Badger Game Day Guide

When the University of Wisconsin–Madison Badgers football team takes the field, Camp Randall Stadium bursts with 80,000 Badgers of all ages, and one of football’s best traditions rocks so hard it registers on the Richter Scale (cue House of Pain’s “Jump Around”).

To really understand it, you’ve got to experience it.

So come to Madison for the game. And the pregame. And the postgame. And all weekend long. This is your official guide to everything you need to know before you head to a Badgers football game in Madison. Or, as USA Today recently dubbed it, one of the country’s Best College Sports Towns.

PREGAME

Badger Bash

Join the marching band and spirit squad at Union South for one of Madison’s favorite game day celebrations. Just steps from the famed Camp Randall Memorial Arch, Badger Bash boasts high-energy fun, live music, games and fresh, hot food. And of course, ice-cold beer.

Places to Watch

Watching the game at the stadium is exciting. But Madison has many spirited spots to catch the game outside Camp Randall’s walls too. Check out Regent Street or one of campus’ classic bars—they’re local favorites for game day.

Shuttle Services

Getting to and from Camp Randall on game day doesn't have to be a hassle thanks to local shuttle services. The following businesses offer to and from transportation on home game days:

• Bucky Shuttle
• Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. (Downtown, Fitchburg, East Side)
• The Edgewater
• Lone Girl Brewing Company
• Sport Bowl (Middleton)
• Pooley's

GAMETIME

Jump Around 

What's the greatest tradition in college sports? Badger fans know! It's a magical few minutes before the fourth quarter where everyone gets on their feet. When you hear "Jump Around" by House of Pain play in Camp Randall, it’s hard not to start bouncing around with 80,000 of your closest friends. The feeling is electric, and you'll never hear the song the same way again.

Student Section

Every game day, UW–Madison students flood the student section (located in sections J–P; rows 5–17) and basically become one giant cheer squad, complete with their own set of traditions. Look to them to start a Madison-version of the wave, and a flurry of fun chants. They even lead the crowd in song several times throughout the game, so if you don’t know the lyrics to “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations, this is your sign to learn them!

POST-GAME

Fifth Quarter

The fun doesn’t end after the final whistle. Hang around post-game for the Fifth Quarter, a high-energy performance by the UW–Madison marching band, enjoyed by more than 35,000 fans. More singing and dancing is in store with school traditions and favorites like “Varsity,” “Hey Baby” and “You’ve Said it All.” If you’ve never seen a drummer play while standing on their head or trombone players chicken fight while “The Chicken Dance” plays (again), you should probably stick around for the show.

Where to Eat

Keep the good vibes going with near-campus classics that alum will remember and newcomers won't soon forget. Scarf down a jumbo-sized slice of pizza from Ian’s Pizza By the Slice. Their unique flavors earned it the title of Wisconsin’s Best Pizza by Food Network. In the mood for a juicy burger? Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry serves up one of Madison’s best—accompanied by local beers, of course. And if you're celebrating your birthday with the Badgers, you have to get your celebratory drink and burger from The Nitty Gritty.

Camp Randall is also adjacent to iconic Madison neighborhoods—Monroe Street and Regent Street. These famed streets are home to a wide range of dining options like old-school diner Mickie's Dairy Bar, Baja-inspired HWY1, James Beard-honored Fairchild and Americana-clad Butterbird. Top off your meal with a cocktail from Everly or a sweet treat from Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.

Where to Stay

Turn Badger game day into a Badger weekend with hotels that are walkable from Camp Randall. The UW–Madison-themed Graduate Hotel grants you close access to campus and State Street throughout your stay. The Edgewater is a historic hotel that has hosted many Badger superstars (check out the wall of fame at Augie's Tavern and prepare to be impressed). Or, stay just steps from the stadium at the university's Wisconsin Union Hotel. 

There are dozens more great places to stay when you visit Madison. Click here for a full list of hotels.