11 Reasons To Enjoy A Milwaukee Milkmen Game At Routine Field

FRANKLIN, WI — Baseball fans and people who like a night out on a hot summer night got a boost this year as the Milwaukee Milkmen independent baseball team made its debut at Routine Field in Franklin. The team plays at brand-new 4,000-seat Routine Field - a spacious and relaxing venue to take in a ballgame.

Wisconsin Patch editor Scott Anderson and his 11-year-old son Henry were invited to a baseball game in early July to see for ourselves and to report on what it's like to watch a game there. Here are the top 10 things we liked about going to the game - a Wednesday, July 10 game against the Cleburne Railroaders.

1. Free Parking

Routine Field is located at 7035 S. Ballpark Drive in Franklin. After a quick turnoff from W. Rawson Ave., you'll find a pleasant surprise: free parking and a short walk to the game.

2. Affordable Concessions

Routine Field has a couple main concession stands at the park, with affordable ballpark fare. Hot dogs, burgers, brats, french fries, chips and pretzels will cost you between $3 to $5.

Domestic tap beers are $5 each, and craft beers are $8. There is a selection of cocktails that will run you between $6 and $8.

3. A Picture-Perfect Field

Routine Field's baseball field is a picturesque sport turf artificial surface. It's two-tone infield and outfield turf presents a postcard-perfect field.

4. Comfortable Concourses

Routine Field's concourses are spacious and feature two covered sections in the event the weather fails to cooperate. Comfortable sofas and lounge chairs ring the seating bowl at concourse-level, giving spectators a relaxing family setting to take in a game.

5. Affordable Tickets

There really isn't a bad seat in the house at the 4,000-seat Routine Field. If you want to be close to the action, Scout-class seats will run you $16. Infield seats cost $12. The park's most economical seats will put you out in left field for $8.

Routine Field features a second-deck called the Ascension Club Level that entitles the ticket holder to all you can eat and drink through the seventh inning. Those seats range from $60 to $65 each.

6. A Lively, Creative Entertainment Team

Clad head-to-toe in a white milkman outfit, Director of Fun Van the "Milkman" McNeil is the head of the entertainment team and the person you'll see - and hear - leading the festivities during the game. Bo Vine, the team's mascot, adds a comical presence to just about any moment involving between-inning fun, or a fun prank on an unsuspecting fan or opposing player.

7. Between-Innings Fun

There's something going on between just about every half-inning at Routine Field. Sometimes, it's water balloon batting practice, fan races while wearing cow suits, baseball-throwing contests or general malarkey. Prizes are often involved.

8. The Hop Yard

The Leinenkugel's Hop Yard is located out in Right Field and has one of the best views of the action. The Hop Yard is a a self-contained beer garden and concession area. For $35, it's all-you-can-eat-and-drink for ticket holders. The Hop Yard features a second-story balcony, concourse-level tall tables, and a couple of baggo sets where you can toss the beanbags for fun.

9. Friendly Players

The Milwaukee Milkmen play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, which features college, as well as former minor and major-league players.

It's a common sight to see players talk with fans, pose for pictures and sign autographs for children following the game.

10. Kids Run The Bases

After the game, children are invited to run the bases at Routine Field. There's a good chance they'll get their running in during the game, hunting down foul balls that peel off into the left and right-field concourses. If a lucky kid gets a ball, they can keep it - but they can also turn it in to the concession stand for a free popcorn.

11. The Promotional Stuff

The Milwaukee Milkmen have unveiled a wide-ranging promotional schedule for their inaugural 2019 American Association of Professional Baseball league season.

Daily themes at Routine Field are:

• Mangia and Merch Mondays (food specials and 10% off merchandise)
• Loco Locals & Triple Play Tuesdays (Appreciation Nights and $2 soda, hot dogs, and pretzels)
• Wednesdays feature Ladies Night (the Hop Yard will turn into the "Grape Yard" featuring all-you-can-drink wine as well as specialty food items)
• Thirsty Thursday ($2 domestic beer and $4 craft beer)
• Fridays are Boom With a Beat nights (fireworks synched to theme music)
• Saturdays are Promo Nights (giveaways)

Sunday is Family Funday (Gates Open Early for Brunch and Bloody Mary Bar, plus free Kids Brunch with every Adult Brunch purchase).

A wide range of Promotional Giveaways feature everything from Commemorative Milwaukee Milkmen Pennants (June 24) to Mosquito Repellent Wipes (August 20). Milkmen Bobbleheads will be featured on July 13th and August 24th.