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A letter sent to Mark Antansio regarding Opening Day 2006

First, I want to congratulate you and thank you for guiding the Brewers to a wonderful 2005 season and into a very promising 2006 season. Today's game was spectacular, and the win was a great way to start off the season. Of course, I wasn't able to watch the game. Allow me to explain my situation that has left me feeling very frustrated. The story starts when the Nine Game Packages first went on sale for the 2005 season. I thought it was a great idea, and I was excited to snatch one up. When I called, I was told the seating area requested (Infield Loge) was not available except for the Family Section. The Family Section was fine, and the ticket sales representative said he would put the package together and call me back. He never called, and I never bought the package. Fast Forward to February 2006 when individual game day tickets went on sale. This is always an exciting day for me. Unfortunately, I was unable to get through to get quality tickets. I settled for Standing Room Only. This was fine as I was still getting to see my favorite baseball team - The Milwaukee Brewers - on opening day of the season. Unfortunately, that would never happen. Without going in to great detail, I was unable to get the entire day off from work. I had to work until 10:15. Milwaukee is two hours away from Janesville. I knew this would cause a traffic and parking nightmare, but I didn't realize it would prevent me from seeing by beloved team - the team I have supported my entire life and throughout the miserable 1990's. After waiting in a traffic jam for 30-45 minutes we were literally turned away. The parking attendants would not talk to us. We were not even told the lots were full. There was no common courtesy at all. After driving down and around Bluemound, we decided to head home. After spending $45 on three tickets, $20 on a tank of gas, and wasting three vacation days (one for each of us) we missed seeing the new and improved park, Prince Fielder, Robin Yount and Dale Svuem, and a very exciting winning game. On the bright side, I saved money on merchandise, souvenirs, parking and food. When I returned home from the long, frustrating trip, I quickly emailed Nathan Hardwick, a Senior Account Executive who I was in contact with during the off-season regarding my experience. I was surprised that he tracked down my phone number (which I did not provide in the email) and called me in less than two hours. The good first impression, however, was sadly wrong. Mr. Hardwick never apologized for my experience. He offered excuse after excuse. While he was very polite and thorough in his explanation, an apology would have gone a long way. I explained to him how I understood The Milwaukee Brewers is a business and the ultimate goal is to make money. I also explained that it should still remember the little guy that has remained supportive of the team through the good and the bad. The advice Mr. Hardwick gave me was to come earlier (I explained three times I couldn't) or to call him to get parking advice. How was I suppose to call him? I am an average Joe. I don't have access to email when I am not at a computer. Again, an apology would have been sufficient. Ridiculous excuses and suggestions only make me angrier. It seems odd that another record crowd was recorded for opening day and that parking was not a concern. With the huge advance notice of opening day, I would think that State Fair Park or other parking venues, could have been made available to ease the parking crunch. Maybe a parking promotion would assist. A car with four passengers gets half price parking. A van with six passengers gets half price parking. Maybe tailgating has to be limited on days when such a large capacity is expected. Maybe someday I will have enough money to buy season tickets. Until then I will come to the games I can. Then again, maybe I am not wanted as a Brewers fan. Maybe I am not welcome at Miller Park. Maybe, despite what was said, Miller Park is only home to Milwaukee, and not the State of Wisconsin. Not only was Miller Park taken back from the Cubs fans…it was also taken away from me.

Letter to the Editor sent to newspapers regarding Opening Day 2006

It was reported in Tuesday's paper that a record 45,023 fans packed into Miller Park for opening day. Subtract three avid fans from that total, and slam the door an annual family ritual. After barely getting Opening Day tickets in February, we headed to Milwaukee for Opening Day. Due to working restrictions, we left as early as possible, but leaving at 10:30 was not early enough. After waiting for at least 45 minutes to take Mitchell Blvd to Miller Park, we were refused entry. The parking lots were full. Suddenly, we were driving away from Miller Park in hopes of finding a parking spot in an unfamiliar city. With no place to park, we made the two hour trek back home where we promptly sent an email to the Brewers. Within two hours, the phone rang. The call was not to apologize, though Instead, we were told to leave earlier. As we were sold tickets, we should have been allowed into the park. Another ticket record, however, seems more important to the "new and improved" Brewers. As we were told on the phone, selling tickets and making money is the priority. The Brewers should ensure that fans have the ability to park if they sell them a ticket. After five years, the team should know what to expect on opening day. State Fair Park has been used in the past to handle the overflow. Too bad it wasn't available on one of the biggest days of the year.