Announcing New Miller Lite Oasis Stage Area for Summerfest’s 50th Edition

MILWAUKEE (9/12/16) – Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. officials are excited to announce the renewal of MillerCoors’ longstanding partnership as the Official Malt Beverage of Summerfest and Henry Maier Festival Park.  This agreement continues in a partnership that spans decades, beginning with Miller Brewing Company’s commitment to establish the Miller High Life Jazz Oasis stage in the 1970s.  Through the years, MillerCoors’ financial and sponsorship commitment has evolved with the festival, always considering the patron perspective first while enhancing the live music experience.  Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. is especially proud to celebrate this historic partnership during the 50^th Summerfest in 2017.

As part of this commitment, MillerCoors also will support the renovation of the Miller Lite Oasis stage area with a completely redesigned stage and shopping area that will offer improved patron amenities and access. Improvements will include a redesigned Miller Lite Oasis stage facade, a new Miller Lite Brew House bar, video screen upgrades, new bar areas, expanded hospitality areas and a reconfigured marketplace and Summerfest retail store. The marketplace and Summerfest store will be funded by Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Completion is scheduled for the 2017 festival season and Summerfest’s 50^th festival.

“MillerCoors has been part of the Milwaukee fabric for more than 150 years.  As one of our hometown markets, we will continue to invest in Milwaukee and are proud to support one of the greatest music festivals in the country,” said James T. Wright III, General Manager of Wisconsin for MillerCoors.

“We are absolutely thrilled to once again renew our partnership and work with MillerCoors to renovate and upgrade the Miller Lite Oasis,” said Don Smiley, President and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.  “Their generous contribution to the project reinforces their commitment to Milwaukee, Summerfest and music fans everywhere.  Together, we will transform the live performance venue with an exciting new look and a thrilling experience for fans, artists and our community alike.  MillerCoors’ sponsorship of the ethnic festivals, Summerfest and Henry Maier Festival Park is grounded in community support, which they have consistently proven over a long period of time.”

The renovation project will include:

• Renovated stage area: The new stage will incorporate design elements reflective of the historic Miller Brewery and Miller Valley.  The new design also will offer improved sight lines by eliminating visual obstructions for a better viewing experience.
• Miller Lite Brew House: A new side stage bar will offer a new covered space for Summerfest patrons. The Brew House will have the capacity to feature exclusive beverage offerings and enhanced opportunities for front row access through MillerCoors promotions.
• Expanded hospitality deck: MillerCoors will significantly expand its Hospitality Deck to allow for increased promotional and experiential opportunities.
• New viewing deck and redesigned bar areas: A new elevated viewing deck will be built within the stage area development, featuring a first floor bar.  In addition to the new long bar, every bar area in the new Miller Lite Oasis will be reinvented to provide patrons with better access and accommodation.
• Redesigned Marketplace and Summerfest Store: With support from TSMGI, the exclusive vendor of Summerfest merchandise, the marketplace will include a brand new Summerfest Store.  The store will be a permanent air conditioned glass building and will feature a large storefront and displays for an improved shopping experience.  Additionally, the entire marketplace area will be reconfigured with permanent and expanded infrastructure for merchandise vendors as well as use by PrideFest and all the ethnic festivals.

The Miller Lite Oasis was last upgraded in 2006 and has since served as a central and highly popular location for Summerfest fans.  With the project, Summerfest aims to ensure that the Miller Lite Oasis is a fan favorite for many years to come. Eppstein Uhen Architects and Hunzinger Construction Company have been selected to manage the project.  As provided in the lease between the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., this capital project is subject to the review and approval by the City of Milwaukee, Board of Harbor Commissioners.

About MillerCoors

Through its diverse collection of storied breweries, MillerCoors brings American beer drinkers an unmatched selection of the highest quality beers, flavored malt beverages and ciders, steeped in centuries of brewing heritage.  Miller Brewing Company and Coors Brewing Company offer domestic favorites such as Coors Light, Coors Banquet, Miller Lite and Miller High Life.  Tenth and Blake Beer Company, our craft and import division, offers beers such as Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy from sixth-generation Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, and Blue Moon Belgian White from modern craft pioneer Blue Moon Brewing Company, founded in 1995. Tenth and Blake also imports world-renowned beers such as Italy’s Peroni Nastro Azzurro, the Czech Republic’s Pilsner Urquell and the Netherlands’ Grolsch.  MillerCoors also operates Crispin Cider Company, an artisanal maker of pear and apple ciders using fresh-pressed American juice, and offers pioneering new brands such as the Redd’s Apple and Redd’s Wicked Apple franchises, Smith & Forge Hard Cider and Henry’s Hard Sodas.  MillerCoors seeks to become America’s best beer company through an uncompromising promise of quality, a keen focus on innovation and a deep commitment to sustainability.  MillerCoors is a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company. Learn more at MillerCoors.com, at facebook.com/MillerCoors or on Twitter through @MillerCoors.

About Summerfest

Summerfest 2017 – the festival’s 50th edition – will take place June 28 – July 2 and July 4 – July 9 from noon until midnight and will be closed Monday, July 3.  Following its 1968 debut, Summerfest has evolved into what is now recognized as “The World’s Largest Music Festival” and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration, hosting he music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites along with approximately 850,000 people from Milwaukee and around the world each year for an unforgettable live music experience.  During the festival, the spotlight shines on over 800 acts, over 1,000 performances, 11 stages, delectable food and beverages and interactive activities, all in a world-class festival setting.  Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.