Milwaukeean Rob Gustafson saw the writing on the wall, World Series Brewer tickets at American Family Field were just too much.
“I was having a hard time stomaching three grand for the five minute drive [to AmFam],” Gustafson admits.
As a youngster living not too far from the stadium, he steadily became a true blue Milwaukee Brewer believer.
“Growing up, it was one of those few things my Dad could afford to take me to. It was a big treat when I was a kid and as I got older, I kinda got sucked into it.”
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Before the American League opponent was settled, Rob had two flights books, one too Cleveland and the other to Tampa; hedging his bets after Cleveland took a two to zero lead early in the ALCS. Ultimately, he was able to cancel the Cleveland engagement and booked everything for Tampa. He was able to get tickets at face value for game four in Tampa early Monday morning.
Now with the Brewers finally becoming World Series champions, we spoke with Gustafson to see what it’s like being a Cheesehead in Paradise.
Tell me about your trip to Tampa for Monday’s game three of the World Series
I got up at 4 a.m. and drove over to the ball park and made it by 4:14 a.m. I gave her a little pat and a smooch, and made my way down to the airport. Almost the whole concourse was taken over by Brewers fans at 4:40 AM. At Philly, for my transfer, same thing: the whole terminal was filled with Brewers fans. I think people there were really confused. Pretty much everyone down here said it was significantly cheaper to fly down to Tampa and watch the game.
What has it been like in “The Trop” [Tampa’s Home Stadium] during games 3 and 4?
It felt more like a home game. It was 60-70% Brewers fans in my section. Every time the “let’s go Rays” chants started, the Brewers fans would overtake with “let’s go Brewers.” It was amazing. My watch kept telling me to protect my ears, because the environment was dangerously loud.
How have the locals been treating you down in Tampa?
All of the fans I’ve interacted with have been amazing. There’s a place down here called Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill. They sold 25,000 Miller Lites on Monday. It was 90% Brewers fans, think Deer District, but larger. Everywhere were Brewer fans and everyone’s being super cool. Had some fun banter with Rays fans.
Any major culture shock down there for a Milwaukeean in the Tampa/St. Pete area?
Within five minutes at a Tampa bar, I ran into about twenty of our regulars [Rob’s an owner at Milwaukee’s Venture on North Ave] all hanging out together. I knew half the people there. I don’t think they were prepared for how much Miller High Life Milwaukee drinks. I think they sold out on the first day we were here.
