Madison, Wisconsin, is an ideal college town, framed by the state capitol and the surrounding waters of Lakes Mendota and Monona. It is also home to Camp Randall Stadium, frequently regarded as one of the Big Ten’s wildest and most thrilling venues. Once a Civil War training site, this massive stadium is tucked into a beautiful residential neighborhood surrounded by dorms, fraternity houses, campus buildings, and bars.
The walk up Breese Terrace just before kickoff is electrifying, as herds of red and white stream beneath the shadows of Camp Randall’s upper deck. Student houses along the way spill over with college kids and pregame revelry. Nearby, Regent Street buzzes with rollicking sports bars, while Randall Avenue hosts Badger Bash, a pregame band concert at Union South. From there, the UW band marches proudly into the stadium beneath the iconic Camp Randall arch, creating a path through throngs of loyal fans.
Once inside, the band fires up the crowd with its powerful, continuous high-stepping march. “On, Wisconsin!” fills the air with passion and pageantry. If you’re lucky, you may even catch your own private rendition of the Badger fight song during the third quarter, when members of the band split up and perform throughout the stadium.
The fans in Madison are a zealous bunch, but the student section adds a flavor all its own. They unleash timely, witty, bawdy, and sometimes salacious chants that would make many other student sections blush. Their brand of entertainment is contagious, especially when “Build Me Up Buttercup” and “Sweet Caroline” reverberate through the concrete as thousands of voices sing in unison.
The moment everyone anticipates comes between the third and fourth quarters, when House of Pain’s “Jump Around” blasts through the stadium. One of college football’s most boisterous traditions, the song sends the entire crowd into a wild frenzy, with fans leaping in unison and seismic waves seemingly rolling through the stands.
And just when you think the day is over, Camp Randall delivers the famous Fifth Quarter. Win or lose, the band floods the field and plays classics such as “Swingtown,” “Tequila,” and “Time Warp,” while the Badger faithful sing, dance, and polka throughout the stands. It is a uniquely Wisconsin way to keep the celebration going long after the final whistle.
Beyond the stadium, spend some time exploring State Street, a classic college-town thoroughfare lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and impressive views of the state capitol. Then relax on the Memorial Union Terrace with a beer and a brat, taking in the picturesque backdrop of Lake Mendota.
There is a reason Madison has earned recognition as one of America’s great college towns. On a football Saturday, the energy is palpable, the traditions are unforgettable, and the entire city seems to rally around the Badgers. Few places capture the spirit of college football quite like Madison.
