Sitting at 45-61, and securely holding down last place in the National League Central Division, the Milwaukee Brewers don’t have much to look forward to in their last 56 regular-season games. Add to that the suspension of Ryan Braun, their best player, 2011 NL MVP, and now the face of Major League baseball’s drug violators. But the Brewers’ front office is steadfastly supporting its loyal fans.
This week the Brewers announced a program whereby all fans attending any of the team's 12 home games in August will receive a $10 voucher that can be exchanged for concessions, merchandise, and game tickets at Miller Park.
Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio said last week that the team would find ways to "give back" to fans in light of the team’s dismal season and Braun's suspension for violating the Major League Baseball drug program. During his suspension over the last 65 game of the season as a result of MLB's investigation of the Biogenesis clinic, Braun is forfeiting about $3.1 million in salary.
“This has been a challenging season for all of us, but the one thing that has never wavered has been the tremendous support we have received from fans who love the Brewers," Attanasio said in a statement. "We wanted to do something meaningful to show our appreciation, and we will strive to provide the best fan experience possible."
With attendance expected to average 30,000 or more in August, the Brewers project they will distribute $3.6 million in vouchers. The Brewers’ front office didn’t realize it would be redistributing Braun’s salary to the team’s loyal fan base, but after the suspension, those discussions escalated.
The $10 vouchers can be used for food, beverage, merchandise, and tickets sold at nearly every outlet (excluding Friday's Front Row, portable merchandise stands, Miller Park Suites, the Johnson Controls Stadium Club, and All-Inclusive entertaining areas).
Vouchers may be combined for larger purchases, including tickets, for use at any remaining 2013 home gamed.
The Brewers announced this is the first in a series of special fan appreciation initiatives they will unveil over the final two months of the season under an umbrella program known as "Fans First." Despite Milwaukee being s small market team, the Brewers have drawn well at Miller Park and Attanasio recently said projected attendance for 2013 is between 2.5 million and 2.6 million, down from 2.83 million in 2012 and 3.07 million in 2011.