American Family Fields of Phoenix - Milwaukee Brewers Spring Training
- Lloyd Brown
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00
American Family Fields of Phoenix 3600 N 51st Ave Phoenix, AZ 85031
Year Opened: 1998
Capacity: 7,000
Baseball on Tap
The Milwaukee Brewers have called the American Family Fields of Phoenix their spring training home since 1998. The ballpark was originally known as Maryvale Baseball Park, but the name change occurred when American Family Insurance became the title sponsor for both the regular season and spring training season homes of the Brewers.
American Family Fields differs from other Cactus League ballparks in many ways. The ballpark has a one-level seating bowl. There is no upper deck, so every seat is close to the action. Another difference is that the berm in the outfield goes from foul pole to foul pole, so there are no physical seats in the outfield.
Food & Beverage 4
Fans attending a game at American Family Fields ballpark will find a wide variety of baseball standards, Midwestern specialties, and Southwestern flavors at the concession stands. The concessions were stacked on top of each other in the entry plaza, but the 2019 renovations helped to more evenly distribute the food and beverage options throughout the park.
Among the Midwestern specialties you will find at American Family Fields are brats, kettle corn, polish sausages, and bratchos (Wisconsin-style kettle chips topped with brats). The Brewers have even brought down their Secret Stadium Sauce to enhance the taste of the brats. Cheese curds are also readily available, including a Curd Burger!
It’s no surprise that the beer of choice at American Family Fields is that of the Miller brands. However, you’ll find Blue Moon, Corona, and Heineken readily available. The Baseline Brewpub behind home plate carries the widest variety of beers in the ballpark.
One major drawback in the ballpark design is the lack of seat cupholders.
Atmosphere 3
The Brewers and American Family Fields create a very festive atmosphere for the fans. They have brought several elements from their home field in Milwaukee to their home in the Cactus League.
You can expect to see the racing sausages in the middle of the sixth inning, and you can also join in singing “Roll Out the Barrel” during the seventh-inning stretch. Bernie the Brewer typically is in attendance, and the Beer Barrel Man is always available for a selfie.
Neighborhood 2
The Maryvale neighborhood that surrounds American Family Fields of Phoenix is a working-class neighborhood, so there are no major attractions close to the ballpark. For that matter, there are no trendy shops or fancy hotels nearby.
The restaurants within walking distance of the stadium are mostly of the fast-food variety. You can also find many eating establishments that serve a more ethnic variety of foods.
American Family Fields of Phoenix has always seen its mission as being a good neighbor to the surrounding area. It does not prioritize the creation of attractions, attracting elite shopping experiences, or having four-star accommodation across the street. This is because spring training is just over a month and a half long, and when it’s over, the neighborhood surrounding it simply could not support it financially.
The stadium in Maryvale is just four miles from Glendale. Glendale offers a wide range of lodging and dining options, a large retail center, and a wide variety of attractions.
For golfers, the GCU golf course is nearby. Other sports nearby are any of the springtime Grand Canyon University sports, like their baseball and basketball venues. The closest spring training ballpark is Camelback Ranch, home of the LA Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox.
Fans 4
The Brewers have one of the largest fan bases in the Cactus League because of their long history at American Family Fields. Almost every game is a sellout due to the ballpark’s small capacity.
Brewer fans have brought their love of tailgating before games with them from Milwaukee.
Access 3
American Family Fields is easily accessed from Downtown Phoenix, about three miles north of I-10 via the N 51st Av exit. The parking lot opens three hours before the first pitch. Like its Milwaukee counterpart, the parking area welcomes fans to tailgate before the games. It is a good idea to get to the park at least two hours prior to the first pitch, as this lot fills quickly.
Once you have parked, a free shuttle will take you the short distance to the ballpark, as it is quite a distance from the entry gates. There are two entry gates into American Family Fields. Gates open 90 minutes before the first pitch. The $60 million ballpark renovation in 2019 made major improvements to both the entry plaza and each of the gates and widened the concourse that runs 360 degrees around the park. Other improvements included a larger team store and better signage directing fans to their seats.
Return on Investment 3
Tickets to Brewers games average $15 - $45, depending on opponent.
Parking in the Brewers lot costs $10. Since there is very little parking available in the neighborhood surrounding the stadium, many fans ride share to and from the ballpark.
Concession prices are on par with what other Cactus League ballparks charge.
Extras 2
The entry plaza features several displays boasting retired Brewers numbers, the team’s history, and its long relationship with former player and announcer Bob Uecker.
The Brewers truly partner with the surrounding Maryvale neighborhood to improve the quality of life. Many of the gameday workers are residents of the Maryvale community. The Brewers also host numerous neighborhood community events during the offseason.
Final Thoughts
While American Family Fields of Phoenix lacks the bells and whistles found at many of the Cactus League parks, it does offer a great Midwestern atmosphere and an excellent food and beverage program.
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