In Game
The Badgers have one of the best fan bases in the country and are the top dogs when it comes to basketball in Wisconsin’s capital. The student section at Wisconsin, known as The Grateful Red, give opponents a hard time and are among the loudest in all of college basketball. If you’re attending a big game, then you’ll get to experience them at their best as they heckle their opponents into submission.
Despite the fact Badger fans are quite intimidating to opposing players, they are actually quite nice to fans and are more than willing to strike up conversations. If you’re looking to know more about the Badgers, then don’t be afraid to ask your fellow fans as they’ll be happy to engage with you.
In addition to the great fans, there are several displays around the arena that pay tribute to the greatest players and teams in Badgers history. There are numerous banners to hanging from the rafters to check out and you’ll without a doubt want to stop by the 1941 Championship Display. The display honors the Badgers only NCAA Tournament winning team and is a must see.
Finally, after the game, Madison offers tons of food and drink options. The nearby Nitty Gritty is a must for anyone making the pilgrimage to Madison and is a fan favorite. There are also a wide variety of bars and restaurants on State Street, so no matter what you have a taste for you’ll likely find it there.
A trip to Madison to see the Badgers play at the Kohl Center is a must for any Big Ten basketball fan. The devotion of the fans and vibrant in-game atmosphere make it one of the best venues in the Big Ten and the after party around Madison is second to none so book your trip today.
Things to check out
Bucky’s Locker Room
If you’re looking to pick up a souvenir from your trip to the Kohl Center, then stop by Bucky’s Locker Room on the main concourse. Bucky’s Locker Room has an incredible selection of Badgers gear, so matter what you’re looking for you’ll find it here.
1941 Championship Display
Make sure to check out the 1941 Championship Display when attending a game at the Kohl Center. The display honors the Badgers only NCAA Tournament winning team and is a must see for Badger fans everywhere.
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Mendota Wall
When arriving at the game take a minute to enjoy Dale Chihuly's “Mendota Wall” sculpture in the main lobby. The UW-Madison alumni’s works can be seen in museums throughout the country, so here is your chance to see one of his pieces.
Banners
Hanging from the rafters of the Kohl Center are banners honoring all the greatest teams and players in Wisconsin athletics history. Check these banners out to remember your favorite teams and players during a trip to the Kohl Center.
Bucky Badger
Everyone in Madison loves Bucky. Bucky has been the official mascot of the Badgers since 1940 and was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006. During games, Bucky performs all kinds of cheers and stunts so keep an eye out for him.
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The Grateful Red
The Grateful Red are one of the loudest and most raucous student sections in the country. Wisconsin students arrive at games clad in tie-dyed shirts ready to cheer on their team, so you won’t miss them during your trip to Madison no matter where you are in the arena.
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Pep Band
Wisconsin has an incredible marching band, so it should come as little surprise that their pep band is also top-notch. During the game you’ll hear an excellent selection of fight songs and modern pop songs performed, so enjoy the musical stylings of the Badgers pep band during your trip to Madison.
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Fight Songs
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On Wisconsin
On Wisconsin is one of the most favorite 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 right 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! -
Varsity
Wisconsin’s “Varsity” Song. Be sure to grab a fellow Badger (or the people next to you, and slowly sway to ‘Varsity’!
Varsity! Varsity!
U-rah-rah! Wisconsin,
Praise to thee we sing!
Praise to thee, our Alma Mater,
U-rah-rah! Wisconsin! -
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. -
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!
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Chomp ‘Em Cheer
Badger fans perform the “chomp ‘em” cheer when the opposing team is announced. Join in on the cheer to show your distaste for the opposition.
