Brewers, Hank the Dog, and the Economy
Luke Marks
Mr. Reuter
Economics
May 19th, 2014
MKE Brewers, Hank the Dog, and the Economy and Stuff
Currently leading the NL Central Division and also within the top five of the MLB standings in 2014 the Brewers are doing very well this year. It is safe to say that the Milwaukee Brewers are gaining more and more attention with their ongoing performance. A new addition to the team small dog, who is now like a second mascot to the team, has brought all sorts of attention as well. As the Milwaukee Brewers progress throughout their season, like any successful franchise will continue to attract an audience and construct a consistent fan base.
In 1998, the Brewers agreed to move from the AL division to the NL division in order to balance scheduling. Shortly after the team moved from County Stadium to Miller Park, they created the signature Miller Park retractable roof; which gave the fans the advantage to enjoy the game no matter what weather condition.
Now the Milwaukee Brewers currently have a $565 million team value and a $197 million revenue and of March, is ranked #25 on Forbes MLB Team Valuations (Forbes). This was an investment that gave the franchise an opportunity cost from omitting any game cancellations and or losing fans based on weather conditions. Another addition to the stadium is the new JumboTron, being the fourth-largest scoreboard in Major League Baseball with price tag north of $10 million. (McCalvy). As you can see, these investments do cost Wisconsin counties some money. According to, espn.go.com, relating on the history of Miller Park, it goes to say that, “Construction began in October 1996, with the ballpark funded by a sales tax in five counties. The Brewers contributed $90 million to the project, including a 20-year naming rights deal with the Miller Brewing Co.”. The Journal Sentinel predicts that, “Depending on the rate of return, the tax could end in 2014 or stay in place until 2017 or 2018, the Miller Park stadium district board was told Tuesday.” The end of the tax for the stadium and its finances are based on what is in debt from construction. The Journal continues on to note: “Through 2008, a total of $292.6 million has been collected through the sales tax. As of Jan. 1st, $284.4 million is still owed.” Overall, these addition to the famous Miller Park is something all Brewers fans can be proud of.
Wisconsin being known for brewing beer and drinking it (ranked 5 in beer consumption) Brewer games sure can get loud attracting a diverse crowd. From drunken old baseball fanatics to little children wanting to see the new mascot Hank the dog. Bernie the true mascot of the Brewers is now old news to everyone this season. The small dog, which walked into the spring training park in the beginning of the 2014 season, attracted much attention in the Brewers community. For a team/franchise to adopt a pet really gives people hope as you see in the video link below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jdCsy_rZXM. WSAW writes in an article called “Hank ‘The Ballpark Pup’ Attracts Dozens to MIller Park”, that “Hank the dog Hank-themed merchandise is on sale with 20 percent of proceeds going to the Wisconsin Humane Society. Any donated dog toys will go to area shelters.” (WSAW). The merchandise sold at Miller Park has certainly hit a home run on the finances and GDP of the Milwaukee Brewers. According to a Sports Business Daily article on the Milwaukee Brewers merchandise. MLB reported that sales, “Overall of Brewers gear are up 12% over last year, while New Era reported that sales of Brewers caps are up 130% from July of last year through July '11. The Brewers have approximately 130 different sponsors and are already talking with sponsors about possible postseason plans.” It continued to say that the Milwaukee Brewers will “...set a record in terms of gross revenue for sponsorships.” (SBD).
The Brewers are continuing to make the right decisions financially with a definite influence to all fans. Many have faith for the Brew Crew this year, for the record is still strong. Whether it is with Hank the Dog, the merchandise sold, or the construction of Miller Park; this successful franchise will continue to attract a consistent fan base if they continue to do well as a team and as a business. Overall, the Brewers are continuing to progress through their 2014 season. Play ball!
Works Cited
"Milwaukee Brewers." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, n.d. Web. 19 May 2014.
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