Miller Park?

[muwarrior69]

Would Miller Park ever be considered for an NCAA Regional site? Is it conducive for basketball?

[Nukem2]

Doubt that it would ever happen.  There was talk of an MU game there, but cold/damp weather is probably too much of a wildcard/probability for that to happen.  Some talk about huge heaters/blowers, but that does not seem too practical in Nov - March timeframe.

[dsfire]

Not sure about tourney games, but there was talk about the Badgers and Illinois playing a game there (and it wasn't just here).  I'd have to imagine there are much better locations for regionals, though.

[4everwarriors]

Sure, if the number of hotel rooms in this town quadruples.

[Markusquette]

Buzz was interviewed during the game today.

[Hards Alumni]

Sure, if the number of hotel rooms in this town quadruples.

regionals have been held at the BC before, have they not?

[GGGG]

regionals have been held at the BC before, have they not?

No.  Only first and second round.  Madison has hosted regionals, but since then they haven't hosted anything.

[Nukem2]

Sure, if the number of hotel rooms in this town quadruples.

Why?  There are fewer teams (4) in a regional than in a 1st/2nd round site (8).

[Brewtown Andy]

Why?  There are fewer teams (4) in a regional than in a 1st/2nd round site (8).

More people are willing to travel to see their team in the regional rounds.

[Mayor McCheese]

I hate how they are moving Regional games to football stadiums... The place looks empty, the atmosphere is lost... I would rather have them play these games in small arenas (Hinkle, Butler's arena, Chaminade's arena, Cameron Indoor) then these giant places where they are a quarter filled, and the atmosphere is killed by the size.

[drewm88]

There has been talk about Miller potentially hosting the Final Four sometime. Like 4ever said, by far the biggest issue is number of hotel rooms.

[GGGG]

I hate how they are moving Regional games to football stadiums... The place looks empty, the atmosphere is lost... I would rather have them play these games in small arenas (Hinkle, Butler's arena, Chaminade's arena, Cameron Indoor) then these giant places where they are a quarter filled, and the atmosphere is killed by the size.

That is the reason that Madison and I believe Austin hosted a few years ago.  They were trying to get that atmosphere in college arenas.  However, I think the lack of hotel rooms was an issue with Madison, and the NCAA wanted to make more money.

[bma725]

There has been talk about Miller potentially hosting the Final Four sometime. Like 4ever said, by far the biggest issue is number of hotel rooms.

There's more to it than just the hotel rooms.  The roof leaks in multiple areas despite being repaired before and they've sort of given up on fixing it.

More importantly, there is no true heating/cooling system.  They can only make the air in the stadium 30* warmer than the outside air.  Given that average temperature in March is 33*, that's just not acceptable for basketball.

[drewm88]

There's more to it than just the hotel rooms.  The roof leaks in multiple areas despite being repaired before and they've sort of given up on fixing it.

More importantly, there is no true heating/cooling system.  They can only make the air in the stadium 30* warmer than the outside air.  Given that average temperature in March is 33*, that's just not acceptable for basketball.

Agreed that the roof would be a problem. However, at the time that was still assumed to be fixed shortly. As for temperature, remember that the Final Four is played in early April, when the average high is in the low 50s. Lows are in the mid to high 30s. Also, IIRC they could get it roughly 40* above outside temp with some temporary heaters included. I assume that would also factor in the heat generated by 40,000+ people. Either way, that should probably cover the temperature unless it's significantly colder than average.

Either way, the article said hotel rooms were the biggest issue. I believe the NCAA looks for a city to be able to hold a crowd of 100,000.

I can't find the article though.

[HoopsMalone]

How could Indianapolis have that many more hotels available than Milwaukee?  Also, there are a ton of hotels in the north suburbs of Chicago which would only be an hour drive to the games. There is also a 1 hour train ride from Glenview, IL.  Can't see how hotels would be that big of an issue in one of the biggest cities in the country with the third biggest city in the entire country just 90 miles south.

[Brewtown Andy]

How could Indianapolis have that many more hotels available than Milwaukee? 

Well, if Wikipedia is to be trusted, Indianapolis has a population size of 200K more than Milwaukee, so you'd have to figure that bigger city = more hotel rooms.

[GGGG]

Well, if Wikipedia is to be trusted, Indianapolis has a population size of 200K more than Milwaukee, so you'd have to figure that bigger city = more hotel rooms.

It's not just that.  Indianapolis made huge investments in its conference center years before the Midwest Airlines center was built and has multiple downtown conference hotels that Milwaukee can't match.  If you go downtown Indianapolis at anytime, you will see a lot of people in "conference gear."

