On September 2, 2026, the Milwaukee Brewers faced off against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, and it was the Brewers' fans who made headlines with their enthusiastic support. Following the Brewers' 9-4 victory over the Cubs the previous night, ESPN's Jeff Passan humorously remarked on social media about the noticeable presence of Brewers supporters in the stands.
Passan's tweet, which quoted a Brewers post showcasing Christian Yelich's pivotal home run, asked, "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 not only highlighted the vocal Brewers fans but also sparked a conversation about the longstanding rivalry between the two teams.
The context of Passan's remarks is rooted in a history of fan attendance dynamics between the two clubs. Earlier in the season, during a June 28 game at American Family Field, Passan had similarly questioned how Brewers fans felt about their home game being overtaken by Cubs supporters, following a tough extra-inning loss. His comments have resonated with fans on both sides, as attendance at games often reflects the geographical proximity and historical rivalry between the teams.
Milwaukee, which ranks as the 31st largest market in the United States, is located just 90 miles from Chicago, the third-largest market. This close proximity has led to a significant number of Cubs fans attending games in Milwaukee, often leading to a mixed crowd that can sometimes feel more like a home game for the visiting team. The Brewers, however, have consistently demonstrated strong fan support, ranking 12th in Major League Baseball for average attendance, with a current average of 33,632 fans per game.
Interestingly, if one were to remove the attendance figures from the three games played against the Cubs at American Family Field this season, the Brewers' average attendance would drop significantly, illustrating the impact of Cubs fans on their numbers. Despite this, Brewers fans have shown they can also make their voices heard at Wrigley Field. A notable example was during the one-game tiebreaker at the end of the 2018 season, where Milwaukee fans celebrated a victory that secured them the National League Central title.
As the Brewers continue their pursuit of the division title, currently holding an impressive eight-game lead over the Cubs, the rivalry remains as intense as ever. The recent game at Wrigley Field not only showcased the Brewers' on-field success but also highlighted the passionate support of their fans, who are determined to make their presence felt, regardless of the venue.
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