March 26, 2026, 5:02 a.m. CT
Good morning,
As you’re studying this, I’m doubtless in the car parking zone at American Family Field. Or, if you happen to get to this later, I’m inside American Family Field, rooting on the Milwaukee Brewers throughout their first residence recreation of the season. Or, if you’re studying this a lot later, I’m celebrating the indisputable fact that the Brewers positively whooped the White Sox with roughly 247 runs to three. (Too bold? Maybe I ought to keep on with the experts’ predictions for this season…)
As a lifelong baseball fan, I sit up for Major League Baseball’s opening day yearly. It signifies summer season’s impending arrival, ballpark outings with pals and one other season stuffed with hope … and, optimistically, a postseason that gained’t crush our souls.
And, after all, I sit up for tailgating. I attended Brewers tailgates even earlier than shifting to Milwaukee in 2008, and was charmed by the experience that’s unique amongst so many different ballparks throughout the nation. I like wanting up in the car parking zone to see plumes of grill smoke wafting overhead. I like the yard video games squeezed between parking aisles, and welcoming neighbors over to share snacks and drinks. I even love the crowds of followers all strolling into the stadium at the identical time, feeling the electrical energy taking pictures from benches to bleachers.
Almost each 12 months, I attend the Brewers’ opening day with the identical pals. We collect at one home, caravan to the car parking zone and arrange a ramification that stretches over a number of folding tables. We principally keep on with the classics: brats, scorching canine, recent cheese curds, pasta salad, brownies and cookies, and roughly eight forms of dip (I’ve made a creamy giardiniera dip this 12 months). There are often baggage of unique chips and snacks floating round, and all of us weigh in on our favorites.
Nothing fancy, however that’s a part of why I find it irresistible. No learning menus, no word taking … simply the snap of a brat and a plate piled with chips and goop in numerous kinds and flavors, all loved amongst fellow followers in a car parking zone.
I’m often too filled with tailgate treats to take pleasure in a lot meals inside the ballpark, however I’ve to confess I’m a bit intrigued by American Family Field’s new offerings this year. (Will you attempt the deep-fried kringle or the ballpark cream puffs from the new Fair Foods vendor? I’d go for a brisket sandwich from Ok&L BBQ, a brand new vendor at The Alley Food Truck Park.)
Here’s to the begin of one other Brewers season, and to many wins and completely satisfied tailgates to return.
Happy eating, and go, Brewers!
Rachel
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