On September 2, 2026, Milwaukee Brewers fans made their presence known at Wrigley Field during a game against the Chicago Cubs, prompting a humorous remark from ESPN's Jeff Passan. He referenced a post showcasing Christian Yelich's pivotal home run in the Brewers' 9-4 victory over the Cubs the previous night. Passan quipped on social media, "Can I ask, by the way, how people in Chicago felt about their home game turning into a road game? That can't happen."
This comment highlights a long-standing rivalry between the two teams, as Brewers fans often travel to support their team in Chicago. Yelich's home run, which came in the top of the sixth inning, was a key moment in the game, and the noise from Milwaukee supporters was unmistakable.
Passan's remarks have historical context, as he previously directed similar sentiments toward Brewers fans during an interview on ESPN Milwaukee. In late June, after a tough loss to the Cubs at American Family Field, he asked, "Can I ask, by the way, how people in Milwaukee felt about their home game turning into a road game? That can't happen." This back-and-forth illustrates the dynamic nature of fan presence in both cities, with each side often feeling the impact of the other's supporters.
The rivalry between the Brewers and Cubs is intensified by geographical proximity, with Milwaukee just 90 miles from Chicago. This closeness allows for a significant crossover of fans, with Cubs supporters frequently attending games in Milwaukee, and vice versa. The population disparity between the two cities also plays a role; Wisconsin's population is less than half that of the Chicago metropolitan area, yet Brewers fans continue to show strong support.
Despite being ranked 12th in Major League Baseball for average attendance, the Brewers have managed to cultivate a passionate fan base. Their average attendance of 33,632 fans per game is bolstered by matchups against the Cubs. In fact, if one were to exclude the three games played against Chicago this season, the Brewers would drop to 13th in attendance, just 20 fans behind the Los Angeles Angels.
Brewers fans have made their voices heard at Wrigley Field before, most notably during the one-game tiebreaker at the end of the 2018 season, where they secured the National League Central title. This season, as the Brewers seek to outpace the Cubs for the division crown, they currently hold an eight-game lead, adding further significance to their matchups.
The passionate rivalry between the Brewers and Cubs continues to thrive, with fans from both sides making their presence felt, whether at home or on the road. As the season progresses, the intensity of this competition is sure to bring more thrilling moments and vocal fan displays.
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