Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Legislature Passes Bill Approving Stadium Renovations at American Family Field
The Wisconsin state legislature has taken a significant step towards ensuring the future of Milwaukee’s American Family Field with the passage of a bill approving stadium renovations. The bill, which still requires approval from Governor Tony Evers, is expected to be signed into law, according to reporting by Jessie Opoien of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Under the proposed funding plan, the state will allocate just under $366 million to support the stadium upgrades through 2050. Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee will each contribute $67.5 million, while the Brewers are expected to pay roughly $150 million. The substantial public funding, totaling over half a billion dollars over 26 years, has raised concerns among some residents and faced opposition in the state senate, where the bill passed by a narrow 19-14 margin.
However, the plan also secures the Brewers’ presence in Milwaukee for the foreseeable future. The team’s lease at American Family Field, which had been set to expire after the 2030 season, will now be extended through 2050. This development puts to rest any lingering questions about the team’s future in the city, as team officials had previously hinted at the possibility of relocation if a lease extension wasn’t agreed upon this fall.
“We now can all go to sleep tonight knowing the Brewers are going to be here for the next generation in a great, beautifully maintained ballpark that is worthy of the fans’ support,” said Rick Schlesinger, the team’s business operations president.
The Brewers have been a fixture in Milwaukee since 1970, when the franchise moved from Seattle after just one season. With the stadium deal now secured, the team can look forward to a long-term future in Milwaukee. This comes in contrast to the recent news that the Oakland Athletics have been approved to relocate to Las Vegas, making them the only franchise to do so in the near future.
As the bill awaits the governor’s signature, it marks a significant moment for the Brewers and their fans, ensuring the team’s continued presence in Milwaukee for the next three decades.