The Milwaukee Brewers are doing what they can to make the Miami Marlins feel at home after Hurricane Irma forced the weekend series scheduled between the two teams to move from Miami to Milwaukee.
Not only will the Marlins be treated as the home team, they entered the ballpark to find Southern Florida decor.
Fake flamingos, marlins and palm trees can be found along the main concourse and past the outfield at Miller Park.
“Whatever we can do to make them feel more welcome,” said Brewers fan Dennis Brooks.
Brooks is just one of 23,000 excited to attend one of the three games.
“I didn’t think this is where we’d be,” he said.
Brooks was shocked when Major League Baseball announced Milwaukee would be hosting.
“I feel bad that the reason they’re here is for the hurricane, that’s a terrible thing,” he said.
Although Marlins Park is in good enough shape to play ball after Hurricane Irma, Miami’s organization decided it would be too much of a burden for ballpark employees to host.
“Having the games down there would be terrific because that would mean that Florida wasn’t dealing with a very, very difficult situation,” said Brewers VP of Communications Tyler Barnes.
Barnes said they found out about the switch on Wednesday.
“We reached out to them and said, look there’s not much that we can do to help, but we want to do some very small things to make you know we are with you and you are in our thoughts,” said Barnes.
While Irma is still on the minds of people across the country, fans who play the Brewers’ 50/50 raffle at the games aren’t the only ones with a chance to win big. Proceeds are going to the Red Cross and the Hurricane Irma relief fund.
“So if you’re ever inclined to play, buy the tickets tonight and buy them in bulk because we’re very happy to be giving back,” said Barnes.
