On Friday, the shirtless fan phenomenon known as “tarps off” made its way to Milwaukee; by the weekend, it ran into challenges.
Social-media posts from fans attending the weekend Milwaukee Brewers series against the Dodgers included photos of increased security presence in the left-field corner of American Family Field and noted a marked increase of ushers checking tickets. The implication was that the team was looking to diminish a recurrence of the grassroots practice of shirtless fans gathering in the stadium’s uppermost reaches.
On Sunday, the Brewers explained their thinking.
“We are very supportive of Tarps Off that we see at stadiums around the country, including American Family Field,” a Brewers spokesman said. “It brings incredible energy and fun to the ballpark. “For the last three Brewers games, including today, it has been a challenge for space. Near-sellouts have limited available blocks of seating for this to take place. Those sections are near capacity with fans who have purchased seats there, and that leaves little room. When open seating is not available, we have to limit access to the area. “Obviously this will fluctuate depending on game attendance. When space is available, go for it! We encourage Tarps Off and welcome those interested in participating.”
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers respond after fans post about restrictions around ‘tarps off’
Reporting by JR Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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