'Glad to be back': Milwaukee Brewers' Opening Day brings emotional return for fans

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Thousands of fans flocked to American Family Field on Thursday, April 1, for the first time in a year and a half.

Under a plan approved by the Milwaukee Health Department, the Brewers are able to have 25 percent capacity at their newly-renamed stadium.

"I'm an insurance man and it's not American Family. So I gotta be honest: I still call it Miller Park," said Michael Hermes, a Brewers fan from Green Bay.

Thursday was an unusual and emotional opening day for Milwaukee Brewers fans.

"I go to 40 games a year. I really tremendously missed it. So some days I would just come here and look at the stadium, have tears in my eyes," said Richard Natynski, a Brewers fan from Sussex.

"It feels like we're getting back to normal. I'm a season ticket holder. I really missed baseball last year, and I'm glad to be back," said Brewers' fan Rob Deflyeze.

Twelve-thousand fans were allowed on opening day against the Twins.

"This is my 52nd consecutive opening day. I was at opening day since the very first one in 1970," said Jay Saeger, a Brewers fan from Menomonee Falls. "I knew I was never gonna miss it unless I absolutely had to."

Fans agreed they're happy baseball is back, but the vibe feels a bit different this year. Masks are required and tailgating is not allowed.

"It's so much fun. Grill out, have a drink and good times. So yeah, I miss that big time," Hermes said.

He said he looks forward to the day when the stadium is full and he's able to grill again outside in the parking lot.

The team hopes to expand capacity once it gets approval from the Health Department. Conversations are ongoing and will continue throughout the season.

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