The Milwaukee Brewers have officially ushered in a new era for their Spring Training and player development in Arizona with the grand opening of American Family Fields Of Phoenix. A ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony marked the unveiling of this state-of-the-art complex, signaling a significant investment in the team’s future and fan experience.
Brewers Chairman and Principal Owner Mark Attanasio expressed his gratitude to the City of Phoenix, title sponsor American Family Insurance, and all partners involved in bringing this ambitious project to fruition. He outlined the core objectives for the complex: creating a premier, year-round facility for player development and Spring Training, significantly enhancing the fan experience, and demonstrating a commitment to the Phoenix community. With the completion of American Family Fields of Phoenix, these goals are now realized, promising a bright future for the Brewers in Arizona.
The journey to American Family Fields of Phoenix began on November 15, 2017, when the Phoenix City Council approved the renovation of the then-Maryvale Baseball Park, the Brewers’ long-time Spring Training home. Groundbreaking followed swiftly on March 20, 2018, initiating an extensive rebuild of the entire facility. The Brewers’ commitment to this project was substantial, investing over $60 million in construction. The City of Phoenix is contributing $2 million annually for five years towards renovations, supplemented by approximately $5.7 million from the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority.
Beyond baseball, American Family Fields of Phoenix emphasizes community engagement. In partnership with Grand Canyon University, the Brewers have established a Learning Lounge within the clubhouse. This dedicated space offers free tutoring from Grand Canyon University students to local students on school days, highlighting a commitment to education and local youth.
Phoenix Mayor Thelda Williams emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in community development. She lauded the Brewers’ dedication to managing the city-owned facility, investing in renovations, and supporting year-round youth programs and tutoring initiatives, reinforcing the positive impact of American Family Fields of Phoenix beyond baseball.
The transformation of the complex is comprehensive. A new 106,000 square-foot clubhouse provides significantly upgraded facilities for baseball operations. Fan enhancements are abundant, including new concessions, retail options, improved seating, and a modern Daktronics video board. The redesigned complex features a welcoming entry plaza, renovated areas for sports science and psychological services, an eight-lane batting tunnel, an agility field, new pitching and catching mounds, and a high-performance practice field mirroring Miller Park’s dimensions. All seven playing fields have been improved, ensuring top-tier training and gameplay conditions at American Family Fields of Phoenix.
The Brewers have entrusted the operation and maintenance of American Family Fields of Phoenix to their team. The facility’s design was conceived by HKS, with Mortenson serving as the construction firm and International Facilities Group as the Owner’s Representative.
Ben Goetter, Vice President and General Manager at Mortenson in Phoenix, expressed pride in their role in this transformative project. He highlighted the remarkable speed of construction, completed in just nine and a half months during a single offseason, attributing this achievement to strong partnerships and a commitment to safety throughout the complex process.
Mike Drye, Principal at HKS, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the design’s alignment with the Brewers’ culture of excellence and community connection. He noted that the new clubhouses, training facilities, entry plaza, and fan amenities are designed to elevate the entire Spring Training experience. The design prioritizes functionality and flow for players and staff while maintaining a connection with the outdoors and fans, making American Family Fields of Phoenix a source of pride for both athletes and fans.
A significant piece of history is embedded within American Family Fields of Phoenix. The home plate entry plaza is dedicated as the John F. and Mary P. Long Plaza, honoring the legacy of longtime Valley developer John F. Long and his wife, Mary. Their donation of 56 acres in 1998 made the original Spring Training complex possible, and Maryvale itself is named after Mary Long. Their son, Jacob Long, was present at the dedication, underscoring the family’s enduring connection to the site.
American Family Insurance further solidified its commitment to the community by pledging $25,000 from the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation to the Maryvale Revitalization Corp. This donation, made in consultation with the John F. Long Foundation, supports local charities and community needs, demonstrating the positive community impact of American Family Fields of Phoenix.
Jim Buchheim, American Family Insurance Vice President of Communications, conveyed his excitement about the company’s name being associated with this exceptional facility. He emphasized American Family’s long-standing presence in Phoenix and Arizona, expressing confidence that fans will appreciate the enhanced experience at American Family Fields of Phoenix.
The Milwaukee Brewers Spring Training at American Family Fields of Phoenix is now underway. Pitchers and catchers are reporting to camp, with position players arriving soon after. The exhibition schedule includes the inaugural game at the new facility on February 26 against the San Diego Padres. Spring Training tickets are available for purchase online at Brewers.com, by phone, or at the Miller Park and American Family Fields of Phoenix box offices.
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