For longtime Milwaukee broadcaster John Mercure, Ballpark Day of Faith isn't really about baseball.
Sure, the Milwaukee Brewers game is part of the experience. So are the hot dogs, the homebrewed beer, and the excitement of walking into American Family Field on a summer afternoon.
But for Mercure, the annual event is about something deeper: connection, community, and faith.
"I went to my first Ballpark Day of Faith and I was inspired," Mercure said. "I felt uplifted. I was there with my wife, and she's gone with me every time since. I love the feeling of being outside, being in the summer sunshine, being in the shadow of American Family Field, celebrating our faith and celebrating each other."
What keeps him coming back year after year is the unique way the event brings people together.
In a world that often seems divided, Mercure says Ballpark Day of Faith offers something refreshingly different.
"Ballpark Day of Faith isn't about politics. It's not about who you vote for. It's not about how you feel about different issues in our city, state, or country," he said. "It's about gathering together."
Under the large Mass tent and throughout the tailgate that follows, Mercure sees people from every walk of life.
"You see families there, which is really cool. You see business leaders there. People are in their Brewers gear. People are dressed up like they're going to Sunday Mass. It all comes together, and you feel that connection and you feel that energy."
For Mercure, that sense of unity is what makes the event special.
"I don't necessarily think about cheering for the Brewers," he said. "I think about us all being together. Leaders from the Church, leaders from baseball, and leaders from our community all coming together for a really special day."
When asked about his favorite Ballpark Day of Faith tradition, Mercure didn't mention the game itself.
Instead, he described the transition from Mass to fellowship.
"I feel like my soul is fed," he said. "You're under the big tent, the Mass is going on, and it's a beautiful, reverent celebration with all the details that make it special."
Then comes one of his favorite moments.
"The Mass is done. Everybody parades out. You feel like you've been fed in your soul, and then you get fed outside."
The tailgate that follows has become one of the event's signature experiences.
"You have the homebrewed beer, you have the fresh smell of the grill going, and everybody is laughing and joking around. You see kids playing catch. It all gets married together."
For Mercure, it's a powerful reminder that faith is meant to be lived in community.
"You've gotten what you need from a spiritual perspective under the tent. Then you come outside, have a cold beer, grab something off the grill, and spend time with people. I love that feeling."
By the time attendees make their way into American Family Field, Mercure says the day has already been a success.
"It's such a great day that it doesn't even really matter how the Brewers do," he said.
"By the time you get to the stadium, you've already had such a great morning. The baseball game is kind of just the icing on top of the cake."
Ballpark Day of Faith returns Sunday, June 14, bringing together thousands of people from across Wisconsin for a day of worship, fellowship, food, friendship, and Brewers baseball.
The day begins with Mass and inspirational speakers, followed by the popular tailgate featuring food, refreshments, and fellowship before heading into American Family Field for the Brewers game.
Whether you're attending for the first time or returning with family and friends, you'll discover what many have experienced for years: a day that strengthens faith, builds community, and creates lasting memories.
Tickets are still available for the June 14 Ballpark Day of Faith. Reserve your spot today and join us for one of Wisconsin's most inspiring summer traditions.