[Hards Alumni]

Indianapolis 500.

that should end that debate.

[lurch91]

Indianapolis 500.

that should end that debate.

Nto really, about 40% of people that go to the 500 end up staying an hour away or more.  The 500 opens the gates at 6am so those people can arrive early.  Still, it's pretty impressive that Central Indiana can accomodate about 300,000 "visitors" (assuming max capacity is 400,000 and only 100,000 local residents attend the race).

[BrewCity83]

Northeastern Wisconsin can accommodate at least that many.  How many were at the "Ice Bowl"?

[GooooMarquette]

Just to frame the comparison between Milwaukee and Indianapolis, I went to the cities' respective Convention and Visitors' Bureau sites.  Indianapolis' site says they have 6,000 downtown hotel rooms.  Milwaukee's says they have 3,000.

I suspect that pretty much ends any debate in the NCAA's eyes.

And while it's true that there are more than enough rooms in Chicago, I'm guessing that most folks don't want to go to a Regional or Final Four and then spend several hours of their weekend going back and forth on I-94.  I love Milwaukee and would be thrilled to see a Regional or Final Four there, but I just don't see it happening.

[MUfan12]

Just to frame the comparison between Milwaukee and Indianapolis, I went to the cities' respective Convention and Visitors' Bureau sites.  Indianapolis' site says they have 6,000 downtown hotel rooms.  Milwaukee's says they have 3,000.

I suspect that pretty much ends any debate in the NCAA's eyes.

And while it's true that there are more than enough rooms in Chicago, I'm guessing that most folks don't want to go to a Regional or Final Four and then spend several hours of their weekend going back and forth on I-94.  I love Milwaukee and would be thrilled to see a Regional or Final Four there, but I just don't see it happening.

And this is my frustration with Milwaukee. There's more empty condo buildings going up downtown than hotels, and it's killing the city's ability to attract any sort of large event.

[Hards Alumni]

I'm not sure how it is Milwaukee's fault... hotel chains... maybe.

[GooooMarquette]

I'm not sure how it is Milwaukee's fault... hotel chains... maybe.

The hotel chains are there to make money, so they aren't going to put hotels in places where there isn't demonstrated demand.  Part of the job of the CVB in any town is to help generate that demand by marketing the city to conventions and others, and then demonstrate the demand to the hoteliers.  If the Milwaukee CVB hasn't been able to demonstrate that demand to the Marriotts and Hiltons of the world, I find it hard to blame the latter for not building hotels there.

By the way, if you think there's high enough demand in Milwaukee for more business-quality hotels, consider this:  I come in from out of town to the MU games, and often stay in hotels.  It isn't at all uncommon to get a nice room in a full-service hotel (like the Waukesha Marriott or the Residence Inn in the old Marshall Fields building downtown) for $100 or less.  Think of what the rates would be like if there were twice as many rooms....

[MUfan12]

I'm not sure how it is Milwaukee's fault... hotel chains... maybe.

Not placing blame, just a general frustration.

[Hards Alumni]

There is a Hilton and a Marriot in downtown.

where do you suggest these new hotels build?  knock down old buildings?  the valley?

[GooooMarquette]

There is a Hilton and a Marriot in downtown.

where do you suggest these new hotels build?  knock down old buildings?  the valley?

I just pointed out the differences in number of hotel rooms in Indy vs. Milwaukee as the explanation why a Regional or Final Four is unlikely.  I am not suggesting that hotel chains build more -- in fact, I have suggested that they probably won't because the year-round demand simply isn't there.

But if Milwaukee ever could demonstrate the demand, you can bet that Marriott and Hilton would figure out where to put the hotels.  Every time I go to New York or Chicago, I am amazed at where I see new hotels going up.  If they can find room in those cities, they surely could in Milwaukee.

[Hards Alumni]

good point, buy some building, knock it down, put up hotel. :-P

[BrewCity83]

The Park East corridor is ripe for hotel building.  The banks won't lend the money to developers right now because the developers can't convince the banks that there is a shortage of hotel rooms in town.

[LON]

good point, buy some building, knock it down, put up hotel. :-P

Step 1, get a box.
Step 2, cut hole in box.
Step 3, ...

Oh, this isn't relevant?  My bad

[🏀]

Step 1, get a box.
Step 2, cut hole in box.
Step 3, ...

Oh, this isn't relevant?  My bad

Step 4: Profit.

[Avenue Commons]

I'm going to hijack this thread with a tangential Miller Park question:

I'm coming up to MKE in a couple of weeks for the White Sox vs. Brewers series. I'm going to pick up some tickets on StubHub. There are some decent values, it seems, but I don't know where to sit where I would have the most fun.

