sports - april 2009

Cubs get Brewer season off to a rousing start

THE MILWAUKEE BREWERS open the major league baseball season this month against division rivals, beginning with the Chicago Cubs.

New Brewer manager Ken Macha is faced with replacing starting pitchers CC Sabbathia and Ben Sheets, but has a strengthened bullpen that includes closer Trevor Hoffman and long reliever Braden Looper.

The offensive lineup continues to be strong, led by a slimmed-down Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, Corey Hart and J.J. Hardy.

Fans are assured every Brewers home game will be played, thanks to the retractable roof of Miller Park, considered among the top stadiums in major league baseball.

Brewer tickets may be purchased at the Miller Park Box Office or online at www.brewers.com. Early season games, especially the first series against the Cubs, are listed as sold out. Tickets are available, however, at www.theticketking.com.

Home games this month:

April 10 vs. Chicago Cubs, 3:05 p.m.
April 11 vs. Chicago, 6:05 p.m.
April 12 vs. Chicago, 7:05 p.m.
April 13 vs. Cincinnati Reds, 7:05 p.m.
April 14 vs. Cincinnati, 7:05 p.m.
April 15 vs. Cincinnati, 7:05 p.m.
April 27 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 7:05 p.m.
April 28 vs. Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m.
April 29 vs. Pittsburgh, 12:05 p.m.
April 30 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks 7:05 p.m.

Bucks still contending for NBA playoffs

THE MILWAUKEE BUCKS, plagued by injuries to starters, wind up the regular season this month with five home games.

Even with starters Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut sidelined for the season, the Bucks remained in playoff contention in March. All Bucks home games are at the Bradley Center, 1001 N. Fourth St. For tickets, visit www.bucks.com.

April 1 vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 7 p.m.
April 4 vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 7:30 p.m.
April 8 vs. Atlanta Hawks, 7 p.m.
April 11 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 7:30 p.m.
April 13 vs. Orlando Magic, 7 p.m.

If the Bucks make the playoffs, the schedule of home games will be available online at KeyMilwaukee.com.

Admirals Hockey

THE MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS of the American Hockey League play three games in April at the Bradley Center to close out the regular season. Tickets are available at the Admirals office, 510 W. Kilbourn Ave., by phone at 414-227-0550 or at www.milwaukeeadmirals.com.

April 3 vs. Lake Erie Monsters, 7 p.m.
April 5 vs. Chicago Storm, 5 p.m.
April 10 Chicago Wolves, 7 p.m.

Indoor football fans have choice of Iron or Bonecrushers

INDOOR PRO FOOTBALL fans can choose between the Milwaukee Iron, playing its first season in the Bradley Center, or the Milwaukee Bonecrushers, playing a second season at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

Developed by the organization that formerly operated the Milwaukee Mustangs in the Arena Football League, the Milwaukee Iron appears to be the best organized of the two teams and competes in the Arena Football League2.

Upcoming home games for the Iron at the Bradley Center, 1001 N. Fourth St., are April 17 against the Peoria Pirates at 7:05 p.m. and May 1 at 7:05 p.m. against the Green Bay Blizzard.

For tickets and additional information, visit www.mkeiron.com.

The Bonecrushers of the Continental Indoor Football League,play two home games this month at the Arena, 400 W. Kilbourn Ave..

The Wheeling Wildcats will be here at 7:30 p.m. April 11 and the Rock River Raptors will face the Bonecrushers at 7:30 p.m. April 18.

Visit www.milwaukeebonecrushers.com for ticket information.