'I think the energy is back watching the game': Hundreds of people flock to Bucks watch party

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- Saturday, May 22, felt like a new beginning for some Bucks fans. 

“I love seeing crowds like this. one day of warm weather and the whole city just wakes up and comes out," Mike Cortese said. He is fan. 

For the first time in nearly two years, fans gathered for the bucks play off watch party in the Deer District.

“I think the energy is back watching the game," Samantha Peterson said. She attended the watch party. 

The  capacity for the outdoor plaza was set for about 3,500 people.

“it’s exciting to see," Jessica Peterson. 

Fans were required to wear masks on the plaza, but some say they were vaccinated and felt comfortable not wearing one or being around others who didn’t wear one either.

“If you want to wear a mask, wear a mask and if you and you’re comfortable than it feels good.”32:53 Jessica Peterson

Inside Fiserv Forum the energy was the same. Its capacity limit increased to 50 percent this month.

“Seeing all those extra people together having a blast, normalcy does seem to be returning," Cortese said. 

Fans are expected to follow all covid-19 safety protocols during the games, wearing masks when not eating or drinking.

“Inside the arena, everyone respected everyone’s space, there was nothing better than that," Chet Earhart said. 

While fans are feeling good after the bucks first win in the playoffs, businesses are thankful to be serving more customers.

“Everytime the bucks rammed up a little bit, we noticed that we rammed up a little," Drew Olsen said. He is the bar manager at Major Goolsby's.

"Businesses like us, we rely on the Fiserv Forum."

Tickets will be sold in pods in the arena. Social distancing is also important.