Badgers Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Luke Fickell

Team Mascot: Bucky Badger

Year Opened: 1917

Capacity: 80321

City / State: Madison / Wisconsin

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Paul Bunyan Axe

Rival Team: Minnesota Gophers

The Badgers and Minnesota have battled for the ‘Paul Bunyan Axe” almost every year since 1890

Heartland Trophy

Rival Team: Iowa Hawkeyes

The Badgers have battled the fellow Big Ten Rival, the Iowa Hawkeyes for the Heartland Trophy for almost every year for over 100 years. They battle over a ‘gold pig statue,' but it’s the commonalities b/w the two programs and the fans that make this rivalry special.

Wisconsin vs Lions/Spartans/Buckeyes

Rival Team: Penn State Lions, Michigan State Spartans, Ohio State Buckeyes

Badger fans love their Big Ten football, so when any of the routine powerhouses come into town, it always makes for an awesome, hard-hitting, and usually very close game. These three teams often get picked for the night game, so if they’re scheduled w/ a “TBD” and it’s mid-October (before it gets cold!), we highly recommend these games.

Badgers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The second you step onto campus on game day in Madison, you can feel the energy and excitement in the air. We’ve yet to find a place where the fans wear so much game day swag, namely the GameDay Bibs, Throwback Wisconsin Gear, Guys wearing badgers, Cheeseheads, kids with jerseys of the current stars, and the occasional painted Red Guy running around campus.  

Traditionally, the older alumni and families stay around the stadium, but students will either be near the Frat Row, at apartment parties, or at the neighborhoods next to the stadium.  Each area will have its vibe, but the constant is that all college aged Badger fans will be slamming brewski’s and taking pulls off their favorite hard liquor from plastic bottles in copious amounts.  

However, one thing that is different from Wisconsin than other large party schools is the small amount of traditional tailgating.  There’s limited parking near the stadium (since the school shares Madison with the Capitol) so most fans tend to park & then go to one of the popular places on campus or bars near the stadium.  Either way, about 30 minutes before kickoff, 95% of fans will still be outside of the stadium, getting their last bites or drinks.  Be sure to wear Red, join the ‘Sea of Red”, grab a brat & join the hurried march to the stadium!

Traditions

Badger Bash - Union South

One of the most fun things to do (and very family friendly) is the Badger Bash held at Union South. The UW-Madison “Union” is very well known for the Terrace, but Union South is the spot on Gameday. The band comes and plays, there’s food, drinks, and a huge crowd. The best part is that it’s steps away from the Stadium!

Camp Randall Arch

The Camp Randall Memorial Arch commemorates one of the most turbulent times in our nation's history: the Civil War. It’s a giant stone arch that most fans walk through on their way to the stadium.

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Beer Bongs

UW has perfected the art of the beer bong. They have 2 story beer bongs, octobongs (8 bongs in one) and plenty of standards. Be sure to get one!

Frats Tailgating on Lake

UW-Madison is one of the few lucky schools to be located on a lake, and when the weather is still good enough, the lucky Frats on the water get after it. Too bad it gets so cold!

Breese Terrace

All around the stadium, there is almost endless activity. Be sure to walk down Breese Terrace next to the stadium and see if you can join a house party / tailgate!

Follow the Band!

After you stop by the Badger Bash at Union South, be sure to follow the band as they lead fans to the Stadium. You'll walk straight through the Camp Randall Arch!

Where to tailgate

Badgers Stadium Guide

In Game

The in-game atmosphere at Camp Randall rivals the outside, and it’s hard to decide which is a better all around experience, which is a great problem to have for fans!  Wisconsin Fans always bring their energy and absolute loyalty towards the Badgers to every game, and it results in an utterly magical and perfect place to watch a football game.  It’s quite common to see grown men with giant badger furs or cheeseheads walking around, or an entire student section taunting a visiting student in their section & feel like the worst person on earth.

During the game, it seems as though every few minutes there’s another tradition being started, and they’re all unique, fun, and entertaining at the same time. The Badgers play a hard-hitting style of football, with plenty of running plays and touchdowns.  Expect to be standing and cheering more than ½ the time, all while joining in on the many traditions.  To close, as a true Sconnie & Badger would say When you say Wisconsin, You’ve said it all!”

