As the Milwaukee Brewers prepare to face off against the Chicago Cubs, the upcoming National League Division Series is generating more than the usual Midwestern rivalry. The series, which begins tomorrow at American Family Field, marks a historic first postseason meeting between the two clubs. "We are poised to begin a five game National League Division Series (NLDS) tomorrow versus the Chicago Cubs," said a statement from Milwaukee's city officials.
Adding intrigue to the contest, the Brewers are under the leadership of Pat Murphy, while the Cubs are led by former Brewers manager Craig Counsell. Fans who regularly take the Amtrak Hiawatha service, spanning the 85 miles between Milwaukee and Chicago, are in for a treat as the playoff adds a competitive edge to this travel corridor. Dubbed "The I-94 Series" in popular parlance, officials have adopted a more fitting moniker, declaring it "the Hiawatha Series that fans on both sides have been waiting for," according to the same Milwaukee city statement.
Moreover, the Brewers boast the best record in the MLB, setting expectations high among their supporters. The proximity of the two fields to the respective train stations in Milwaukee and Chicago—Am Fam Field being only 2.5 miles west of the Intermodal Station and Wrigley Field about 4.5 miles north of Union Station—underscores the regional connection and ease of access for fans.
The Brewers organization is intent on maintaining a home-field advantage, urging ticket holders "to keep their tickets in the hands of those rooting for the Crew only." This emphasis on local support seeks to retain the professional-level tailgating and the more spacious comfort of Am Fam Field exclusively for Brewers fans, versus the "Friendly Confines" of Wrigley Field. It's a chance for Milwaukee to keep its stadium "roaring most loudly for our Brewers," as expressed in the Milwaukee city officials' statement.
