The University of Wisconsin is host to some of the most unique experiences in college athletics. Situated on an isthmus between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota in Madison, the campus offers some of the best views in the Big Ten, plus a distinctly Wisconsin game-day atmosphere.
From longstanding traditions to places that make the state capital special, there are certain experiences every Badger fan should have at least once.
10 things every Badger fan needs to experience
Pregame on Regent Street on a football Saturday
Before kickoff at Camp Randall Stadium, thousands of Wisconsin fans pack Regent Street. Some pack SconnieBar and Jordan’s Big Ten Pub; others gather beneath the tents serving beer, brats, and Bloody Marys.
Students, alumni, and visiting fans all mix, turning the blocks outside the stadium into the unofficial starting point for a Wisconsin football Saturday. Whether you are looking for a packed bar or a place to grab a brat before kickoff, Regent Street is the place to be.
‘Jump Around’ at Camp Randall
Once the third quarter ends, the section letter race begins, but that’s only the warm-up for what’s to come. As soon as the winning letter crosses the finish line, the opening notes of House of Pain’s “Jump Around” hit the Camp Randall speakers — and the stadium erupts.
The press box shakes, the upper deck visibly sways, and fans get to feel the movement of the concrete beneath their feet. Now synonymous with Wisconsin football, Jump Around is a true one-of-a-kind event to witness for both Badger and opposing fans.
The tradition started on Oct. 10, 1998, during Wisconsin’s homecoming game against Purdue. Nearly three decades later, it remains one of college football’s most recognizable traditions.
Sing ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ with 75,000 friends
While Jump Around receives most of the national attention, “Build Me Up Buttercup” is another beloved tradition among Wisconsin fans. Unlike Jump Around, it does not happen at a precise moment. At some point during the fourth quarter, the Camp Randall speakers begin playing The Foundations’ 1968 hit, and nearly 75,000 fans break into song.
It has become Wisconsin’s version of Fenway Park’s “Sweet Caroline”: a stadium-wide singalong that brings everyone together, regardless of what is happening on the field.
Stay for the Fifth Quarter
Fans are encouraged to stick around for the UW Marching Band’s post-game performance, known as the Fifth Quarter. Win or lose, the band plays campus favorites such as “On, Wisconsin!” and “Beer Barrel Polka” as fans dance and celebrate inside Camp Randall — regardless of what the scoreboard reads.
The highlight of every Fifth Quarter performance, however, is the time-honored tradition of “Varsity.” After a Wisconsin victory, nothing beats linking arms with the fans around you and swaying back and forth as the entire stadium sings together.
“U-Rah-Rah, Wisconsin. Praise to thee, we sing.”
Watch Wisconsin and Minnesota battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe
The Border Battle dates back to 1890, but Paul Bunyan’s Axe did not become the rivalry’s prize until 1948, when Wisconsin’s National “W” Club introduced it to replace the Slab of Bacon trophy.
Incredibly, even after 135 meetings, the all-time series sits at a nearly dead-even 64-63-8 in Minnesota’s favor. That has shifted since 1948, with Wisconsin leading 46-29-3 over that span. The heated rivalry looked anything but in the 2000s and 2010s, a stretch in which Wisconsin won 14 consecutive contests. However, since the hiring of P.J. Fleck in 2017, Minnesota has broken the streak and won five of the last eight meetings.
Whether the game is played in Madison or Minneapolis, watching the Badgers battle their oldest rival for Paul Bunyan’s Axe is one of the defining experiences of Wisconsin football.
Follow the tubas along Breese Terrace
Approximately one hour before every Badger home football game, head to West Dayton Street, where the Wisconsin Marching Band performs at Badger Bash outside Union South. The show begins with the arrival of the tubas before the band breaks into “On, Wisconsin!” and previews music from its pregame and halftime performances.
Afterward, the band marches along Breese Terrace toward Camp Randall Stadium. Join the crowd by following the tubas on the roughly quarter-mile march to the stadium.
It is a short walk, but one that signals the unofficial start of another Wisconsin football Saturday.
