The Milwaukee Brewers won their first playoff game 3-2 on Thursday. Diehard fans showed up to Miller Park hours before their game against the Colorado Rockies. Fans were busy playing music, grilling and tailgating.
“Do you want to see my tattoo to show you I really love the Brewers?" said Donald Matovich, a tailgater who loves the Brewers so much that, yes, he has a tattoo to prove it.
He describes himself as a “true-blue” ticket holder. Matovich attends roughly 55 to 60 Brewers games a year. He also owns a bar in Menomonee Falls dedicated to Wisconsin's beloved sports teams.
So, what specifically does he love about the Brewers? “I love the atmosphere when you’re here because everyone is like family,” Matovich said.
Nancy Alpren was another enthusiastic fan tailgating before the game. After her husband passed away, attending Brewers games became a special occasion for Alpren and her son.
“We are here to celebrate because this is the first time I’ve been able to use my playoff tickets! I’ve bought them every time and this is the first time we’re able to use them,” she said.
Before Miller Park’s parking lot filled with cars and fans, 8-year-old Caden Henderson was playing catch with his father. His favorite player is Travis Shaw “because I like playing third base and shortstop and I think he makes really cool plays.”
Despite the range in ages of fans and reasons for attending, one thing was the same across the board: the absolute certainty that the Brewers were going to win their first playoff game.Turns out the fans were right, but will that hold true for the next game? Only time will tell.
