MILWAUKEE — All major pro sports leagues are also in limbo because of the pandemic. Arena and stadium employees in Milwaukee are now left to wait and see when they can go back to work.
Leena Neureuther is at home Thursday instead of at Fiserv Forum, where she usually works. The Milwaukee mom is a bartender at Fiserv, mainly for Bucks games.
"You are working for cash tips and credit card tips. The hourly is okay, but you really are banking on your tips. And if we don't have games, we don't have tips," said Neureuther. "You don't have any money."
Neureuther is not the only one that depends on Milwaukee sports to help pay the bills. Ryan Strnad works as a beer vendor at Miller Park. It is his second job. But with the MLB delaying the start of the season, he is scrambling.
"By this time of year when I haven't worked a baseball game in about five months. I'm a little bit tight on cash. I am expected the Brewers season to start up so I can start paying my bills again and saving up," said Strnad.
Despite the blow to their bank accounts Strnad and Neureuther said they understand the closure and support it. But they can only miss a few games before they have to look for a new job.
"I'd have to go apply elsewhere. Whatever says 'help wanted' on the outside," said Strnad.
"I have a savings account, so I was smart about that. But it can only last you so long," said Neureuther.
TMJ4 News reached out to the Brewers and the Bucks to see if they would be paying their service workers while the seasons are suspended or delayed, but so far, there has been no response.