Despite inclement weather, Bucks fans head to Deer District for Game 4 watch party
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Thunderstorms pushed back the outdoor watch party at the Deer District for Game 4 of the NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, but the fans arrived ready to go once the gates opened.
Fans without tickets to the game are encouraged to arrive as close to game time as possible.
Shortly before 4 p.m., the big screens in the Deer District advised fans to evacuate as a storm passed through.
This is the sign currently on the screen at the Deer District. We’ll be live with the latest from safely inside at 4:00 @cbs58@CBS58Drewpic.twitter.com/ZJRnd0TM79
— Kevin Holden (blue check mark?) (@321cuekevin) July 14, 2021
The Bucks said they would evacuate the Deer District in case of thunderstorms.
"The safety of the fans is the most important thing and the No. 1 thing. So if it looks like there is going to be severe weather (or) there's going to be lightning, high winds, that's when it's going to be a little bit too dangerous and we will make sure we're closing down," said Dustin Godsey, chief marketing officer for the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum.
Some fans were completely prepared to watch the game and get soaked.
"Forget the rain," Kirby Germany said. "Ain't nothing stopping me. You hear me?"
The city is coasting on the energy from Game 3 and hoping the Bucks will tie up the series in Game 4.
"Hopefully they can win the championship for the first time in a while," said Bucks fan Hank Hellen.
"We're going to win this game. Actually we're going to win the next three," said Bucks fan Arthur Medlock. "I'm going to the game. Actually, I'm about 20 rows from the floor, so if you don't see me, you're definitely going to hear me."
Bucks fans Harrison Hellen and Isaac Watt said they were thinking about bringing rain gear down to the Deer District. They agreed the team plays better at home and they want to be a part of that.
"The amount of fans here vs. Phoenix is just astronomical, and I think that's why they're playing better here," Hellen said.
If lightning strikes within 10 miles, the Bucks will turn off the screens on the plaza and ask people to find shelter. But the team hopes that doesn't happen.
"This has become such a huge part of what this experience is. This has really become the gathering place for Milwaukee and for fans who aren't able to actually be in the arena," Godsey said.
Fans who spoke to CBS 58 Wednesday said that home-court advantage is huge and the thousands of fans who pack the Deer District are a big part of that.
"When they can get the energy of the crowd behind them, they can get some more of that momentum, and then play really well," said Bucks fan Will Fricker.
SOON! ??
— Deer District (@DeerDistrict) July 14, 2021
Important notes:
? #DeerDistrict Plaza opens at 6pm
? @FiservForum doors open at 6:30pm
? Arrive early due to large crowds!
? Entry & bag policy info + more: https://t.co/AULCVOBJOY
? We will continue to monitor the weather reports pic.twitter.com/ycd6fRvNec