Bleachers? Worth the $50? Or should I spend $65-70 and sit somewhere else. I have little interest in sitting "up top". I'd appreciate any advice from you locals.

http://www.stubhub.com/milwaukee-brewers-tickets/brewers-vs-white-sox-6-13-2009-721031/

[BrewCity83]

The Loge and Club levels in the infield areas are pretty good values (good view).  The Right field bleachers, Loge level (200's) are the most fun, especially on the weekends.

[Skatastrophy]

I'm going to hijack this thread with a tangential Miller Park question:

I'm coming up to MKE in a couple of weeks for the White Sox vs. Brewers series. I'm going to pick up some tickets on StubHub. There are some decent values, it seems, but I don't know where to sit where I would have the most fun.

Bleachers? Worth the $50? Or should I spend $65-70 and sit somewhere else. I have little interest in sitting "up top". I'd appreciate any advice from you locals.

http://www.stubhub.com/milwaukee-brewers-tickets/brewers-vs-white-sox-6-13-2009-721031/

As a 28 year old rolling with a big group of friends the bleachers are the most fun for a drink-fest where you have little chance of ruining a little kid's childhood.

Anywhere else in the stadium is great, imo.  Great sight lines no matter where you're sitting.

I don't expect the Brewers v White Sox series to be quite as bad as a Cubs series, but if you're at all worried about havoc being caused by people other than yourselves then I'd avoid the bleachers.

[Avenue Commons]

I don't expect the Brewers v White Sox series to be quite as bad as a Cubs series, but if you're at all worried about havoc being caused by people other than yourselves then I'd avoid the bleachers.

I trust that the Brewers fans know that while you can hassle yuppie, North Side Cubs fans, messing with South Side Sox fans is done at your own peril.

[Skatastrophy]

I trust that the Brewers fans know that while you can hassle yuppie, North Side Cubs fans, messing with South Side Sox fans is done at your own peril.

I doubt you'd get hassled too much.  I was referring to the amount of drunkedness, standing up during odd parts of the game, walking in and out of the isle, spilling food/beer, yelling and vulgarity that you may come across.

I think that most of the Midwest knows better than to intentionally badger a south-sider :p

[BrewCity83]

Avenue, if you don't go in there with a chip on your shoulder, you will be respected.

[Avenue Commons]

Avenue, if you don't go in there with a chip on your shoulder, you will be respected.

The only place I have a chip on my shoulder is Wrigley Field. I like the Brew Crew, no problems with them or their fans at all. If you think about it we have a natural alliance in our hatred of the Cubs.

[bma725]

The only place I have a chip on my shoulder is Wrigley Field. I like the Brew Crew, no problems with them or their fans at all. If you think about it we have a natural alliance in our hatred of the Cubs.

Perhaps, but Brewers fans spent a couple decades hating the White Sox before hating the Cubs.  In fact the Brewers-Cubs seems kind of small time compared to the old days when Phil Garner tried to fight Harrelson and Paciorek in the parking lot.

[Avenue Commons]

Perhaps, but Brewers fans spent a couple decades hating the White Sox before hating the Cubs.  In fact the Brewers-Cubs seems kind of small time compared to the old days when Phil Garner tried to fight Harrelson and Paciorek in the parking lot.

Great point. Wasn't there some huge brawl between the two teams? Maybe I'm thinking of Sox vs. Tigers.

Still, the switch the NL by the Brewers really took the steam out of the rivalry. I always thought of MKE as more of an American League team anyways. Except for the Cubs (who split Chicago with the WS) the "Great Lakes" teams are AL teams.

It's too bad. It made a lot more sense to the have the AL Central align with the NFC Central: Chicago, Minnesota, Detroit, Wisconsin and throw in Cleveland and KC for good measure. It made for more natural rivalries.

Edit: I was thinking about this. Milwaukee Brewers should have stayed in the AL and the KC Royals should have gone to the NL. That way the Royals and the STL Cardinals could create a Missouri rivalry. I sure Selig had something to do with this. It makes a ton of sense. Milwaukee vs. Minnesota, Chicago, and Detroit is way more interesting that MKE vs. Cincinnati, Houston, St. Louis, etc. It's a shame.

[Skatastrophy]

The only place I have a chip on my shoulder is Wrigley Field. I like the Brew Crew, no problems with them or their fans at all. If you think about it we have a natural alliance in our hatred of the Cubs.