Experience a marquee Big Ten Basketball Game at The Kohl Center
Every winter, the Grateful Red pack the Kohl Center to watch Wisconsin men’s basketball. Whether it is a Saturday morning against Michigan State or a Sunday afternoon showdown with Purdue, the arena and the surrounding blocks take on a different energy, especially when a Big Ten title is on the line.
Start the day at Wando’s or the Nitty Gritty before heading inside for two hours of physical basketball in front of an electrified crowd. Once the game begins, learn the student section’s chants and stick around after the game to sing “Varsity.”
Watch Wisconsin Volleyball in a packed Field House
The UW Field House opened in 1930 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Wisconsin volleyball first played there in 1977 before the building became the program’s permanent home in 1986. Over the decades, the historic arena has hosted basketball, boxing, track and field, wrestling and countless other university events.
Under head coach Kelly Sheffield, the Wisconsin women’s team has developed into one of the nation’s premier volleyball programs. In 13 seasons, the Badgers have reached 11 regional finals and six Final Fours, appeared in three national championship matches and won the program’s first national title in 2021.
When the Field House is packed for a match against Nebraska, Penn State or another national contender, more than 7,000 fans feel as though they are sitting directly on top of the court. Few experiences compare to watching one of the country’s best programs compete inside a nearly century-old arena.
Enjoy a summer evening at the Memorial Union Terrace
Located along the south shore of Lake Mendota, not far from State Street, the Memorial Union Terrace offers some of the most picturesque views of the Madison lakefront with a mix of arts, live music, theater, rec activities, and dining options.
Grab a snack from the Brat Stand, find a seat near the water, and settle in for live music as the sun sets over Lake Mendota. The Terrace is not just one of the most recognizable places on Wisconsin’s campus; it is one of the places that makes Madison feel like Madison.
Devour a brat and cheese curds on State Street
Originally opened as the BratHaus in 1953, State Street Brats has been a fixture near the UW campus for more than 70 years. With its signature red brats, cheese curds and cold beer, State Street Brats has become a favorite gathering place for students, alumni and visiting fans.
On a Wisconsin game day, the restaurant fills with fans before and after the action. No trip to Madison is complete without it.
The Badger bucket list, mapped
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Pregame on Regent Street
Regent Street
Football Saturdays, before kickoff
SconnieBar, Jordan’s Big Ten Pub and the beer tents fill up long before kickoff. Grab a brat and a Bloody Mary.
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‘Jump Around’ at Camp Randall
Camp Randall Stadium
Between the third and fourth quarters
House of Pain hits the speakers, the upper deck sways and the press box shakes. A tradition since Oct. 10, 1998.
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Sing ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ with 75,000 friends
Camp Randall Stadium
Sometime in the fourth quarter
There’s no set cue. The Foundations’ 1968 hit comes on and nearly 75,000 people sing it together.
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Stay for the Fifth Quarter
Camp Randall Stadium
After the final whistle, win or lose
The UW Marching Band keeps playing after the game. Link arms with the people around you and sway to “Varsity.”
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Watch the battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe
Camp Randall Stadium
Every season against Minnesota, in Madison every other year
The Border Battle dates to 1890 and the Axe has gone to the winner since 1948. After 135 meetings, the series is nearly even.
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Follow the tubas to Camp Randall
Union South, then on to the stadium
About 90 minutes before kickoff
The band plays Badger Bash outside Union South, then marches to the stadium. Fall in behind the tubas.
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A marquee Big Ten game at the Kohl Center
Kohl Center
Winter, men’s basketball season
Join the Grateful Red for a Michigan State or Purdue showdown. Start at Wando’s or the Nitty Gritty and stay to sing “Varsity.”
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Wisconsin volleyball in a packed Field House
UW Field House
Fall, volleyball season
A 1930 arena on the National Register, more than 7,000 fans right on top of the court, and the 2021 national champions.
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A summer evening at the Memorial Union Terrace
Memorial Union Terrace, on Lake Mendota
Summer evenings
Get something from the Brat Stand, find a chair by the water and catch live music as the sun sets over the lake.
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Brats and cheese curds on State Street
State Street Brats
Any day, and packed on game days
Open since 1953, first as the BratHaus. Order the red brat, cheese curds and a cold beer.
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