Milwaukee is famous for products like Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Miller beer, Master Lock padlocks, Briggs and Stratton engines and Midwest Airlines' extra-wide leather seating.
Unfortunately in the sports world, Milwaukee has long been known for one thing when it comes to its two major sports franchises:
Futility.
While the Brewers have been on an upswing of late, they have not won a league title since 1982 and have never won the World Series. The Bucks last won an NBA title in 1971, when Lew Alcindor was playing center and the team was in the Western Conference. The last time the Bucks reached the NBA Finals was 1974.
One thing both teams don't lack is a loyal fan base, especially when it comes to season ticket holders.
"I've been a baseball fan since I was a little kid," said Milwaukee resident and Brewers' season ticket holder Zoran Miladinovic. "I remember watching the World Series on TV in '82. I remember all the big games -- (Juan) Nieves' no-hitter, Easter Sunday, etc. When I could finally afford season (tickets), I got a fans' choice package."
Season ticket sales account for a large chunk of a team's profits during a given season. Thankfully for both the Brewers and Bucks, victories and losses aren't always the main reason people purchase these rather expensive packages.
"Because I'm such a die-hard fan, I have kept up with the team through the lean years," Miladinovic said. "I remember losing 106 games (in 1992), which will make winning taste that much sweeter. I remember watching Rueben Quevedo sweat like it was 125 degrees out when it was only 75 and he'd be gassed after two innings. At that low point, I didn't think it could get much worse, so I never cancelled."
Bucks' season ticket packages for all 41 home games start at $406.60, but can cost as much as $5,203 if you choose to sit in Club Cambria. Brewers' full-season packages vary from $1,215 for Terrace Box seats and go all the way up to $5,022 for Field Diamond Box.
"I think that Miller Park gives you great value for your ticket dollar," Miladinvoic said. "In the past, the product on the field didn't warrant one dollar, but now you definitely get your money's worth, and then some. Where else can you get a ticket for ten bucks or less and see a great baseball game?"
Hartland resident Tim Reynolds continues to purchase Bucks' season tickets, even though the team has struggled mightily in recent years, and is currently mired the Central Division basement.
His reasoning is simple: "The games are fun and I do it for entertaining customers," Reynolds said, but he feels he's not really getting his money's worth for the tickets.
So why do some people choose to spend what could amount to an entire month's salary to see teams that don't necessarily have a strong track record of success?
In addition to civic pride, the tickets can be used for entertaining business clients, making such purchases a tax write-off. Blind loyalty and love of the game are also big factors.
That question is pretty easy for Miladinovic, especially with the Brewers on the cusp of what could be a renaissance for Milwaukee baseball in the next couple of years.
"Once (current owner Mark) Attanasio took over I was encouraged. (Doug) Melvin is a great (general manager) and (Ned) Yost, for all his questionable moves, is still a good manager. I think they are set up for a series of winning seasons. I do not see myself canceling my season tickets in the near future and I look forward to experiencing the playoffs in Miller Park."
Playoffs in Miller Park -- those are beautiful words, especially for fans that have supported the team for so long. And, when the playoffs arrive, season ticket holders get the first shot at tickets.
