Brewers celebrate World Series title with downtown parade, drawing turnout larger than population of Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Brewers' World Series celebrations continue on Friday as the team holds its championship parade . We can safely say some people came in from out of town to join them.

The Milwaukee Police Department estimated a turnout of over 750,000 people making the trip downtown in a statement on social media . That is well above the city of Miwaukee's population in the most recent census, which was around 580,000 people. That census number doesn't include non-city residents who live in the greater metropolitan area, though.

By comparison, the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers drew an estimate in the neighborhood of 200,000 fans at the parade for the first of their two consecutive titles in 2024.

To ensure students don't miss out on the memorable day, Milwaukee Public Schools announced that all schools and district offices are closed. The official reason is "due to operations and safety impacts from the Brewers parade and celebration," but there would likely be a lot of students cutting class to make their way downtown for the fun had classes remained in session.

After clinching the first title in franchise history on Wednesday night, members of the team were attendance to see the Green Bay Packers beat the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field on Thursday night. The Commissioner's Trophy was on hand for the festivities, which included Sal Frelick doing a Lambeau Leap.

Frelick remained in party mode Friday morning as the players got ready to take off.

Fans started lining up early and in numbers in order to get a good spot along the parade route, which will run through downtown Milwaukee and conclude at Henry Maier Festival Park.

It was not a surprise to learn that the beer lines were packed before the parade even started. It is Milwaukee, after all.

It wouldn't be a Brewers parade without remembering the late, great Bob Uecker.

The Brewers' mascots made sure to be in attendance as Bernie Brewer and Barrelman celebrated with the crowd.

And how many championship parades feature racing sausages?

Brewers fans have dressed up for the occasion.

Several former Brewers were part of the parade including Hall of Famer pitcher Rollie Fingers, who pitched for Milwaukee from 1981-85.

The Brewers have taken the stage at Henry Maier Festival Park and players are now addressing the crowd, beginning with team captain (and 2018 National League MVP) Christian Yelich.

"It's awesome, man," Yelich said. "Everybody's waited a really long time for this. We're just really excited that we could bring that trophy home in Milwaukee and share it with everybody that's out here today."

Maybe the loudest ovation was for World Series MVP William Contreras, who fired up an already raucous audience by yelling "Let's ****ing go, Brewers!"

Sal Frelick said "I'm gonna have a beer for every single person here!" Teammates and staff might want to check on him later, unless he maybe paces himself throughout the offseason.

Hitting coach Daniel Vogelbach provided musical entertainment by singing (or "singing") along to Fountains of Wayne's "Stacy's Mom."

Hall of Famer and Brewers legend Robin Yount rode Bob Uecker's Harley motorcycle on stage, which has to be some kind of nexus of Milwaukee sports mythology.

The parade and rally celebrations are wrapping up, but the Brewers and their fans will surely be reveling in the city's first World Series championship for days, weeks and months to come.