With the announcement of Ryan Braun’s suspension and 43-61 record, it has been a trying season for the Milwaukee Brewers faithful. So, to make up for it, the team is giving back to its fans, according to ESPN.com.
The Brewers announced Monday that any fan who attends a Brewers home game in August—and brings their ticket—will get a $10 voucher than can be used for merchandise, tickets, food, or beverages.
"We were finalizing something like this to give back to our loyal fans just as news of Ryan's suspension hit," said Brewers chief operating officer Rick Schlesinger. "Mark decided he wanted to make a dramatic impact that would cost more money."
Regardless of the Brewers terrible season on the field, fans have still been showing up to the park. On average the Brewers have attracted 31,000 people per game. If every voucher is used, it could cost the team more than $3.6 million.
Coincidentally, the Brewers won’t have to pay Braun about $3 million due to the suspension. However, Schlesinger said that did not go into this decision.
"This is an investment in our fans and an investment in our brand, to do what we can do to mitigate a trying summer," said Schlesinger. According to the COO, this is the first move by the Brewer’s "Fans First" campaign.
According to Schelsinger, this will be done in the spirit of transparency. He added fans can combing vouchers throughout the month. Also, the team will not raise prices.
Schlesigner also said the Brewers still plan to sell Braun merchandise at the stadium.
"We just feel it's up to the fans to decide whether they want to buy things associated with Ryan," he explained.
Last week. Braun was suspended for the remainder of the season due to his connection to the biogenesis scandal. Brewers owner Mark Attanasio said he has no plans to release Braun and wants to help him through the rebuilding process.
