would love to have cars here tailgating and having [video] screens up and listening to 'Uke' and having a communal experience, even if they are not coming into the ballpark.
"The reality is, consistent with the rules of the city of Milwaukee, we are not at the point where we are allowed to do that. I don't want to encourage mass gatherings and somewhat be responsible for doing things that are not within the spirit of, or within the actual regulations of the city of Milwaukee. In different communities outside the city, maybe it's a different thing. But we are a part of the city and we are going to respect the guidelines. I would love to have some tailgating here. I would love to have some fans in the stands. The city of Milwaukee health department will tell us when it's appropriate. In the meantime, we are doing lots of things virtually."
Schlesinger said he is still holding out hope of hosting a limited number of fans for home games later this season. For now, the Brewers and the 29 other MLB teams will play in empty stadiums due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"We're in constant communication with the city of Milwaukee health department, and they are doing an incredibly fantastic job in educating us and keeping us informed," Schlesinger said. "The reality is they have not given us a timeline, nor have we asked for one. We recognize that many things have to happen that are really unrelated to baseball.
"We want to make sure that the testing is solved. We want to ensure the health of our populace is under control. The city of Milwaukee will figure that out and we will follow their lead. There have been no timetable or promises from the city as far as fans. Again, if they let us have fans, we will absolutely have fans. If they decide it is not appropriate, we will be fine with that decision and focus on providing a great fan experience to people listening to Uecker on the radio or watching on television."