Wisconsin sports fans are a loyal bunch.
Milwaukee Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio is aware of that, and is giving back in an effort to cushion the double whammy of an abysmal season and Ryan Braun's 65-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs.
Team executives announced plans for distribution of $10 vouchers at August home games for ticket holders for food, beverages, merchandise and tickets at Miller Park. Nine games remain in the promotion, and vouchers may be combined for larger purchases.
Taking things one step further, the Brewers are planning a variety of special events for the last two months of the season.
"This has been a challenging season for all of us, but the one thing that has never wavered has been the tremendous support we have received from fans who love the Brewers," Attanasio said in a statement.
"We wanted to do something meaningful to show our appreciation, and will strive to provide the best fan experience possible."
Attanasio, a Bronx-born businessman who purchased the team for $223 million in early 2005 after its streak of 12 losing seasons, is an ardent baseball fan. His transparency is refreshing, and he's gone out of his way to reach out to fans, including writing a two-page letter following the Brewers' appearance in the 2011 playoffs.
In a more somber letter to fans, Attanasio discussed how seriously the organization is taking Braun's suspension. The 2011 NL MVP will relinquish $3.25 million in salary as he sits out the remainder of the season.
"We share your frustration and disappointment in the news of Ryan Braun's suspension and the mistakes that Ryan has made," Attanasio wrote.
The Brewers will spend $3.6 million for the voucher program, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. When weighing the importance of fan loyalty, there's little doubt Attanasio considers the investment as money well spent.
