Even though they're just exhibition games, the boys of summer return to Milwaukee this weekend.
The Brewers host Detroit tonight and tomorrow afternoon for a pair of warm-up contests before opening the season for real Monday against Colorado.
Miller Park has been updated a little bit over the off-season. The team added an expanded merchandise store on the Terrace level, behind home plate and also gave the Milwaukee Braves Wall of Fame a bit of an upgrade and expansion.
Out in the parking lots, fans will notice some new signage. As part of the team's 40th anniversary -- and 10th season at Miller Park -- the lots have new names.
Gone are the National League team names and in are names of Brewers greats. Henry Aaron, Cecil Cooper, Rollie Fingers, Jim Gantner, Harvey Kuenn, Eddie Mathews, Paul Molitor, Don Money, Warren Spahn, Gorman Thomas, Bob Uecker and Robin Yount are now parking area namesakes.
The "Uecker Lot," named after the Brewers legendary broadcaster and former Milwaukee Braves catcher, will include a special twist for fans. For every game, 10 spaces will be available in "Uecker's Front Row." Ten cars paying cash for general parking at each game will be selected at random to move up to the front row of the Uecker Lot, and their fee to park will be just $1. A row of designated "Uecker's Front Row" parking spaces will be reserved for these randomly selected fans.
Another move will give fans an up-close look at Miller Park's signature feature -- the roof. The team moved the roof control panel out of the scoreboard control room and into it's own area behind the Loge Level press box.
Fans can peer into the area through glass doors to see how the roof is operated.
In addition to the public changes, the Brewers also rennovated the service level and clubhouse areas.
Roster set: There isn't much news to report when it comes to the roster. Manager Ken Macha has named his first four starters -- Yovani Gallardo, Randy Wolf, Doug Davis and Dave Bush.
With Jeff Suppan on the disabled list, both Manny Parra and Chris Narveson will battle for the fifth spot, but will start the season working out of the bullpen as the team won't need a fifth starter until at least April 15.
Davis will start tonight's game against Detroit.
In other action this weekend:
FRIDAY
DROP THE PUCK
The Admirals host Peoria at 7:30 p.m. at the Bradley Center. Pat McCurdy will be on hand playing before and after the game and during intermissions. Plus, the first 5,000 fans get a free set of Admirals trading cards.
milwaukeeadmirals.com
SATURDAY
MORE HOCKEY
The Admirals travel to Rockford for a 7 p.m. skate with the IceHogs. Milwaukee trails Rockford by four points for the third playoff spot in the West Division and could pull within one with a victory.
milwaukeeadmirals.com
FEAR THE DEER
No rest for the Bucks who, after a missed opportunity Wednesday night in Cleveland, welcome Phoenix to the Bradley Center at 7:30 p.m. The Suns have clinched a playoff spot and currently hold the fourth seed in the Western Conference. The Bucks, meanwhile, have just a half-game lead over Miami for the fifth spot in the East.
bucks.com
SUNDAY
TITLE WAVE
The Wave tries for its fifth championship when it hosts Monterey in the Associated Bank MISL Championship game at 5 p.m. Good seats are still available by calling (414) 224-9283.
milwaukeewave.com
