Closures could cause headaches for Brewers fans on Opening Day



MILWAUKEE -- There's an old saying, "half the fun is getting there." That may be the case as 45,000 people head to Miller Park for Opening Day. Construction is expected to create some headaches for those driving to the stadium Friday, April 6th and beyond.

Construction on the freeway leading up to Miller Park has been going on the past two years. Last Opening Day, lanes headed west were blocked down to two. This year, those heading east will be the problem.

From 70th to 32nd Street the lanes have been reduced from three to two, creating congestion on the roadway. The Department of Transportation suggests leaving plenty of time to get to Miller Park.

"We're encouraging folks to take alternate routes, plan ahead, leave a little bit earlier, exit early too if you're coming from the east. Highway 100, or National, or Capitol Drive, and just plan a little bit of extra time," Emlynn Grisar of the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation said.

There are more than 12,000 parking spaces waiting for fans at Miller Park. Most have already been paid for. "If you don't have your parking paid for in advance, or if you haven't purchased advanced parking, I would get here early. We have very limited space left. Preferred parking is completely sold out already. Very limited parking in general," Mark Mock of IMPark said.

There will be an overflow parking lot at State Fair Park and shuttle buses to give fans a ride to Miller Park.

In an effort to avoid highway headaches some alternate routes can be taken. Motorists coming from the west can get off at Highway 100 and take Bluemound, Greenfield, or National to 43rd Street to Miller Park.

Motorists traveling from the east can take Canal Street.  Travelers coming from the north can take Highway 41 and travelers from the south can take 60th and 43rd streets.

The Brewers game will begin at 3:10 p.m. Friday. The parking lot opens at noon and the gates to Miller Park will open at 1:10 p.m. The first pitch will come from Miss America Laura Kaeppeler, she will also be singing "God Bless America" during the 7th inning. Joseph Attanasio, the father of Brewers owner Mark Attanasio will sing the National Anthem.

If you'd like the latest updates as you're on your way to Miller Park, Bernie Brewer will be tweeting them -- follow him @BernieBrewer.