Things to check out

Jump Around

It’s been voted one of the best college traditions, and it starts at the end of the 3rd Quarter, where the student sections ‘race’ on the scoreboard through an animated video. After the sections cheer for their team (and a section wins) House of Payne’s “Jump Around” starts playing, and the entire stadium starts jumping up and down. It’s by far one of the coolest things you’ll see!

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Old Gym / Field House

Even though it’ll probably be closed on gameday, The ‘Old Gym” is the giant stone building at the South Endzone. It was the old Basketball gym (it still houses the VolleyBall and wrestling teams) and is a pretty epic throwback and an excellent place to walk around it.

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Keys

Be sure to take out your keys and jingle them before every kickoff!

Concourse History

Throughout the concourse of Camp Randall, you’ll see images of old Badger greats decorated through the walls. It’ll be hard to stop and read much of it (since inside the stadium is so much fun) but if you have the time, check it out!

Bucky Pushups

After every touchdown, Bucky will do the pushups to the # of points that the Badgers have scored. Join the fans and count the # for Bucky!

Scoreboard

Like most modern stadiums, Wisconsin has a massive Scoreboard where they show replays, have competitions, and also have segments to ‘get to know your Badgers” which is always fun to watch!

Slow and Fast Wave

Most stadiums do the wave at some point in a game, but Badger fans introduce a Slow, Fast, and Reverse wave. All fans seem to know how to do it, and it’s the best wave you’ll ever see.

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5th Quarter

The band performs after the game, called the “5th Quarter” as fans leave the stadium. It’s usual to see 40k-50k fans stay after the game (more than ½ of all fans!) stay for the band to play Wisconsin Favorites and also some great modern day tunes. Everyone is welcome to stay and enjoy!

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Fight Songs

  1. On Wisconsin

    On Wisconsin is one of the most popular college fight songs because of it’s fast and upbeat nature. It’s used by 100’s of high schools throughout the nation, so if you’d heard the tune before, you know where it started!

    On, Wisconsin!
    On, Wisconsin!
    Plunge right through that line!
    Run the ball clear down the field,
    A touchdown sure this time.
    On, Wisconsin!
    On, Wisconsin!
    Fight on for her fame
    Fight! Fellows!
    Fight, fight, fight!
    We’ll win this game.

    On, Wisconsin!
    On, Wisconsin!
    Stand up, Badgers, sing!
    “Forward” is our driving spirit,
    Loyal voices ring.
    On, Wisconsin!
    On, Wisconsin!
    Raise her glowing flame
    Stand, Fellows,
    Let us now
    Salute her name!

  2. Varsity

    Is Wisconsin’s “Varsity” Song. Be sure to grab a fellow Badger (or the people next to you, and slowly sway to ‘Varsity’!

    Var-sity! Var-sity!
    U-rah-rah! Wisconsin!
    Praise to thee we sing
    Praise to thee our Alma Mater
    U-rah-rah, Wisconsin!

    (Fanfare of trumpets, followed by:)

    Our Team is RED HOT!
    (two drum beats and repeat until hoarse)

  3. If You Want to be a Badger

    Our personal favorite Badger song. It’s not the official fight song, but it does have it’s own dance / hand movements. A favorite of all!

    If you want to be a Badger,
    Just come along with me,
    By the light, by the light,
    By the light of the moon.
    If you want to be a Badger,
    Just come along with me,
    By the bright shining light of the moon.  

    By the light of the moon,
    By the light of the moon,
    By the bright shining light,
    By the light of the moon.
    If you want to be a Badger,
    Just come along with me,
    By the bright shining light of the moon.

  4. Bud

    Another Fan Favorite, it’s a polka song from an old Budweiser commercial, but Wisconsin adopted it after a 1978 epic, come from behind win over Oregon. You’ll see plenty of Badgers polka-ing in the stands during this song!

    When you say Wis-con-sin,
    You’ve said it all!

Badgers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Churchkey Bar and Grill

    Churchkey Bar and Grill

    The Church Key, now a Madison institution for well-over 50 years, is a place where everyone can come to enjoy themselves.

    626 University Ave, Madison, WI 53715, USA

    608-259-0444

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Hawk’s Bar & Grill

    Hawks Bar and Grill

    Relaxed watering hole that draws students & sports fans for burgers, specials & a huge beer menu.

