Bucks begin season with ring ceremony, raising of NBA Championship banner
Updated: 8:41 p.m. on Oct. 19, 2021
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Bucks' home opener was one for the books.
Fans packed the arena well ahead of tipoff.
History was made this year, and Tuesday night, more history in the making. Milwaukee, for the first time in 50 years, got to raise an NBA Championship banner.
The stadium roared with excitement as the Bucks raised the cover, unveiling their 2021 NBA Championship banner in the west rafters.
"I have watched the Bucks since birth. It's literally the highlight of my day, highlight of my life," said Madeline Taubenheim.
The pregame ceremony featured video highlights of the season and commemorative championship banners for the first 10,000.
"But to see this, that was crazy. These things, man, what an amazing night. It means everything," said fan Egal Warsame.
As players were brought to the floor one by one, fans' phones went up. Favorites like Giannis, Kris Middleton and Jrue Holiday got the loudest applause. So did a former Bucks owner.
"It's beautiful, man, we worked so hard for it. We need it," said fan Yasser Stewart.
When asked about getting tickets for Tuesday's game, fan Jack Thompson said, "Not that hard. We got them like last week. It's a pretty penny to pay for this, but it's worth it."
Everyone walked out with a Bucks bracelet. Some joked about wanting more.
"I think every fan who came to the Deer District or the Bucks arena should at least get something, like maybe a diamond or just a whole ring," said one fan.
"I went to the parade back in 1971 downtown. It was really nice. Now I had the chance to do it again in 2021," said fan Freddie Teamer.
Covid restrictions have lightened up. Players' seats are back to where they once were and fans who've been vaccinated don't need to wear a mask.
"I mean I feel very comfortable. I mean I have my mask along, I've had both of my vaccines, I'll be getting the booster. I just feel okay where I'm seated. I just feel like there's distancing. I’m not worried," said fan Sharon Rosbenda.
A lot of fans say no doubt, the Bucks have what it takes to be a back-to-back championship team.
Season tickets have already sold out.
Posted: 6:01 a.m. on Oct. 19, 2021
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's an opening day that'll be more like a playoff game for Milwaukee Bucks fans as the big screen is back up in the Deer District.
"I'm thinking rings, I'm thinking banner unveil, I'm thinking celebration, kind of lighting up the Deer District again," Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin told CBS 58.
Those who don't have a ticket will be able to watch the 6:30 game Tuesday night, Oct. 19, against the Brooklyn Nets, in the Deer District, with the same energy as the championship game.
"It's been 50 years, so it's important to just understand what the accomplishment was, take it all in and then go from there," Jonathan Smith, a fan, said.
Ahead of the game, a ring ceremony and a banner unveiling will take place starting at 5:45 p.m.
Preparations were underway Monday inside Fiserv Forum and around the Deer District.
Limited tickets are still available for Tuesday's game.