OSHKOSH (NBC 26) — The Wisconsin Herd hosted an NBA Finals Game 4 watch party Wednesday.
Hundreds of Bucks fans went to the watch party, which started at 7 p.m. inside Mineshaft Oshkosh, to support the team.
“I was hoping to get to a game, but this is a little easier to get to," said Chris Flasch, Ripon. "We get together any time we can just to cheer on the Bucks.”
The first 1,000 fans in attendance received a hands-free koozie. Additionally, fans 18 and older can enter to win two United Airlines round trip tickets. All fans in attendance had the chance to win an autographed Giannis Antetokounmpo basketball and other Milwaukee Bucks & Wisconsin Herd premium items.
The watch party also featured Milwaukee’s DJ O, free giveaways and trivia, activities and games for children, an appearance by the Wisconsin Herd’s mascot, Pointer, and multiple food and drink specials including build-your-own burger and fish fry meals.
“We want to bring the best fans together and cheer on the deer," said Steve Brandes, Wisconsin Herd president.
Brandes said quite a bit of planning went into the event. He said they settled on Mineshaft Oshkosh, Wisconsin's largest restaurant tavern, as the watch party location because the facility can hold more than 1,000 people.
“We were asked by the Herd, the community, and of course I thought it was a great idea too," said Will Masters, Mineshaft Oshkosh operations manager.
Masters said the watch party wasn't just an opportunity to support the Bucks.
"I myself would like to help and promote the Herd. I'm a big basketball fan. In fact I just bought four season tickets," Masters said.
Brandes said the event gave people the chance to learn more about the Wisconsin Herd.
"There’s actually a lot of players on the roster that played for the Herd here in Oshkosh, so it’s kind of fun to cheer them on as well," Brandes said.
Now, Bucks fans look forward to the rest of the NBA finals.
“The last game they played great, so they just need to keep that momentum going, spreading the ball around and just keep hitting their shots," said Shelisa Bolles, Cedarburg
“They’re going to take this and the series," Masters said. "I believe we’ll have the world champions.”
The Wisconsin Herd plans to host another watch party in the near future. Brandes said those details will be released soon.
