American Family Fields
Team: Milwaukee Brewers (Spring Training)
Affiliate: (N/A)
Ballpark Basics: A minimalist ballpark that delivers
Key Stats:
Parking: Parking passes come with certain tickets and pay lots abound, but free parking is limited. There is a free shuttle option if you start at XXX first.
Seats in the Shade: Sections 105-113: These sections along the first base line are the first to be in the shade during afternoon games.
American Family Fields is located in the northwest section of Phoenix in a fairly residential area. Even being in a residential area, we had some of the easiest time parking for the game here. There appeared to be ample parking and the attendants got people through quickly. Given the rich tradition of tailgating in Wisconsin you will even see some people bring this tradition to Arizona for the Spring Training games. Walking up to the entrance is the Hall of Fame walkway with retired numbers from past Brewers greats.
After entering the ballpark you find a spacious concourse that opens up to the field. Given the heat even in the early spring in Arizona, the team has done a great job of incorporating shade throughout the ballpark. The raised pressbox offers shade behind home plate while pergola-style roofing offers shade down the baselines on the concourse and the upper seating bowl. In the outfield there are multiple picnic tables with umbrellas for coverage. However, this was the first ballpark in the Cactus League that we visited that did not have sunscreen dispensers around the concourse.
There are limited options for groups for spring training games. The Poba Party Patio, a large suite behind home plate, requires at least 50 people to book. Other than that, you have the picnic tables in the outfield concourse as well as another set of tables on the concourse down the first base side. Other than that, your only option if the berm seating. However, they have one of the largest berms in all of the Cactus League, even spreading down the right and left field corners.
Like many Spring Training parks, American Family Fields tries to bring a little bit of home for the traveling fans. On top of the already mentioned tailgating, you will find two dedicated Leinenkugals carts in the outfield concourse as well as options from Miller, cheese curds and brats at various concession stands. The Brewers even brought the fan-favorite Sausage Race out west and include it during every game.
Best Spot for Beer:
While you can find Milwaukee brews like Leinies and Miller, if you are looking for some local flare the Baseline Brew Bar, just down the third base line, is where you want to go. On top of Miller products you can find local options from Wren House and Pedal Haus Brewing here.
American Family Fields may not boast the flashiest features of the newest ballparks, but it’s a genuinely charming place to catch a game. The stadium brings a welcome touch of Wisconsin warmth to the desert, creating a setting that feels both familiar and refreshing. Fans escaping the Midwest cold add to the energy, filling the park with an easygoing, enthusiastic atmosphere that makes every visit feel special.
Greenwood Brewing
Rating: Triple
Brew Basics: (Proud to be) women owned and operated, but welcoming to all.
Key Stats:
Dogs: Dogs welcome in the beer garden
Good for Groups: Maybe. The downtown Phoenix location is smaller, so groups more than 6 might have trouble finding a spot, but you can book it for events.
Food: “BYOF” Bring Your Own Food.
A little white box of a building houses the Greenwood Taproom in a young, condo filled part of Phoenix. Step inside to a large white room with lots of windows, high natural wood ceilings and a matching long wooden bar. A similarly styled railing runs the windowed wall opposite, with additional stool seating. The marble backsplash that runs the length of the bar back is accented by open green shelving and several taps. Just beyond the grab and go fridge, you’ll find double doors leading to the Greenwood Courtyard, a cheerful spot with fauna, sunny yellow chairs and bistro lights. Weather dependent, this is definitely the place to snag a seat.
Named for their founder, Megan Greenwood who first kicked off contract brewing in 2017, Greenwood opened its downtown Phoenix taproom in 2020, survived the pandemic, and is now expanding to another location in Chandler, AZ. Open every day of the week, with events like live music, yoga and pop up markets throughout the weekend, Greenwood’s claim to fame is that they are entirely woman owned and women run. In addition to committing 20% of their profits to donations, they also support fundraisers for women and girl focused charities.
Beer Breakdown:
Back inside, two reader board style menus hang above the bar, divided into the “flagship menu” and the “experimental menu”. If you’re there on a Thursday, happy hour includes $10 flights, but regardless of the day of the week, it’s worth checking out a couple different options. At least on our visit, their beers lean toward the lighter end of the style spectrum, think kolschs, lagers, wheats and lots of IPAs. We weren’t overly wowed by any one option, but all were solid and some quite unique.
Herstory Pale Ale (6.2%) Mosaic and Warrior hops are the backbone of this flagship. Once a 5.5 percenter, this beer has been retooled a bit and now comes in at 6.2. Lager colored with hints of caramel in the hues. Overall a moderately hopped, lightly carbonated with just a hint of a bready nose.
Essence Rosemary IPA (7.2%) One might expect a rosemary infused IPA to be on the “experimental” menu, but this has been such a hit that it has made it to both the flagship menu and the canning line. The bouquet is very herbal as one would expect, and the rosemary overpowers the malts at first. Once your palate levels off and the beer starts to warm, you’ll also get some lemon grass and a few bitter notes. Overall this is rosemary for days, and while that is not everyone’s cup of tea, it merits a taste.
Warrior Hazy (6.5%/30 IBU) Thicker yellow in color but not completely opaque, this IPA is another off the flagship line. We found this one to be on the lighter side of “hazy” but definitely dank in taste and smell but with additional tropical elements lending some brightness to the flavor profile.
Blueberry Wheat (5.2% ABV/18 IBU) – Similar in viscosity to the Warrior Hazy, but with that distinctive ruby red “berry beer” coloring. Unlike some that are completely fruit forward, the blueberry and wheat complement throughout in more of a wit beer style, which keeps this one balanced and not too sweet.
922 N 5th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004