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Milwaukee County Stadium

A Diamond's Legacy: Charting the Storied Past of a Beloved Midwestern Venue.

Stadium History 👇 Notable Events 🎉

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Stadium Genesis

Publicly Funded Beginnings

Milwaukee County Stadium, originally known as Milwaukee County Municipal Stadium, was a pioneering example of public funding for sports venues in the United States. Its construction was initiated to serve the minor league Milwaukee Brewers and to attract a Major League Baseball franchise. Construction commenced in October 1950, overcoming steel shortages during the Korean War, and was completed in 1953 at a cost of $5.9 million.

Attracting Major League Talent

The stadium's completion coincided with the relocation of the Boston Braves to Milwaukee, transforming them into the Milwaukee Braves. The team's arrival in 1953 was met with immense enthusiasm, setting National League attendance records in their inaugural season. The stadium's capacity was expanded multiple times, eventually accommodating over 53,000 spectators for baseball.

A Multi-Generational Venue

Serving as the primary home for the Milwaukee Braves (1953-1965) and later the Milwaukee Brewers (1970-2000), the stadium witnessed numerous historic moments. It also hosted the Green Bay Packers for a significant portion of their home games from 1953 to 1994, solidifying its role as a vital sports landmark in Wisconsin.

Major League Baseball

Milwaukee Braves Era

Milwaukee became synonymous with baseball success during the Braves' tenure. The stadium hosted the 1955 MLB All-Star Game and the thrilling 1957 and 1958 World Series against the New York Yankees. The Braves' departure in 1965 marked the end of an era, but the stadium's baseball legacy was far from over.

Brewers' Home Opener

In 1970, the stadium welcomed the newly formed Milwaukee Brewers. It became the backdrop for iconic moments, including Hank Aaron's final career home run and his breaking of Babe Ruth's RBI record. The Brewers clinched their only American League Championship in 1982 at County Stadium, leading to their World Series appearance.

  • 1955 All-Star Game: National League won 6-5 in 12 innings.
  • 1957 World Series: Braves defeated Yankees in 7 games.
  • 1958 World Series: Yankees defeated Braves in 6 games.
  • Hank Aaron's Milestones: Final career home run (755) and RBI record set here.
  • 1982 ALCS Champions: Brewers defeated California Angels.
  • 1982 World Series: Brewers lost to St. Louis Cardinals.

Interleague Play & Sox

The stadium also served as a temporary home for the Chicago White Sox for select games in 1968 and 1969, demonstrating its continued appeal for major league baseball. This period highlighted the stadium's flexibility and the enduring passion for baseball in Milwaukee.

National Football League

Packers' Second Home

For over four decades, Milwaukee County Stadium was a cherished secondary home for the Green Bay Packers. From 1953 to 1994, the team played a portion of its home schedule here, compiling an impressive record and hosting significant games, including a crucial 1967 Western Conference Championship playoff victory against the Los Angeles Rams.

Football Field Challenges

Hosting football presented unique challenges due to the stadium's baseball-centric design. The field dimensions were tight, with end zones encroaching on outfield areas. Despite these constraints, the stadium accommodated over 55,000 fans for the Packers' final game in 1994, a testament to its enduring connection with the team's fanbase.

  • 1953-1994: Packers played 2-4 home games annually.
  • Record: 76 wins, 47 losses, 3 ties (.615) in regular season games.
  • Notable Game: Hosted the 1967 Western Conference Championship.
  • Field Layout: Baseball field orientation created challenges for football setup.
  • Final Game: December 18, 1994, a Packers victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Beyond the Games

Concerts and Festivals

Milwaukee County Stadium was a premier concert venue, attracting legendary artists. It hosted major tours by Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel & Elton John, and The Rolling Stones. The Kool Jazz Festival also found a home here annually from 1976 to 1980, showcasing a diverse range of musical talent.

Film and Entertainment

The stadium's iconic status extended to the silver screen, notably serving as the filming location for the popular baseball movie "Major League." It also hosted religious crusades, international soccer matches, professional wrestling events, and even the Ice Capades, demonstrating its versatility.

  • Concerts: Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Eagles, Jacksons, etc.
  • Festivals: Kool Jazz Festival (1976-1980).
  • Film: "Major League" filming location.
  • Sports: International soccer, rugby league exhibition.
  • Other: Religious services (Billy Graham Crusade), Ice Capades, WWF WrestleFest.

Stadium Dimensions

Field Specifications

Milwaukee County Stadium featured symmetrical dimensions, a common characteristic of classic ballparks. These measurements defined the playing field for decades of memorable athletic contests.

Dimension Distance
Left Field Line315 ft (96 m)
Shallow Left Center362 ft (110 m)
True Left Center382 ft (116 m)
Deep Left Center392 ft (119 m)
Center Field402 ft (123 m)
Deep Right Center392 ft (119 m)
True Right Center382 ft (116 m)
Shallow Right Center362 ft (110 m)
Right Field Line315 ft (96 m)

End of an Era

Outdated Amenities

By the 1990s, County Stadium was considered outdated, lacking modern amenities like luxury suites that were becoming standard in newer venues. This financial disadvantage spurred discussions for a replacement.

Transition to Miller Park

Plans for a new, state-of-the-art stadium, eventually named Miller Park, were finalized. Construction began in 1996, with an original target opening for the 1999 season. However, construction delays, including a tragic crane accident, pushed the opening to 2001.

Farewell and Lasting Memory

Milwaukee County Stadium hosted its final Major League Baseball game on September 28, 2000. The stadium was demolished in February 2001. While the physical structure is gone, its legacy endures through Helfaer Field on the original infield site and its indelible mark on Wisconsin's sports and cultural history.

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References

References

  1.  Cecil Fielder - Baseballbiography.com
A full list of references for this article are available at the Milwaukee County Stadium Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, architectural consultation, or sports venue analysis. Always refer to official historical records and consult with qualified professionals for specific inquiries.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.