Playoff baseball in Milwaukee is flat-out special. It’s 41,900 fans on their feet, cheering at the top of their lungs. It’s American Family Field with the roof closed and the speakers turned up to 11. It’s baseball at its most electric.
We’ve said it before, but this time we mean it: this Milwaukee Brewers team is different. In the age of sabermetrics and the era of launch angle, this team plays fundamental baseball that's fun to watch. This Brewers team doesn't play it safe. They take risks, steal bases, lay down bunts and, of course, light up the radar gun with fastballs that touch 104 mph.
Hungry for the team's first World Series appearance since 1982, the squad took fans on a wild ride this season, eclipsing the 100-win mark for the first time in franchise history, clinching a fourth consecutive NL Central title and sealing the best record in baseball for the second year running.
With the National League Division Series on the horizon, and the San Diego Padres rolling into town for the Crew's first postseason matchup, here's everything your need to know about playoff baseball in Milwaukee.
2026 Milwaukee Brewers
For many reasons, this team will be remembered by Milwaukeeans as one of those teams. The ones that get reunions and have a special place in fans’ hearts, not because of the results, but because of the special bond the team had with the city. The team was managed by the enigmatic, charismatic Pat Murphy. He leads a dynamic lineup of veteran players like former MVP Christian Yelich, Bryce Turang and William Contreras, in addition to some of the best young talent in the game today, with names like Jacob Misierowski, Jackson Chourio, Luis Lara, Logan Henderson and Cooper Pratt all jumping off the lineup card. Together, they put together a season that redefined winning baseball in Milwaukee.
In 2026, the Brewers
- Were the first team to clinch a playoff berth
- Won 100 games for the first time in franchise history
- Earned a franchise record of 103 wins
- Finished with the best record in baseball
Who Will the Brewers Play in the 2026 MLB Playoffs?
The Brewers will face the high-flying San Diego Padres in the 2026 National League Division Series.
History
Unlike seasons past, this is a new playoff matchup for the Crew. They haven't met in the postseason before, but they did play two series this year. After the Brewers jumped out to a 2-1 series lead at American Family Field, the Padres swept the Brewers in San Diego in August, one of the few times the Crew went winless in a series throughout the 2026 season.
While these two teams share little history, a few threads are worth noting. Brewers fan favorite Manny Machado returns. His first playoff series in Milwaukee since 2018, when tensions flared after he stepped on the foot of Brewers first baseman Jesus Aguilar. Manny will surely get a warm reception when he steps between the white lines in Milwaukee.
And a Brewers link of note, Padres utility player Gavin Sheets, is the son of longtime Milwaukee starting pitcher and four-time all-star Ben Sheets, who holds the franchise's single-game strikeout record (18), a member of the immaculate inning club and is second in Brewers history for career strikeouts (1,206).
Matchup
The Padres may just be the hottest team in baseball right now. Before knocking the Chicago Cubs out of the playoffs in two games in the NL Wild Card Series, the Padres closed out September on a 17-3 run, including an eight-game win streak. Following a pedestrian start, including barely above .500 play in May, June and July, the Padres have found their groove, and they have a playoff series win to prove it.
San Diego is a balanced team, with quality pitching, a solid bullpen and plenty of star power at the plate to make any series difficult. On the mound, there’s Michael King (3.21 ERA, 12 wins over 185 innings pitched), who pitched a no-hitter going into the seventh inning against Chicago, two-time World Series champion Walker Buehler (4.63 ERA, nine wins over 153.2 innings) and a bullpen headlined by Closer Mason Miller (38 saves with a 1.67 ERA).
The Padres are quite possibly even more dangerous behind the plate, with the electric Fernando Tatis Jr. (.289 batting average, 25 home runs and 38 stolen bases), rising star Jackson Merrill (.254 batting average, 26 home runs and 27 stolen bases) and—hold your boos, please—third baseman Manny Machado (.217 batting average, 30 home runs and 91 RBIs).
For the Brewers, it will be like looking in the mirror. Good pitching? Yep. Lights-out closer? Got it. Situational hitting? Uh-huh. Speed on the bases? Wanna race? It's going to be a battle. Are you ready for it?
Milwaukee Brewers Playoff Schedule 2026
National League Division Series
Game 1
Saturday, October 3 | 7:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports 1
Radio: 620 WTMJ
American Family Field
Game 2
Sunday, October 4 | 3 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports 1
Radio: 620 WTMJ
American Family Field
Game 3
Tuesday, October 6 | TBD
TV: FOX or Fox Sports 1
Radio: 620 WTMJ
Petco Park
Game 4
Wednesday, October 7 | TBD
TV: FOX or Fox Sports 1
Radio: 620 WTMJ
Petco Park
Game 5*
Friday, October 9 | TBD
TV: FOX or Fox Sports 1
Radio: 620 WTMJ
American Family Field
* - Games if necessary
Can I Buy My Parking Pass in Advance?
Pre-paid parking passes can be purchased and digitally delivered for fan convenience. Fans are advised to purchase parking in advance, as purchasing day-of-game parking will be limited due to large attendance.
