'Feels amazing:' Bucks fans revel in first watch party since COVID-19 restrictions lifted

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- While Bucks fans did not get the result they hoped for in Game 1 against the Brooklyn Nets, they still appreciated the atmosphere of a packed Deer District watch party, something not experienced in two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'm loving the atmosphere out here, I'm loving the crowd," Bucks fan Justin Reid told CBS 58. "I love it."

The watch party included live entertainment, food vendors and a giant screen to watch the game on. Reflecting on the past year of restrictions and precautions, fans said the atmosphere for the game was one they missed dearly.

"Having masks this whole past year, it's been tough with school and everything like that," Gavvin Wolfe told CBS 58. "But to finally come out here during summer and not have a mask on and see everyone, it's truly a blessing and it honestly feels amazing."

It was the first watch party the Bucks hosted since Milwaukee lifted its Covid restrictions on June 1. For the team, seeing the full plaza outside Fiserv Forum was a hopeful sign of what is to come.

"This is the first opportunity for us to be kind of at full capacity and really feeling what this felt like two years ago during that playoff run," Bucks Chief Marketing Officer Dustin Godsey said. "And just to have that energy, it's been great."

The team is hosting watch parties for both home and away games for the rest of the playoffs with the watch party starting an hour before tip-off.

While fans didn't get the result they wanted in game one, they're looking forward toward the rest of the series with the Nets.

"I'm definitely hoping that the Bucks take the next four games and it's done, easy and we move on to the next," Hannah Maney said after the game. "But you know, just hoping for the best."