Milwaukee has erupted in celebration as Brewers fans filled the city’s streets for a World Series victory parade, marking the franchise’s first championship title.
Supporters gathered from downtown Milwaukee towards the lakefront ahead of Friday’s procession, with the city expecting about 400,000 people to attend the celebrations.
The parade is due to begin at 10am at the intersection of North Vel R. Phillips Avenue and West Wisconsin Avenue before travelling through the city and ending at Henry Maier Festival Park, the Summerfest grounds.
Fans began claiming places along the route from the early hours, while the Brewers’ players, families and special guests assembled ahead of the parade. The procession follows the team’s 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game Five on Wednesday, which secured the first World Series title in the club’s history.
Brewers World Series parade draws huge Milwaukee crowds
The celebrations will continue at Henry Maier Festival Park, where the gates opened at 8am. Entry to the festival grounds is free until capacity is reached, with live coverage of the parade, music, food, drinks and championship merchandise planned throughout the day.
A separate programme inside the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, featuring speeches from the champions, has sold out. Fans without tickets can watch the presentation on large screens around the festival grounds.
Milwaukee Public Schools and several other local districts closed on Friday so families could take part in the parade and rally.
The Brewers’ title has ended a 44-year wait since the club’s only previous World Series appearance, in 1982. For supporters lining Wisconsin Avenue, the long-awaited return of the championship trophy to Milwaukee has turned the city into one large celebration.
