MILWAUKEE — A new poll conducted for VISIT Milwaukee and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) released Wednesday shows two-thirds (66%) of likely Wisconsin voters agree that Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans, who control the Legislature, must reach a bipartisan solution to address the funding shortfall at American Family Field.

The results also show a majority of support regardless of political party, with 64% of Republicans, 74% of Democrats, and 60% of Independents in favor of a bipartisan compromise.

What You Need To Know

  • A new poll released Wednesday shows two-thirds (66%) of likely Wisconsin voters agree that Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans in the Legislature must work together to come up with a solution to the funding shortfall at American Family Field

  • 73% of voters have a positive impression of the Milwaukee Brewers, according to the poll conducted by The Tarrance Group

  • A 58% majority of voters were also in favor of the proposal in the Legislature to cover the shortfall using a combination of funding from the state of Wisconsin, regional Stadium District, and the Brewers organization jointly paying for ballpark improvements

“Major League Baseball and a multi-dimensional stadium uniquely enhance the region’s livability,” MMAC president Tim Sheehy said. “In a world where recruiting and retaining talent is a challenge for employers, the Brewers are an asset on our balance sheet and one worthy of continued investment.”

The poll, which was conducted by the Tarrance Group, also shows 73% of likely voters have a positive impression of the Milwaukee Brewers. 

As part of the poll, voters were informed of a proposal in the Legislature that uses a combination of funding from the state of Wisconsin, the regional Stadium District, and the Brewers organization to cover the shortfall and pay for ballpark improvements. 58% of likely voters said they support that proposal, including 57% of Republicans, 52% of Independents, and 63% of Democrats.

“The Milwaukee Brewers and American Family Field are a critical part of our tourism economy, drawing millions of attendees each year and driving spending at hospitality businesses far outside the ballpark. As an essential part of our identity as a sports destination and a source of civic pride, their impact is felt beyond baseball,” Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee, said. “This poll affirms VISIT Milwaukee’s position that there must be a bipartisan solution that keeps the team and American Family Field in Milwaukee for generations to come.”

The results of the poll come a day before the Assembly Committee on State Affair was scheduled to hold a public hearing at Wisconsin State Fair Park on a pair of bills to fund ballpark improvements.

 

The Tarrance Group presents these findings from a survey of N=800 likely voters in Wisconsin. This survey using live dial interviews was conducted Sept. 20-25, 2023. The margin of error for this survey is + 3.5% at the 95% confidence interval.

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