OSHKOSH – The Milwaukee Brewers finally know who stands between them and the first World Series championship in franchise history: the Tampa Bay Rays.
And if your couch is not quite loud enough for the occasion, Oshkosh has options — from a local brewery packed with friends to a haunted beach house filled with big-screen TVs.
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The Brewers will host the Rays in Game 1 at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at American Family Field. Milwaukee secured home-field advantage after a franchise-record 103-win regular season, a four-game National League Division Series victory over San Diego and a sweep of the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series. Tampa Bay advanced by beating Cleveland in the American League Championship Series.
This is the Brewers’ first World Series appearance since 1982 and only the second in franchise history. One way or another, the series will produce a first-time champion: Neither Milwaukee nor Tampa Bay has won the World Series.
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Readers’ picks: Local beer and a haunted baseball bash
Maurice Berglund plans to gather with friends at Fifth Ward Brewing Co., 1009 S. Main St., where the pairing of Brewers baseball and locally brewed beer feels just about perfect.
“Where else would you ever want to watch a Milwaukee Brewers World Series game than at a quality, local brewery?” Berglund said.
Fox River Brewing Co., 1501 Arboretum Drive, is taking the theme in a spookier direction. The brewery will host a Brewers watch party Friday night inside its Haunted Beach House, with multiple large-screen TVs surrounded by ghostly pirates, skeletons, eerie lights and other tropical frights.
The Game 1 promotion includes $4 pints of Fox River beer and $5 “Baseballs,” a 20-ounce featured cocktail, all night.
More Oshkosh spots built for a big game
Only Fox River Brewing Co. provided specific World Series watch-party details, but several other Oshkosh venues promote themselves as places to watch live sports. Fans should call or check a venue’s social media before heading out to confirm the game will be shown with sound and to ask about seating, reservations or specials.
Fifth Ward Brewing Co.
The reader-endorsed taproom at 1009 S. Main St. offers house-made beer and TVs in a modern brewery setting. Berglund’s group already has the makings of a cheering section.
Fox River Brewing Co.
The waterfront brewery at 1501 Arboretum Drive is the one confirmed World Series party in this roundup. Its Friday Haunted Beach House event brings large screens, themed surroundings and beer and cocktail specials.
Evil Roy Slades
If your game plan starts with never losing sight of the ball, the sports bar at 110 W. Seventh Ave. advertises 31 big-screen TVs — 27 inside and four on the patio — along with pizza and drinks.
Game Time Sports Bar
At 2836 Fond du Lac Road, Game Time says it has 24 screens and the ability to host watch parties for live sporting events. Its menu leans into classic game food, including wings, burgers and pizza.
Revs Bowl Bar & Grill
Revs, 275 N. Washburn St., has more than 20 TVs and a 185-inch projection screen in its bar room. There is also bowling if someone in the group needs to move around between innings.
Greene’s Pour House at the Granary
The neighborhood bar and grill at 44 W. Sixth Ave. has multiple TVs, a roomy bar and a broad beer selection. It has also served as a fan watch location for major soccer matches, so it knows the communal-game routine.
Brewers vs. Rays World Series schedule
- Game 1: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at American Family Field in Milwaukee
- Game 2: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at American Family Field
- Game 3: 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at Tampa Bay
- Game 4: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Tampa Bay
- Game 5, if necessary: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Tampa Bay
- Game 6, if necessary: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at American Family Field
- Game 7, if necessary: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at American Family Field
All games are scheduled to air on FOX and FOX Deportes and stream on FOX One.
Contact Brandon Reid at breid@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh guide to Brewers World Series watch spots