Brewers beer vendor preps for 33rd Opening Day at American Family Field
Brewers beer vendor preps for 33rd Opening Day
A longtime Milwaukee Brewers beer vendor prepares for his 33rd Opening Day at American Family Field as fans return for the season opener.
MILWAUKEE - While players prepare for Opening Day, one longtime Milwaukee Brewers beer vendor is getting ready for another busy season at American Family Field.
Local perspective:
For Ryan Strnad, Opening Day means preparing his voice and getting ready to carry a 45-pound tub of beverages through the stands.
"I myself go to the gym, and I advise my fellow beer vendors to work on that back, because it's very easy to get an injury," Strnad said.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
Strnad has worked at the Brewers’ ballpark since he was a sophomore in high school, starting in a concession stand in 1988, before eventually switching to beer. Thursday marks his 33rd Opening Day as a beer vendor.
Milwaukee Brewers 2026 opening day forecast, history
Skies are favored to be mostly cloudy and dry during tailgating hours. However, there is the chance for a few showers associated with a cold front during the afternoon and evening when the game is underway and wrapping up.
He says he takes pride in being part of a Milwaukee tradition.
What they're saying:
"I feel like I'm baked within the fabric of a Milwaukee tradition. I'm honored to live up to that tradition, and I respect it," said Strnad. "It’s my Christmas."
Strnad expects a full staff of about 100 beer vendors for Opening Day, helping serve a large crowd.
"I've come to realize that we're the most important people in the world to them, when they need their next alcoholic beverage," he said.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
Over the years, Strnad says his favorite memories include seeing Nolan Ryan win his 300th game, Robin Yount record his 3,000th hit and vendors returning after the pandemic in 2021.
What we know:
Vendors begin selling an hour before first pitch and continue through the seventh inning.
Parking lots for Opening Day open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, ahead of a 1:10 p.m. first pitch.
Drivers heading to American Family Field may encounter delays due to construction on I-94. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Brewers created a website with recommended routes for fans traveling to the ballpark.
Milwaukee Brewers Opening Day; construction, parking & more
Soon the parking lot at American Family Field will have tailgaters gathered by the thousands, and smoke will be pouring from grills. But those fans should be aware of the construction that could delay getting to the ballpark.
The Source: The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News.