As an incoming student to UW-Madison, the campus of Wisconsin can be a daunting place. Downtown Madison, Lake Mendota, Bascom Hill and State Street dominate the initial scenery for new Badgers.
However, Big Ten athletics are also a major part of Wisconsin students’ experiences, beginning as early as the end of August. As the streets of Madison prepare to welcome thousands of new Badger students, the Daily Cardinal sports editors have taken it upon themselves to provide a helpful lay of the Madison sports scene.
Camp Randall
Whether you are a football fan or not, game days at Camp Randall are a highlight for many UW-Madison students. From the mass of fans wearing red and white, the student section race and the unity of friends and family all the way to the singing of the time-honored classic “Varsity,” Camp Randall Stadium encompasses the ideal game day for all to enjoy.
The historic stadium represents the idea of football being “more than just a game.” Students, family, alumni, community members and more gather in all types of weather conditions to support the Badgers throughout the season. Dubbed one of the rowdiest college stadiums by The New York Times with the “Jump Around” tradition, football is a pretty important sport for Badgers fans.
While this could be intimidating for new Badgers fans, it’s the Madison way to pass along the gameday traditions and memories from years before. Although Camp Randall is currently a symbol for football, it actually has a lot of non-football history.
The Camp Randall Memorial Arch is a significant landmark on campus. It memorializes the U.S. Civil War, when roughly 70,000 Wisconsin soldiers were trained at the site. It marks the official entrance to Camp Randall, and it is now used by the UW-Madison marching band when entering the stadium on game days.
Wisconsin is in for an exciting season this year with new head coach Luke Fickell and quarterback Tanner Mordecai. All the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season leads back to one place: Camp Randall.
LaBahn Arena
LaBahn Arena officially opened in 2012 and became home to the Wisconsin Women’s Hockey team.
Although the arena is smaller than the neighboring Kohl Center, it hosts the most exciting hockey games on campus due to being the home of the seven-time national champion women’s team.
The facility offers its own fair share of Badgers traditions, from the rowdy student section to the loyal fans chanting their own cheer saying, the number of goals scored followed by, “We want more”, each time the Badgers score.
Even if you’re new to hockey, LaBahn Arena will make you feel right at home as you cheer on the dominating Badgers.
The Kohl Center
Dayton Street is one of the most popular streets on campus. Headed by the Camp Randall Memorial Arch, the 80 bus route runs constantly along Dayton, dropping Madisonians off at Union South, apartments, the Nicholas Recreation Center and one of Madison’s hottest sporting locations: the Kohl Center.
Home to the Badgers men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as the men’s hockey team, the Kohl Center is considered one of the most difficult arenas for visiting teams to play in nationally. AreaRED, the Wisconsin student section, dominates three levels of the south bleachers. Committed Badgers sports fans fill the rest of the 17,000-seat arena.
Fans can find statues, plaques, trophies and other pieces of history scattered throughout the concourse. Former Badgers in professional leagues also appear on the walls and on banners.
AreaRED seating is first come, first serve. A general admission ticket will get you through the door, but your seat within the arena bowl depends on how early you enter. No matter if you’re front row or in the upper seats, every student is part of the game.
Traditions command any game day event at the Kohl Center. The UW-Madison Band leads endless songs, chants, dances and more. Clapping your hands on free throws, chanting “sieve” at goalies and cheering on halftime performances are all part of the student experience at the Kohl Center.
Wisconsin Field house
The Wisconsin Field House, opened in 1930, is the second-oldest sporting venue at UW-Madison behind Camp Randall. Directly attached to the south side of Camp Randall, the Field House is home to the volleyball and wrestling teams.
The AreaRED student section dominates nearly a quarter of the seating in the Fieldhouse, with student section seats spanning from floor level to the rafters.
The Badgers volleyball team puts on a show every home game, and the Field House is subsequently packed in to support the nine-time Big Ten Champions. The team won the NCAA Tournament in 2021 and made a deep run last season, so there is no doubt the Fieldhouse will be rocking during the 2023 season.
On the flip side, head coach Chris Bono leads the wrestling team against some of the best college wrestling competition in the country as the Badgers host Big Ten duals throughout the season. Fans fill the Field House stands to get close-up views of Badgers wrestling at its finest.
