Milwaukee Bucks expect thousands of fans to fill Deer District for Game 6 on Friday

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A nail-biting win for the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, May 11 has fans revved up for game six. 

Chants of "Bucks in six" will surely echo around Deer District Friday night, as dedicated fans come from all over to watch the Bucks take on the Boston Celtics in the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals. 

"Bucks in six. It just has to happen," Matt Filipiak, a fan, said.

With the weather finally warming up, Deer District watch parties are back in full swing. About 5,000 fans filled the plaza Wednesday night, and the Bucks expect even more people to show up for game six. 

"It's going to be a spirited atmosphere. Excitement. Loud music. High fives. Deer bumps. It's going to be a great, great experience," Bucks Vice President of Experience Ray Daryabigi said.

While the players and coaches are defending their championship title on the court, the organization is also improving on its famous watch party experience.

"Last year we kind of went under the radar. There weren't expectations, but when you're the defending champs, you have a bullseye," Daryabigi said.

Deer District watch parties became an overnight success last season, starting with just a handful of fans at the beginning of the 2021 NBA Playoffs to more than 65,000 by the Championship game.

"We feel like we've got something for everybody inside all of the businesses and then outside as well," Bucks Senior Vice President Michael Belot said. 

Rain or shine, fans tell CBS 58 there's no other place they'd rather watch the Bucks go all the way again. 

"Where else to be in Wisconsin and Milwaukee," Filipiak said. "The repeat was kind of expected like we wanted, but it makes goosebumps."

The watch party starts two hours before the game at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, but fans are encouraged to arrive as early as possible.

The first 10,000 fans inside will get thunder sticks.