What Is a Cheesehead?

The cheesehead is a foam hat cut in the shape of a wedge of cheese that is worn regularly by Wisconsin sports fans. They are seen most frequently at Green Bay Packers football games, but they are also worn at Milwaukee Brewers baseball games and occasionally at Milwaukee Bucks basketball games. The hat is the Wisconsin sports fan's unique way of paying homage to their team.

  1. History

    • The cheesehead foam hat was the invention of a Milwaukee Brewers fan named Ralph Bruno in 1987. While reupholstering his mother's couch, he realized that when he cut a piece of the foam in the shape of a wedge, it looked like a piece of cheese. Since he was going to a Brewers-White Sox game that day, he decided to fashion the cheesy-looking foam into a hat. He had heard Chicagoans denigrate Wisconsin citizens by calling them cheeseheads before, but it was a name that he liked. He decided to wear the cheese hat at the Brewers' game. Fans at the game kept asking Bruno where he got the hat and he realized it was going to be more than a conversation piece.

    Significance

    • The cheesehead hat really took off at Packers home games, where fans showed as much enthusiasm for the fake cheese as they did their favorite team. Thousands of fans wore them to show their allegiance, and the cheesehead became a staple.

    Features

    • The hat itself is made of yellow foam with holes on it. There is a clear resemblance to Wisconsin cheddar cheese. Some of the bigger models can get in the way of those seated directly behind the wearer. Normal-sized models will not hurt anyone's view.

    Expert Insight

    • Bruno's design and creation has given Wisconsin sports fans an opportunity to take pride in themselves. While those from neighboring states regularly poke fun at their neighbors, Wisconsin residents really don't care. While others may laugh, Wisconsinites feel single-minded and proud.

    Warning

    • The wearing of the cheesehead hat may be a positive in the state of Wisconsin, but it is not an act that plays well outside of Milwaukee, Madison or Green Bay. While it may be a badge of courage to support your team in a visiting stadium, it's quite another thing to make yourself a target.