The Hartford Yard Goats participated in the playoffs for the first time on Tuesday.

And even though the game was away, the fans at home cheered on the team on this historic evening.

“This is a long-awaited anticipation,” said Alice Wilkes of Hartford. “Every year I hope they make the playoffs. This year it’s fantastic. The team is fantastic. The team is great and never disappoints.”

They saw the team’s first-ever playoff appearance in the nearly 10 years the Yard Goats have existed.

The crowd gathered for a party on Pratt Street as the Yard Goats took on the Somerset Patriots in New Jersey.

“It’s exciting, man. It’s good to see the Yard Goats in the playoffs. Go Yard Goats. Let’s go,” said Jose Ayana of Hartford.

In addition to the action on the big screen, there were other activities including face painting, raffles and the chance to spend time with a real goat – Fancy Pants and Chew Chew and Chompers.

“It’s just exciting to be here and enjoy all the people and the festivities,” said Garrett Petteway of Windsor.

A special day for the team and the companies in the region.

“Every time there’s a TV on here, everyone comes. I think we just want to have fun,” said Herbert Morris of Vaughan’s Public House.

NBC Connecticut

And there’s even more to look forward to when the best-of-three game series comes to Hartford on Thursday.

“I want them to win the whole series. And then I want a big party,” Wilkes said.