MILWAUKEE — Following months of bipartisan negotiations at the state, county and local levels, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed Assembly Bills 438 and 439 into effect to raucous applause during an event at American Family Field on Tuesday afternoon, successfully keeping the Brewers in Milwaukee through 2050.
Introduced by Brewers President of Business Operations Rick Schlesinger, the following leaders took the stage along with the Governor for Tuesday’s bill proposal: Mayor Cavalier Johnson, County Executive David Crowley, Brewers Owner Mark Attanasio, bill co-authors, Sen. Dan Feyen and Rep. Rob Brooks, Rep. Christine Sinicki, Commissioner Emeritus of Baseball Bud Selig and the Governor himself.
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“Through months of hard work, we were able to reach consensus and find a compromise that safeguards taxpayers and taxpayer dollars, is supported by all involved parties, and ensures the Milwaukee Brewers remain here in Milwaukee through 2050,” Gov. Evers said. “I’ve always believed we’d find a way to get this done, and today is yet another great example of what we can accomplish when we work together, find common ground, and put politics aside to do what’s best for Wisconsin.”
The Brewers’ current lease with American Family Field includes an obligation by state/local leaders to help fund critical renovations to the ballpark. This agreement successfully divides the financial responsibilities of all parties involved to ensure a fair balance of investment.
“With billions of dollars in annual economic impact and hundreds of local, family-supporting jobs, I’m proud today to be signing these bills to ensure the Milwaukee Brewers will continue being a critical part of our state’s future economic success and a defining part of our state’s history and traditions for future generations,” Gov. Evers said.
Next, the 22-year-old stadium will receive critical repairs and improvements including winterization, allowing American Family Field to be used as a venue for events during the cold-weather months, generating additional revenue for Milwaukee County and beyond. It also includes replacements to current parts of the concourse, the scoreboard, maintenance on the retractable roof, elevators and escalators.
Schlesinger revealed that the organization will begin looking for vendors to work on the winterization process after the 2024 baseball season with his group being hopeful that it will be ready for Winter 2025.
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