Milwaukee, Wis (Civic Media) – The Milwaukee Brewers take the field for the first time in 2024 tomorrow in New York. Next Tuesday, the home opener is in Milwaukee, with a 3:10 pm first pitch. Some things will look different at the ballpark and that will be the case as soon as you pull into the parking lot. The Brewers recently unveiled a series of upgrades at American Family Field that aim to enhance the fan experience. The changes include revamped scoreboards and LED digital displays, a new parking process, better grass, and improved food and beverage options.

The team is introducing a new parking system at American Family Field. The technology, which includes license plate readers, aims to enhance the parking process and will be implemented starting with the 2024 home opener. By simply entering their license plate number on the MLB Ballpark App, fans can pre-pay for their parking and activate their spot. With the system, there’s no need for cashiers or passes. Fans will have to activate their parking session by typing in their license plate number through the app. You can also purchase day-off parking passes by scanning a QR code displayed in the parking lot. Officials are hoping that the changes streamline the entry process and reduces traffic congestion.

Upon entering the stadium, fans will immediately notice the upgraded scoreboards and LED digital displays, offering improved visibility and an enhanced viewing experience. The centerpiece is a new LED digital display overlooking center field, measuring an impressive 12,077 square feet. This main display is one of the largest scoreboards in Major League Baseball, and is more than double the size of the previous display. Additionally, a new 2,840 square-foot LED scoreboard has been installed over right field, providing a different view for player statistics, game highlights, and promotional features.

One of the other additions is to the playing surface, called GrassMax. That’s an artificial roots system with hybrid grass technology, combining natural grass with synthetic fibers. That’s supposed to provide players with better footing and enhancing their safety. The GrassMax system is also said to aid in the field’s recovery after concerts and other events. Senior grounds director Ryan Woodley explained that the trial run of the GrassMax system during last year’s All-Star break received positive feedback from players and coaches, highlighting the improved player safety and footing it provides. The GrassMax system involves using a large sewing machine to push fibers into the grass, with only about five percent of the field being synthetic. The method keeps a natural appearance, and spectators will likely not notice any difference when looking at it. Similar systems are already in use at Lambeau Field, as well as in some European soccer stadiums.

Alongside the playing surface enhancements, American Family Field will also offer an improved culinary experience for fans. The Brewers have collaborated with 3rd Street Market Hall to create the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex on the right field loge level. This space will feature four local vendors, including Kompali Tacos, Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ, KAWA (Asian fusion), and Anytime Arepa (Venezuelan), offering fans a taste of the popular Milwaukee food hall. The redesigned area will also serve as a gathering spot, complete with a gaming area for fans of all ages.

For those looking to shop for Brewers merchandise, the Brewers Team Store in left field has undergone expansion and reconfiguration. The store now offers a wider selection of Brewers apparel and accessories and the check-out area has been moved to avoid lines in the shopping area.

The Milwaukee Brewers start the season with a two-game set against the Minnesota Twins. First pitch Tuesday is at 3:10pm. Game two of the series on Wednesday starts at 12:10pm.