Brewers Opening Day 2010
My husband and I began going to Opening Day when first started dating. Our group started
out as a handful and has not blossomed into a school bus full. Over the years, our trials and
errors have turned Opening Day into a well-oiled machine. And since baseball games are usually a
sea of drunken, brat-eating, mustached men spewing ERA stats off the tip of
their tongue, a girl may need a few extra tips for navigating this foreign
universe.
PACK YOUR BAGS
A good cross-body purse is a must. Trust me, you will not want to set your
purse on any surface, concrete, or port-a-potty shelf during the day. Also, it’s hard to carry a two beers and a hot dog with a purse in your hand.
Speaking of port-a-pottys, there are several located in the
parking lots. Most have long lines
and NO toilet paper. So, if you’re
parking in the lots, bring a travel size Kleenex pack and
some hand sanitizer.
One of the best secrets:
The Sausage Haus (a short walk from the south parking
lots) has real flush toilets and sinks (Hallelujah!). If
you come on a bus, you’ll be parked right next to the
Sausage Haus—a big plus!
I know it’s only April, but bring sunscreen for the hours of noon tailgating. I’ve been sunburned every single
year.
LAYER UP
Layers, scarfs, and mittens work well for this vastly open and
windy parking lot in springtime.
Brewers gear can be purchased year round in Miller Park’s Main Retail
Store. For something more unique,
check out the shirts made by Wiskullsin, Milwaukee Shirt Guys, or Too Much Metal for One Hand.
Too Much Metal Mustache Ladies
tee, The Lady Hank by Wiskullsin, FansEdge burnout baseball tee
TAILGATING LIKE A PRO
So obviously you’re going to bring a grill–it just isn’t
tailgating without some sort of grilled meat. My favorite gameday sausage stop is Milwaukee’s own Klements sausage factory outlet on South Chase near Bay
View. If you’re not a fan of hot
dogs, burgers, or brats (or their calories) the Metro
Market sells chicken feta and spinach or italian turkey brats.
For the beer, try some local microbrews along with your Miller Lites. Try Milwaukee Brewing Co.’s Flaming Damsel or Louie’s Demise. Or a lighter beer like Nude Beach from
Point Brewery. Beer
cozies are silly looking but very practical for Opening Day. If you need a few, try these cool ones from Etsy seller, Bubnis.
You’ll probably see lots of people in the parking lot
playing beanbags, aka “cornhole” or “baggo”. Check out the rules of the game here. Other favorites are ladder ball, catch,
or Frisbee along with a litany of drinking games. If you need to pick up some games or last minute items,
there’s a Target just blocks away at 1501 Miller Park Way.
Make a supplies checklist including: table, chairs, grill, charcoal, lighter
fluid, lighter, spatula/tongs, plates, napkins/paper towel, garbage bag,
cooler, ice, etc.
CHEERING FROM THE GRANDSTAND
Grab a free game day program on your way
into Miller Park just after the ticket scan. As a girl, I sometimes get restless and need something to
read. It also lists all the players,
positions, stats, and jersey numbers so you know who is the hottie in the
outfield and their batting average.
Miller Park has a decent variety of healthy food options, although you can still find custard and deep fried cheese curds. You can actually carry-in food items and non-alcoholic drinks in sealed plastic bottles. But if you eat inside, look for Grilled Chicken Sandwiches at most concession stands, Baked Potatoes in Sec. 120,
214. Soy Dogs in Sec. 117. Taco Salads in Sec.120, 213, 221, 230, 411, 434. Lattes in 112, 218.
Don’t miss the Seventh Inning Stretch between the top and bottom halves of the seventh inning by being stuck in some
long bathroom line. The crowd will
sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” followed by the polka “Roll Out the Barrel” and the Klement’s Racing Sausages.
So good times to break for the bathroom: Innings 1-3 and the 8th inning.
Get your shopping done at any of the three Brewers retail stores, or the small stands throughout the park. No worries, the stores take all credit cards.
(FOR THE UBER PREPARED)
Check out driving directions, maps, and tips HERE.
You can purchase a parking pass online or at the ticket
office to make the entrance a little faster.
There is only one ATM per each level, so bring some
cash. All Miller Park concession
stands and Miller Park retail stores do accept plastic.
The First Aid rooms are on the Field and Terrace levels behind home plate. They’re pretty helpful with headaches, sunburn, and/or unexpected monthly visitors.
Brewers Opening Day 2008
If you have any other tips, advice, or suggestions for Opening Day, feel free to add a comment!
GO BREWERS!
