Opening Day is here.
Finally.
We'll cover the action from every angle later today, but here are some important nuts and bolts to consider heading into Milwaukee's favorite unofficial holiday.
THE SCHEDULE
Noon -- Parking opens to the public
1 p.m. -- Gates to Miller Park open
1:15 p.m to 2:15 p.m. -- Batting practice (Cubs on field; Brewers inside)
2:45 p.m. -- Pre-game ceremonies begin
2:47 p.m. -- Cubs starting lineups/chalk line introductions
2:52 p.m. -- Brewers starting lineups/chalk line introductions
2:57 p.m. -- National anthem
3 p.m. -- Ceremonial first pitch
3:07 p.m. -- Play ball!
PARKING
Lots open at noon. Preferred parking is already sold out. Overflow Parking has been arranged at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Fans may use the 84th Street exit from I-94 where they will be greeted by signage and staff. A $10 fee will cover the vehicle parking and shuttle services are free. Buses, provided by Riteway Bus, will be staged near the U.S. Cellular Gate and will offer service to and from Miller Park before and after the game.
Shuttle services are scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. and will run until approximately 1.5 hours after the game. Buses will drop off passengers and pick up after the game on the VA grounds. Fans should follow the path marked "Stadium" which will lead them to the Right Field Gate.
WEATHER
Windy and cool, with a high temperature of 41 degrees and northeast winds from 15 to 25 mph.
TICKETS
The game Friday is sold out. (Brokers are getting about $100 per ticket). Limited tickets remain for the game Saturday night and Sunday night. Tickets include standing room, single tickets, obstructed view and a very small selection of seats together.
RIDE THE BUS
Fans will be able to catch a Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) Route 90 (Miller Park) bus on Wisconsin Avenue from the Downtown Transit Center to Miller Park starting on opening day.
Rt. 90, which will serve all home games, begins two hours before game time. On opening day, and specific games with projected heavy attendance, buses will operate every 10 minutes. During all other home games, buses will operate approximately every 30 minutes.
Rt. 90 begins at the Downtown Transit Center and makes stops along Wisconsin Avenue. From Van Buren to 10th Street, the buses stop roughly every two blocks. After 10th Street, Rt. 90 stops about every four blocks up to 38th Street Rt. 90 drops off passengers at the MCTS Transit Area on Yount Drive on the north side of Miller Park. Return trips operate from Yount Dr. along Wisconsin Avenue to the Downtown Transit Center. After the game is completed, buses leave from the MCTS Transit Area at Miller Park up to one-half hour after the game.
The Rt. 90 will continue its regular route along Wisconsin Avenue, even when construction season starts and other routes may be detoured.
Brewers fans can also ride Rt. 10 (Humboldt-Wisconsin) and Rt. 18 (National Avenue) that stop within walking distance of Miller Park.
Fares for Routes 10, 18 and 90 are $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for seniors (65 and over) and disabled individuals with identification, and children 6 through 11 years.
RIDE THE BUS, PART TWO
Several of the bars near the ballpark on Bluemound Avenue (Kelly's Bleacher's, Rounding Third, Long Wong's, McGinn's) offer shuttle service to the games. Shuttles also are available at Saz's, 5539 W. State St.; Zim's, 770 N. Milwaukee St., Mo's Irish Pub, 142 W. Wisconsin Ave., O'Brien's, 4928 W. Vliet St., and numerous other establishments.
THE FREEBIE
All fans in attendance will receive a Brewers 2009 magnetic schedule.
SAUSAGE RELAY
Beginning at noon, the Klement's Racing Sausages will take part in the seventh annual Klement's Opening Day First Day Brat Relay Race at the Klement's plant on Chase Avenue.
The sausages will deliver the first brat to Miller Park.
HONORED GUEST
Jeff Skiles, the first officer of U.S. Airways flight 1549 that made an emergency landing on the Hudson River on Jan. 15, will throw out the first pitch.
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Joseph Attanasio, father of Brewers Chairman and Principal Owner Mark Attanasio, will sing the national anthem.The team is 4-0 when Attanasio sings "The Star Spangled Banner."
AFTER THE GAME
The Admirals square off against the Chicago Wolves at 7 p.m. at the Bradley Center. Pat McCurdy will perform in the East Atrium before and after the game and during intermission.
