However, 3 million in attendance is worth less in total revenue in Milwaukee than almost anywhere else. Even with the strong attendance numbers the club has reportedly been running annual deficits in the $3-5 million range. Now, some would say those losses are offset by appreciation in the value of the team and others call that bogus accounting. I can’t answer that.

Nonetheless, the metro area has been in a recession for most of the last 48 years. There are fewer people here who are easily able to afford $10,000+ season ticket packages than in most pro sports markets. The Brewers have wisely compensated by embracing the high school and college crowd and tolerating a party atmosphere, which should have long term benefits. Especially since, in my understanding, other clubs have had a problem with the younger generations not caring much about baseball.

However, in the short term that very young, wild and often drunk crowd, especially on Friday and Saturday nights could threaten to alienate the small, wealthier contingent of fans. And the team needs to sell some of those expensive ticket packages in the offseason as an insurance policy against a losing season. My concern is that the Braun scandal and a losing season could cost the Brewers some of that ticket revenue cushion that is not tied to the current season on field performance. I know they have had strong ticket sales so far, but my fear is that the raw numbers mask the fact that those are mostly, upper deck, $10 a seat tickets.