## Brewers City Connect 2026: More Than Just Milwaukee – It’s a ‘State Connect’
The Milwaukee Brewers are deeply rooted in the city they call home. However, the team recognizes its expansive fanbase stretches across the entire state of Wisconsin. This understanding is beautifully reflected in their second-generation City Connect uniforms, unveiled this weekend at American Family Field during the series against the Nationals. These aren’t just City Connects; internally, the Brewers call them ‘State Connects’.
The new jerseys boldly display “Wisco” across the chest, a clear nod to the state’s identity. The design elements draw inspiration from the vibrant blaze orange sunsets and the iconic image of a brightly colored fishing bobber gently bouncing on a Wisconsin lake. It’s a visual representation of the state’s natural beauty and beloved pastimes.
“Even though the official branding is City Connect, we call it ‘State Connect’ internally,” explained Rick Schlesinger, Brewers president of business operations. “We are consistently in the top five in group sales in Major League Baseball. For fans to commit to a drive of a couple of hours, knowing the game will be played is crucial. Wisconsinites are social creatures, and we cater to that with tailgates, social clubs, and a focus on the group experience.”
### A Second Chapter for City Connect
This iteration builds upon the success of the Brewers’ first City Connect uniform, introduced in 2022. The original design, a throwback to the team’s history in powder blue, focused on Milwaukee itself – incorporating the 414 area code and a grill logo representing the pregame tailgate culture. Now, that grill logo has been cleverly reimagined as a fishing bobber, subtly expanding the scope to encompass the entire state.
Let’s take a closer look at the design choices, as explained by the Brewers and Nike:
- Base Blue: Inspired by Wisconsin’s extensive shorelines, lakes, and rivers, symbolizing the state’s dynamic spirit.
- Accent Cream: Evokes the sandy shores of inland lakes, Door County’s beaches, and the state’s iconic sandstone bluffs.
- Sunset Gradient: Oranges, yellows, and blues flow through the design, capturing the beauty of Wisconsin summers and watercolor sunsets. (The lettering on the back is “wild mango,” not orange!)
- Typography & Number Set: The custom “Wisco” wordmark blends script influences from early 20th-century Milwaukee Brewers, classic supper clubs, and vintage brewery labels.
- Wheat & Barley Braid: Featured on the shoulder sleeve and pant braid, this detail honors Wisconsin’s agricultural roots and brewing heritage.
- Sleeve Patch: A revitalized Barrelman paired with a full Wisconsin state outline showcases Brewers fandom across every county.
- Inside Neck Graphic: “Forward,” Wisconsin’s state motto, is proudly displayed inside the collar, representing progress and honoring the past.
- Jocktag with Fishing Bobber Icon: A reinvention of the original grill patch, this mark combines a bobber and a baseball on a Wisconsin lake, celebrating fishing as a state favorite.
The Brewers are showcasing the new look on Brewers.com/CityConnect and their social media channels, accompanied by music from Grammy Award-winning band Bon Iver, fronted by Wisconsin native Justin Vernon. A full collection of merchandise is available at the team store at American Family Field.
The original 2022 City Connect uniform will be officially retired, but fans can still enjoy the powder blue aesthetic with the team’s new road jerseys. Schlesinger expressed confidence that fans will embrace the new design, building on the success of the original.
Stay up-to-date with the latest MLB trends by signing up for our daily Morning Lineup here.
