Full Breakdown
Milwaukee Brewers Raffle Dispute: Couple’s Lawsuit Dismissed by Appeals Court
5/23/2026, 8:44:27 PM
The Disputed Raffle Prize
Annette and Matthew Flynn of Kenosha, Wisconsin, claim they were denied a $13,000 jackpot from the Brewers Community Foundation’s 50/50 raffle held during the July 7 2023 home game against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field. The foundation’s rules required the winning ticket to be presented within the first six outs of the inning in which the number was announced. The Flynns argue they missed the deadline because the winning number was not visible or audible from their seat and because an usher directed Annette to the wrong level of the stadium.
Background: Foundation Raffle Rules
At the time of the July 2023 drawing, the official contest rules stipulated that a winner must claim the prize before the top of the seventh inning—effectively within one full inning after the number was called. Following the Flynn case, the Brewers Community Foundation revised the policy, allowing winners up to 30 days to present their tickets.
Key Parties
- Annette Flynn – ticket purchaser who asserts she was “66 seconds late.”
- Matthew Flynn – Annette’s husband, who maintains loyalty to the Brewers despite the dispute.
- Brewers Community Foundation – charitable arm of the Milwaukee Brewers that runs the raffle.
- Judge Nathan Petrashek – presiding judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District I.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
- July 7 2023 – Raffle drawing; Annette Flynn’s ticket is selected.
- March 2025 – The Flynns file a small-claims suit in Milwaukee County Civil Court seeking the statutory maximum of $10,000 in damages.
- December 2025 – The trial judge dismisses the case.
- January 2026 – The Flynns file an appeal without counsel.
- February 2026 – The Court of Appeals upholds the dismissal, citing the “clear and unambiguous terms” of the foundation’s rules.
Data and Stakes
- Prize amount: $13,000 (the contested jackpot).
- Statutory damages sought: $10,000.
- Raffle format: 50/50 split of proceeds, with the winner receiving half.
- Comparative prize: $65,427 awarded at the March 25 2023 game against the Chicago White Sox.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Petrashek wrote that “the clear and unambiguous terms of the Foundation’s official contest rules resolve this case,” concluding there is “no genuine issue of material fact” regarding the Flynns’ claim. The foundation previously offered a settlement that included a gag order, which the Flynns rejected. After the ruling, the foundation announced the rule change extending the claim window to 30 days.
Criticism & Opposition
The Flynns contend that stadium staff misdirected Annette, causing her to miss the deadline, and that a staff member later told them “we called another number.” Their lawyer withdrew mid-proceedings, and the couple argues the dismissal ignored pending motions for additional evidence.
On-the-Ground Account
Annette Flynn described racing through hallways, climbing 57 steps to the second-floor claim table, and presenting her ticket out of breath. Security video released by the family shows her hurried movement inside the stadium.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The court’s decision rests on the written rules, yet the Flynns assert they were not given a fair opportunity to claim the prize due to staff misdirection and lack of audible announcement. The exact date of the December dismissal is unspecified, and the foundation’s internal process for “calling another number” is not detailed in the public record.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They said I was late. They said I was 66 seconds late,” — Annette Flynn
- “I caught my breath, and then I proceeded to walk up 57 steps to the second floor,” — Annette Flynn
- “I don’t hold it against the team. The front office, yeah,” — Matt Flynn
What’s Next
The Flynns say they are evaluating an appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which would be the third legal challenge over the same raffle prize. The outcome could prompt further scrutiny of charitable raffle procedures in Major League Baseball venues.
