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Addressing Ticket Resales at Miller Park

Posted by State Senator Jim Sullivan on Jan. 14, 2010 | 37 comments

Brewers, Miller Park, Sullivan, ticket resales

I just testified before the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources on a bill that I introduced this week on behalf of Brewer fans. 

Milwaukee Brewer officials recently contacted me with a concern regarding behavior that detracts from the club’s efforts to create an environment at Miller Park that is family and fan friendly. In recent years, individuals reselling tickets have become more aggressive with their sales tactics. They have stalked potential buyers as they walk to the stadium and have jumped onto tourist buses as they arrive at the park.

In an effort to curtail this behavior, the Milwaukee Brewers, while working with the City of Milwaukee, established a ticket “resale zone” as the only area at Miller Park (the area owned by the Baseball Park District) where tickets may be resold. Individuals selling outside the zone may be cited for trespassing and escorted off the premises. Unfortunately, state law has been ambiguous as to the enforceability of trespassing restrictions on what has been park property. This bill resolves that ambiguity in favor of protecting the public and the sports club, while maintaining a designated resale area.

My bill, Senate Bill 458, would permit the creation and enforcement of a ticket resale zone on the Miller Park grounds. In addition, the right to create the zones would extend to Lambeau Field, the Bradley Center, the University of Wisconsin and any municipality. Those observed violating a requirement to resell tickets within a designated zone would be subject to a Class C forfeiture (a civil penalty up to $500) and immediate removal from the premises. Anyone twice convicted of the offense could be banned from entering the premises in the future.

I am proud to represent a district that includes the home of the Milwaukee Brewers, Miller Park. Since opening in 2001, Miller Park has not only been home to exciting baseball, but also the home to major employment opportunities within the 5th Senate District.

Along with the economic impact of Miller Park, the stadium remains a great spot for families and friends alike. I always enjoy taking my two boys to the stadium, and seeing all the other groups enjoying a night at the ballpark. We need to protect this experience for our families, and make sure they are not subjected to anything other than a fun night at the ballpark when they attend a game.

Click here to read coverage of the bill published by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.