Brewers fans earn payback against Cubs after early-season criticism of crowd noise

There's nothing like a good sports rivalry between two passionate fanbases. A competitive rivalry can make games mean that much more, creating electric atmospheres that elevate the product on the field. Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs fans have certainly seen their rivalry reach new heights over the past few seasons, as the division rivals have become perennial contenders in the National League.

The two NL powerhouses have also seen a number of players compete on both sides of the I-94 showdown, with the most notable betrayal in the battle being the moment that former Brewers manager Craig Counsell took his talents to Chicago's North Side to head up the Cubs on a record-breaking contract. However, in his tenure with Chicago, Counsell has been unable to get the Cubs over the proverbial hump, as the Brewers have won the division for three straight seasons. Pair that with the Brew Crew's thrilling victory in the NLDS in 2025, and the rivalry has skewed heavily in the Brewers' favor since Counsell's controversial decision.

It's certainly worth noting that since the Brewers joined the National League in 1998, aside from 2008, there really wasn't a time that both they and the Cubs were good at the same time prior to the 2018 season, which is why this intense rivalry feels rather fresh. However, since 2018, the two teams have found themselves battling atop the NL Central standings in almost every season. The growing rivalry has given new meaning to the I-94 battle, which results in opposing fanbases flooding the rival ballpark to try and even out the home-field advantage their division opponent would otherwise have. The degree to which each fanbase invades their rivals' ballpark has become a hot topic this year.

Earlier this season, when the two teams squared off at the end of June, ESPN's Jeff Passan lambasted Brewers fans for "allowing" Cubs fans to "take over" American Family Field in a Saturday night game, saying "that can't happen." Chicago would win that game, and the ensuing Sunday contest, giving the Cubs a series win. However, the Brewers and their fans have certainly earned their revenge over the last two days.

Brewers fans flood Wrigley Field as Brewers cruise to second consecutive victory over rival Cubs

On the heels of the team's ugliest loss this season on Monday night, Brewers fans made their presence known on Tuesday, as the team overcame a 3-0 deficit and grabbed the lead on a 2-run home run from Christian Yelich. The Brewers fans in attendance gave a mighty roar in the moment, as "Let's Go Brewers" chants rained down throughout the night. Passan was quick to note the event on X as well, paying homage to his analysis of the Cubs' fans' presence at American Family Field earlier in the season.

Chicago fans have been quick to jump on the anti-Brewers train, talking about owning "Wrigley North," despite the Brewers holding the clear advantage not only in recent seasons, with three consecutive NL Central titles and an NLDS victory to prove it, but also during the 2026 season, with their season record against the Cubs improving to 6-3 with a win on Wednesday night.

As captured by Cameron Ezeir of CBS 58, the Brewers' fans' presence at Wrigley Field was once again apparent on Wednesday night. While Cubs fans booed their own team for surrendering an early lead for the second consecutive night, Brewers fans rejoiced with loud "Let's Go Brewers" chants at their rivals' home ballpark.

With four more regular season games against each other, and the possibility of another postseason battle between these two NL Central rivals, fans know this rivalry isn't going to cool down anytime soon. The Brewers hold a 9.0-game lead in the NL Central, and need just one win in the final four games to secure the season series, but that certainly doesn't mean they can let their foot off the gas.

With a first-round bye and home field advantage on the line, the Brewers certainly still need to finish the regular season strong. Thankfully, whether it's on the road down in Chicago or at their home ballpark of American Family Field, the Brewers can count on their fanbase to show up and support the 2026 team's quest for the first World Series title in franchise history.

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