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So last year it was announced that Miller Park will no longer be Miller Park, instead American Family Insurance will be taking over the naming rights.
For lack of a more eloquent way to put it: People were PISSED.
Cut to yesterday, when American Family Insurance and the Brewers announced that the new name will officially be what everyone assumed it would be, American Family Field.
For lack of a more eloquent way to put it: People were PISSED again.
And I'm honestly now sure why. Maybe I'm oversimplifying this, I've been known to do that for most of my adult life, but:
1) Miller decided not to renew the rights. They paid $40 million dollars when the park was built for the naming rights over the course of 20 years. That time was up, and they decided they didn't want to pay the (likely) $80 million for another 20 years. Which is genius on their part. Everyone is going to call it Miller Park anyway. They know that. Why spend $80 million to put your name on something when 100% of fans are going to put your name on it for free? Do you know what Sears Tower is actually called? Willis Tower. Willis is some insurance conglomerate that bought the naming rights years ago. Literally no one passes Sears Tower and says, 'hey kids, check out Willis Tower!' So to me, this is a savvy move by Miller. I think some people think that American Family Insurance stole the naming rights? Not the case.
2) American Family Insurance is likely going to spend between $80-$100 million for the naming rights. That makes the team that we love more profitable, and allows them to maybe sign a few free agents in future seasons. Is that a bad thing?
So, to review, it will always be Miller Park anyway, and our team is making more money that they can use to build a better ballclub. Seems like a win/win? I dunno. No one loves getting outraged over stupid stuff than me, but I just don't see it here.
PS: A very good looking friend of mine, who is also a blogger, said he thought they should call it the 'Am Fam Clam.' I said that was crude and disrespectful. I just wanted to throw that out there. If you're mad, email my friend.
