How can you not be romantic about baseball? The crack of the bat. The roar of the crowd. The pure and simple summer vibe that comes with a trip to the ballpark. It’s the only sport where you can visit 30 different stadiums and see the game in a different way each and every time.

Opened in 2001, American Family Field offers an experience that stands above the rest. With its fan-like roof distinguishing it amongst only a few weatherproof stadiums in the MLB, the quarter-century-old icon is full of surprises and must-dos at every turn. Next time you’re in the house that Uecker built, be sure to check out these essential American Family Field sights, bites and activities that go way beyond the peanuts and cracker jacks. Play ball!

Pre-Game Tailgate

Parking Lots (Any)

It’s a rite of passage in Milwaukee. A tradition that inspired the Brewers’ City Connect jerseys goes hard. Each game brings a full-blown party, with a festival atmosphere, some of the best grilled food you’ve ever tasted in your life and a few icy cold beverages to boot. Lots usually open around two hours before first pitch and close a half hour after the start of the game. So, pack the cooler, get to the park early, fire up the grill and chill in the shadow of American Family Field for a tailgate experience unlike anywhere else in the country.

Roof Opening and Closing

Anywhere in the Stadium

It’s cooler than it sounds, we promise. One of the most unique field facets is the retractable roof. The fan-like design was well ahead of its time when the stadium opened in 2001, with the ability to operate each side independently to adapt to weather conditions. This means there’s never a rainout and guarantees that if you’re heading to the ballpark, you’re going to catch the matchup. If you get the chance, watch these enormous panels move, protecting the field from inclement weather or revealing a majestic Milwaukee sky.

Bernie’s Slide

Left-Center Field

While every stadium has its own traditions, we’re willing to put the home run slide of Bernie Brewer right up there with the best of them. After every big fly, Bernie pops out from his chalet and drops down the slide in left field. The Brewers’ mascot also rides the slide at the beginning of the game and after a win. As if you needed another reason to root for the Crew. With the state of the team this year, you’ll (hopefully) have plenty of chances to catch him in the act.

J. Leinenkugel's Barrel Yard

Left Field, Field Level

An actual on-site brewery inside a stadium. Would you expect anything else from a team named the Brewers in a city long heralded for its strong brewing tradition? This brewery and restaurant belongs to Leinenkugel’s Brewing Co. and is home to a variety of its experimental brews. These test beers are often available on tap during the game, offering an alternative to the domestic standards found around the stands. Inside, you’ll discover a lively atmosphere, field-side seating and out-of-this-world bites sure to satisfy even the hungriest fan. The restaurant is also open on non-gamedays, featuring local staples like brat flights, beer-battered cheese curds and fish frys. Grab a brew, then head to the seats and cheer on the Crew.

Uecker Statue

Lodge Level, Section 422

You must be in the front row! The legendary voice of the Brewers, Bob Uecker, has left his mark on American Family Field. The late beloved broadcaster’s name adorns the broadcast center, hangs in the rafters in right field and is commemorated in bronze outside of the main gates. But one of the most interesting mementos is perched in the very last row of the stadium. “I must be in the front row,” Uecker, ever the funny man, once said in the classic Miller Lite ad campaign. As in the commercial, Uecker’s statue lives on in the very last row of section 422. Stop upstairs for a visit with the legend and, if you’re looking for a cheap gameday ticket, drop by the box office for a chance to score a Uecker seat for just $1.

U.S. Cellular Power Playground

Right Field, Field Level

Let your little leaguer loose at this baseball-themed wonderland. Located along the first baseline in right field, this play place has everything kids could dream of to get them in the game. They can test their aim at a pitching station, let it fly at a tee ball batting cage or race to first base. There are also photo ops galore, so you can snap a few pics of your crew to preserve these priceless memories.

Bonus: Swing by with your little ones on Sundays for their chance to run the bases after the game.

Racing Sausages

On-Field, Inning 6 1/2

Oft imitated but never replicated. Introduced in 1993, the Famous Racing Sausages were such a buzz-worthy in-game activation that, soon, themed mascot races swept the nation in Major League Baseball. The Nationals broke out the racing presidents, and Pittsburgh pushed the Pirates Pierogis, but none of them measured up to the OG. They’re the first, best and wurst. The pre-stretch ritual takes place between the top and bottom halves of the sixth inning, so make sure you’re in your seat. Pick your favorite, cheer your heart out and relish one of the special moments in the sporting world.

Roll Out the Barrel

Video Board, Seventh Inning Stretch

The seventh-inning stretch is a fun quirk of America’s favorite pastime, and everyone does it a little differently. Milwaukee does it best, though. Yeah, peanuts and Cracker Jacks are great, counting to three is good for mental dexterity, but “Roll Out the Barrel” puts the pep in the step of every fan. There’s something about the oompah music, a playful nod to the city’s brewing roots and the abstract lyrics “zing, boom, tararrel* / We’ll have a barrel of fun,” that makes it an unmistakably Milwaukee classic. Don’t worry if you don’t know the words, they appear karaoke-style on the screen to help you get up and stretch the Milwaukee way.

*Note: If you’re looking for another reason to love this song, the word tararrel does not exist.

3rd Street Market Hall

Right Field, Lodge Level

Ballpark dogs have their place, but if you’re looking for bites that go beyond hot dogs and nachos, the stadium steps up to the plate. You’ll find everything from gyros to arepas to tacos to BBQ that bring the heat with every bite at the 3rd Street Market Hall down the first baseline. Stop by this collection of vendors and savor the authentic Milwaukee flavors when your stomach starts rumbling.
 

X-Golf

Left Field, Club Level

And there’s a drive to deep left field. It’s back, it’s on the track and it’s…golf? Swing away at X-Golf with a spectacular view of the action. Take your cuts at one of the seven golf bays, with full view of the game as you drive, chip and putt your way through 18 holes (or as many as you can manage) of golf. Pre-purchased gameday sessions last 80 minutes, with shorter appointments available on the day. The best part is that you can play here year-round, with sessions open seven days a week.

There’s so much that makes American Family Field one of the best stadiums in Major League Baseball, but we had to draw the line somewhere. As the Crew close in on their third consecutive division title and eye their first World Series run since 1982, these are just a few of the things to see and do the next time you cheer on the Brewers in Milwaukee.

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