Summerfest unveils renovated Miller Lite Oasis during 50th edition opening ceremony

Haley Hansen

Milwaukee

Summerfest fans were told to “sin responsibly” as they got their first look at the updated Miller Lite Oasis stage.

The festival hosted an opening ceremony at the revamped stage Wednesday evening. Nostalgia was the theme of the ceremony early on, as famous tunes heard at Summerfest through the decades were blasted through the sound system.

Staff also handed out 25,000 free Summerfest tickets during the event.

Headliner Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith kicked off the event. Chairman of Milwaukee World Festival Ted Kellner and Mayor of Milwaukee Tom Barrett also addressed the crowd.

“Sin responsibly, drink responsibly, act responsibly and be good to your friends,” Barrett told the poncho-clad crowd.

Many who braved the rain said they were pleased with the stage’s updates. Bobby Burmeister, 22, of Germantown said he liked the new brick-and-steel stage.

“The old one was really run-down and old looking,” he said.

The updated stage features a viewing deck, a pair of new video screens and a renovated stage area. The area also has five bars including the Miller Brew House located at the north side of the stage and the 100-foot Long Bar on the opposite side.

Kayla Decker, 25, of Green Bay said the area looked much more modern than before.

“It's beautiful,” she said. “And the sounds is really good. The acoustics are awesome.”

Construction for the project began in October. Officials with Milwaukee World Festival previously declined to give a price for the project.

The area can hold up to 12,000 fans. The outer edge of the area features the bars and two viewing decks.

One of the most noteworthy changes is the “Summerfest Level Up” viewing deck, a premium area that includes a private bar, flat screen TV and restrooms. The $100 tickets include admission to Summerfest, two beverages and evening appetizer.