When do the Parking Lots Open?
Parking lots will open 3.5 hours before the first pitch, and the ballpark gates will open 2.5 hours before the first pitch. For more information, visit brewers.com/Parking.
What Can I Do Before the Game?
Before the first pitch, there's tons of playoff excitement happening around American Family Field. Here's what to know:
Pregame Party On The UW Credit Union Plaza
Pregame entertainment on the plaza will include live music from DJ Scary Terry and DJ Stretch and tailgate games with the 4-1-Force.
Game 1 Chalk Lineup
Thirty minutes before the first pitch on Saturday, October 3, Manager Pat Murphy and the Crew will be welcomed to the field with extra fanfare. Fans will not want to miss cheering on the Crew in this special postseason chalk lineup.
Who's Throwing Out the First Pitch?
Club legends and fan favorites will set the tone. Here's who's throwing out the first pitch:
Game 1
- Carlos Gómez: Two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner known for his electric energy, defense and dynamic play during six seasons in Milwaukee.
- Teddy Higuera: Brewers legend and All-Star left-hander who became one of the most dominant pitchers in franchise history.
Game 2
- Nyjer Morgan: Fan-favorite Brewers alum whose unforgettable personality and walk-off hit in Game 5 of the 2011 NLDS helped send Milwaukee to the NLCS.
- Eric Thames: Power-hitting fan-favorite remembered for his home runs and memorable three seasons in Milwaukee.
Who's Singing the National Anthem?
- Game 1: Jenny Thiel, accompanied by Valkyrie, a bald eagle from Schlitz Audubon, and a giant American flag will be unfurled across the outfield of American Family Field and held by Brewers Season Seat Members.
- Game 2: Musician Third Class Robert “Bobby” Novoa of the Great Lakes Navy Band.
Who Are the Play Ball Kids?
- Game 1: Sadie Megill, age 3, daughter of reliever Trevor Megill
- Game 2: Lennox Anderson, age 2, son of pitcher Grant Anderson
Where to Watch the Brewers Playoffs in Milwaukee
Buy Milwaukee Brewers Playoff Tickets
Roll out the Barrel. Zing, boom AND tararrel. The gang’s all here at American Family Field. There really is nothing quite as electric as a playoff atmosphere in Milwaukee.
Every pitch. Every at-bat. Every fly ball and every bang of the fireworks after a big home run. All urged forward by a raucous legion of true-blue Brew Crew fans. There’s no other way to say it: Milwaukee does the playoffs right.
Postseason tickets for the NLCS go on sale soon! Find more info and get ready to punch your ticket to October baseball in Milwaukee below.
Experience Top-Tier Atmosphere
Watch Parties
While we’ve done our level best to petition Rob Manfred and the offices of Major League Baseball to host every Brewers game in Milwaukee, sadly, there are some games that must be played outside the friendly confines of American Family Field. That's why the universe gave us watch parties.
This season, the Brewers have introduced watch parties for away games in the NLDS at locations throughout Milwaukee. Here's where you can catch them:
Game 3
Davidson Park
October 6 | Time: TBD
Harley-Davidson and the Brewers, two inseparable icons of Milwaukee, are coming together to rev up the postseason in style at Davidson Park.
Game 4*
Downtown Greendale
October 7 | Time: TBD
If the series reaches Game 4, the official watch party will bring the playoff energy just southwest of downtown to the suburb of Greendale.
Sports Bars
If you can't make it to American Family Field or you're looking for a place to catch the Crew while they're on the road, you're in luck! We started making a list of all the places that’ll show the Brewers games, but it’s a safe bet that if they’ve got a TV and the Crew are in action, they'll be on the tube. Cheer on the Brew Crew with your crew and dozens of your new best friends at a local sports bar!
Brewers Playoff Gear and Merchandise in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Brewers Pro Shop
Postseason merch is here! Show off your local pride…or maybe your ball club’s sporting supremacy over a certain Chicago rival at the Milwaukee Brewers Team Store inside American Family Field. Get your favorite player’s jersey, a sweatshirt for those chilly October nights and officially licensed Brewers merchandise to have you repping the Crew all over town.
The Brewers Team Store located at the Left-Field entrance will be open on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, to all ticket holders when gates open. Non-game day store hours are Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Milwaukee Merch
We know the Brewers’ ball and glove logo is hands-down the best in Major League Baseball, but maybe you’d prefer to rock a different type of Milwaukee merch on your sleeve. Something fresh. Something with flavor. Something just so forward that it makes your heart swell with local pride. Check out our Milwaukee merch line today!
Fresh. Flavor. Forward. Fashion.
More Local Flavor
Also, be sure to check out some of our other partners slinging Cream City classics like Brew City Brands, 414Milwaukee gear and other souvenir and gift shops in the area.
What Now?
Now, we wait. We watch Bucks basketball. We buy N.L. Central Champions merch. Then, we sit and count the hours until Opening Day in eager anticipation of another Milwaukee Brewers playoff run.
