'It's been a long time coming': On eve of World Series, Milwaukee and fans ready for return to national spotlight

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Brewers—and millions of their fans here at home and around the world—are on the eve of a World Series that could end a decades-long championship drought.

On Friday, October 23, the Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays will be locked in a Game 1 battle that will set the tone for the remainder of the series.

The Milwaukee city skyline has been lit in blue and gold for the last several weeks.

International media and fans are in Milwaukee to celebrate the spectacle. But soon all that will matter is the game itself.

Fan Ben Neitzke told us, "I feel great. I'm excited for the Brewers. It's been a long time coming."

The energy was evident everywhere as the city and state have been draped in blue and gold.

Thili was walking downtown with his family and said, "It's more excitement than nerves. Just super excited it's back in Milwaukee."

That excitement is reflected in the numbers.

Josh Albrecht, chief marketing officer with Visit Milwaukee, said, "We're anticipating 10 to 15 million dollars per home game for the World Series." He added, "People buying gas, people buying their peanuts at the grocery store before they go to the game. People going to the restaurants and bars."

That excitement is also evident in the enormous demand for tickets and the towering resale prices.

Watch parties have exploded throughout the area as fans come together as a community.

Even those who've been to the World Series before say this time is different.

Kathy Shulta attended the 1982 World Series. She told us earlier in the week, "I think it was more stressful at my age now than it was way back in 1982!"

Brewers legend Robin Yount said, "We've waited 44 years for this. You can see the excitement throughout the whole state of Wisconsin."

The stadium preparations are nearly complete and the field is ready for its national closeup.

The buildup will crescendo as first pitch approaches. Then the only thing left will be to simply play the game.

Brewers fan Shawn said, "[I] feel like it's about time. We've been a good team for a good time. And I think we can get over the top this year."

We asked everyone if they were nervous about the World Series; no one would admit to it, they just said they were excited and confident.