    425 State St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    608-256-4295

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  3. Whiskey Jacks Saloon

    Whiskey Jacks Saloon

    Wild West-theme saloon with big dance floor, mechanical bull & live music plus many beers on draft.

    552 State St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    608-819-8881

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. The Plaza Tavern

    The Plaza Tavern

    Home of the world's fmouse PLAZABURGER.

    319 N Henry St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    608-255-6592

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  5. Jordan’s Big Ten Pub

    Jordans Big Ten Pub

    Football-themed sports tavern with a big pub-grub menu, drink specials & a Friday fish fry.

    Jordan\'s Big Ten, 1330 Regent St, Madison, WI 53715, USA

    608-251-6375

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  6. Ale Asylum

    Ale Asylum

    At ALE ASYLUM, we brew beers in the tradition of our friend Crusty Oldbrewer who sent us on this path: brew honest, brew like you mean it.

    2002 Pankratz St, Madison, WI 53704, USA

    608-663-3926

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Lucky’s Brew Pub

    Luckys Bar and Grille

    Craft beer, tasty cocktails, great food and a nostalgic atmosphere you are sure to love right in the heart of Madison.

    1313 Regent St, Madison, WI 53715, USA

    608-250-8989

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Wando’s

    Wandos

    Boisterous 3-level bar with a party vibe offering DJs, dancing & a weekly free-bacon night.

    602 University Ave, Madison, WI 53715, USA

    608-256-5204

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. State Street Brats

    State Street Brats

    Wisconsin Badger sports bar featuring red bratwurst, burgers & beer plus a front patio.

    603 State St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    608-255-5544

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  10. Nitty Gritty

    Nitty Gritty

    Longtime bar & grill featuring free birthday beer, cocktails or soda plus pub grub & TVs.

    223 N Frances St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    608-251-2521

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Mondays

    beer

    Known for its strong drinks, this watering hole offers a lively atmosphere in an unassuming setting.

    523 State St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    608-251-1020

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Kollege Klub

    Kollege Klub

    Historic college-town watering hole & Badger bar with a vintage tavern vibe & a menu of pub basics.

    529 N Lake St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    608-257-361

    Bar website

    american - $

  13. Samba Brazilian Grill

    Samba Brazilian Grill

    Stylish churrascaria featuring a variety of all-you-can-eat meats cut tableside & a large salad bar.

    240 W Gilman St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    608-257-1111

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  14. Old Fashioned

    Wisconsin-themed, retro-style tavern offering beers, brats & cheese curds (all sourced in-state).

    27 N Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    608-310-4545

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. Mediterranean Cafe

    Mediterranean Cafe

    Casual, compact cafe serving hummus, falafel & other Mediterranean fares at lunch.

    625 State St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    608-251-8510

    Bar website

    european - $

  16. Tornado Steak House

    Tornado Club Steak House

    Old-school steakhouse with a rustic, supper-club vibe serving classic chops, seafood & cocktails.

    116 S Hamilton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    608-256-3570

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  17. The Great Dane

    The Great Dane

    Regardless of whether you prefer a classic German lager, English ale, when you’re at The Great Dane, you will always have the best.

    357 Price Pl, Madison, WI 53705, USA

    608-661-9400

    Bar website

    european - $$

  18. GreenBush Bar

    GreenBush Bar

    Simple parlor with Christmas lights for Sicilian-style pizza & pasta, plus wine & spirits.

    914 Regent St, Madison, WI 53715, USA

    608-257-3874

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  19. Mickies Dairy Bar

    pancakes breakfast

    Cozy local institution serving hearty portions of breakfast fare at communal tables.

    1511 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, USA

    608-256-9476

    Bar website

    american - $

  20. Dotty Dumplings Dowry

    Dotty Dumplings Dowry

    Dotty's offers award-winning hamburgers, Friday fish fry, homemade soups and chili, fresh salads and so much more!

    317 N Frances St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    608-259-0000

    Bar website

    american - $$

  21. Ian’s Pizza

    Ians Pizza

    Wisconsin-born chain known for its creative pizzas including its signature mac 'n' cheese pie.

    100 State St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    608-257-9248

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  22. Memorial Union Terrace

    Memorial Union Terrace

    Lakefront, iconic destination featuring more than 10 dining options and frequent, often free entertainment.

    800 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

    16082653000

    Bar website

    american - $$