With your avatar I'd be remiss if I didn't alert you to the fact that it is, in fact, frowned upon to make your way onto the field at any point during a game.  This remains true even if you're a relative of someone playing for either the home or away team :p

[Henry Sugar]

With your avatarteam allegiance I'd be remiss if I didn't alert you to the fact that it is, in fact, frowned upon to make your way onto the field at any point during a game.  This remains true even if you're a relative of someone playing for either the home or away team :p you disagree with some of the decisions made by a coach you are crazy

Ligue'd

[BrewCity83]

Yeah, Sox fan...that's why I tried suggesting 2nd and 3rd deck seating...

[Avenue Commons]

Ligue'd

I ain't crazy. I'm just South Side white trash with a good education. The only thing separating me and William Ligue, Jr. is my MU degree, a meth habit, and a few tattoos. Other than that, we're pretty much the same dude.  

[MU B2002]

IS this the guy that attacked the KC 1st base coach along with his son?

[Avenue Commons]

IS this the guy that attacked the KC 1st base coach along with his son?

Yes, William Ligue, Jr. I believe he is in prison now for some other low end nonsense.

Tom Samboa (?) I think was the name of the first base coach. The whole thing was very horrible on many fronts. Fortunately Paul Konerko stepped in and kept it from getting worse. Ligue had a knife on his belt. He apparently was hopped up on drugs and free drinks he somehow got. According to him, he wasn't even a White Sox fan, he just got free tickets with some group and brought his kid and they got drunk together. Horribly embarassing for the White Sox and the South Side as a whole, as evidenced by the fact we are discussing it 7 years later.

The only good that came out of it is that it changed security policies at ball parks throughout the country to be more vigilant for fans coming out of the stands.

[reinko]

Yes, William Ligue, Jr. I believe he is in prison now for some other low end nonsense.


The only good that came out of it is that it changed security policies at ball parks throughout the country to be more vigilant for fans coming out of the stands.

I guess the Dunkin Donuts Center was out sick that day this covered.

[Sheriff]

I'm going to hijack this thread with a tangential Miller Park question:

I'm coming up to MKE in a couple of weeks for the White Sox vs. Brewers series. I'm going to pick up some tickets on StubHub. There are some decent values, it seems, but I don't know where to sit where I would have the most fun.

Bleachers? Worth the $50? Or should I spend $65-70 and sit somewhere else. I have little interest in sitting "up top". I'd appreciate any advice from you locals.

http://www.stubhub.com/milwaukee-brewers-tickets/brewers-vs-white-sox-6-13-2009-721031/

No need to go to StubHub for tickets.  Plenty available via Brewer web site.  You will feel right at home watching the Sox with plenty of empty seats around.  Comiskey North.

[Sir Lawrence]

No need to go to StubHub for tickets.  Plenty available via Brewer web site.  You will feel right at home watching the Sox with plenty of empty seats around.  Comiskey North.

Really?  Have you tried to get tickets for that series?  Wrongo on getting them from the brewers.com site, unless you want to drop $195.00 per.

[reinko]

Try www.fansnap.com

Best ticket website out there.

[muwarrior87]

Really?  Have you tried to get tickets for that series?  Wrongo on getting them from the brewers.com site, unless you want to drop $195.00 per.

i'm guessing you just did best available?  so that means there are field diamond box seats available. Those games will all be sellouts but if you're going for singles, there's some available in any area right now.  There may even be some available day of but not many.

[Sir Lawrence]

i'm guessing you just did best available?  so that means there are field diamond box seats available. Those games will all be sellouts but if you're going for singles, there's some available in any area right now.  There may even be some available day of but not many.

I looked at bleachers.  I assumed a good looking guy like Avenue Commons wouldn't be flying solo.

[Avenue Commons]

i'm guessing you just did best available?  so that means there are field diamond box seats available. Those games will all be sellouts but if you're going for singles, there's some available in any area right now.  There may even be some available day of but not many.

I saw those tickets, and while tempting, its more than I was planning on spending. I called the Brewers, and they had a pair behind the plate, but in a family friendly, no drinking section. And AC don't fly like that. Especially on a Saturday baseball game. The only other tix available are SRO.

[SCdem@MU]

By the way, if you think there's high enough demand in Milwaukee for more business-quality hotels, consider this:  I come in from out of town to the MU games, and often stay in hotels.  It isn't at all uncommon to get a nice room in a full-service hotel (like the Waukesha Marriott or the Residence Inn in the old Marshall Fields building downtown) for $100 or less.  Think of what the rates would be like if there were twice as many rooms....

I haven't had to spend more than $70 including tax for a room at the Hilton or the Hyatt when I've traveled for the Wisconsin, G-town, or Syracuse games.