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Best Seats At Camp Randall Stadium
There are college football stadiums that are bigger, newer, and shinier than Camp Randall. None of them feel quite like this. Built in 1917 on the grounds of a Civil War training camp, Camp Randall is the oldest stadium in the Big Ten Conference — and somehow, after more than a century of games, it still manages to feel alive in a way that newer venues spend millions trying to replicate. Between the Arch March procession, the seismograph-rattling “Jump Around,” and the marching band’s postgame Fifth Quarter that keeps 30,000 fans glued to their seats long after the final whistle, a Saturday here isn’t a football game so much as a full-day communal experience.
Seating Guide
Camp Randall’s seating is divided into a lower bowl (Sections A through X, plus the premium south end zone areas) and an upper deck (Sections AA through LL), with student sections clustered in the north end zone around Sections J through P. The field runs north-south, and the stadium is oriented with the open end historically to the south — now filled in by the 2022 premium south end zone renovation. What makes the difference between a good seat and a great one here isn’t really the section number — it’s your priorities: sightlines to the sideline action, sun exposure on a warm September afternoon, or proximity to the traditions that define game day.
Best Non-Premium Seats
Lower West Sideline (Sections D–H, Lower Bowl): These are the most coveted general-admission seats in the building. Sitting on the west sideline puts you on the Badgers’ sideline, gives you the best direct sightline to the action at midfield, and — importantly for early-season September games — the west side gets shade as the afternoon progresses. The last few rows of Sections B through H also have covered seating overhead, which is a genuine luxury during Wisconsin’s notoriously unpredictable fall weather. These seats go fast and command the highest face-value prices on the lower sideline, but the tradeoff is straightforward: you’re watching exactly what you’d imagine when you picture a college football game at its best.
Lower East Sideline (Sections N–R, Lower Bowl): The east sideline is the visiting team’s side, which means slightly less home-crowd intensity in your immediate section — but it also means more sun on cold late-October and November afternoons, which matters more than you might think when temperatures drop into the 30s. The views are equally good; the price difference versus the west side can be meaningful on secondary markets. If you’re attending a late-season rivalry game and warmth is a priority, east sideline lower bowl is actually the smarter call.
Upper West Sideline (Sections B–H, Upper Deck): The upper deck on the west side is genuinely one of the best budget-to-experience ratios in college football. You’re higher up, but the sideline views are clear, you’re still on the Badgers’ sideline, and the covered rows at the back of these sections mean you’re sheltered from rain and wind. For fans visiting for the first time who want the full Camp Randall atmosphere without paying lower-bowl prices, this is the move.
Best Value Seats
Upper End Zone Corners (Sections AA, DD, HH, LL): These corner sections are the cheapest seats with a legitimate sightline to the field. You’re in the upper deck at roughly the goal line — not ideal for following plays across the full field, but you’re part of the crowd, you’ll feel Jump Around like everyone else, and secondary market prices regularly dip to $30–$50 for non-rivalry games. Good for fans on a budget who prioritize atmosphere over optimal viewing angle.
Budget Option
Upper North End Zone (Sections near Breese Terrace): The upper north end zone sections offer the lowest-price entry point into Camp Randall. Views are end-zone only, and you’ll be watching plays develop away from you on half the snaps. The honest downside is that you lose some spatial context on the field. The upside: you are absolutely in the middle of Camp Randall’s noise, and for first-timers who care more about the experience than the play-by-play, you won’t feel cheated.
Our Pick
Lower West Sideline, Sections E or F, rows 20–35. This is the seat I’d hand a first-time visitor without hesitation — you’re at midfield on the Badgers’ sideline, low enough to feel the proximity of the action but high enough for unobstructed sightlines over the players on the sideline. It’s where you want to be when Jump Around starts. If you can only make one trip to Camp Randall, make it from here.
Weather & Shade Reality
The field runs north-south, with the west stands facing east. In the morning and early afternoon, the east side of the stadium catches more direct sun; as the afternoon progresses, the west side moves into shade. For September games with kickoffs in the early-to-mid afternoon, the west sideline is the shaded, more comfortable choice. For late October and November games when daytime temperatures regularly fall into the 40s or below, the east sideline actually gets more sun exposure through the afternoon, which provides meaningful warmth. The back rows of upper-deck west sections B through H have partial overhead coverage — worth considering if rain is in the forecast. Wisconsin weather in football season is genuine and unforgiving; dress in layers regardless of what Google says at breakfast.
What to Avoid (Unless You Just Want To Be There)
Upper End Zone (Sections LL, AA, DD, HH): These corner sections offer the cheapest seats in the house, but for a good reason — the angle to the field is the steepest and most obstructed of any section. If your goal is to actually watch the football game, you’ll spend a lot of snaps craning your neck to follow the play. Fine for the experience and the atmosphere. Not fine if you paid secondary-market prices expecting a view.
Lower North End Zone (Student Sections J–P): These sections are designated for students. They are electric, they are loud, and they are not where you want to be with children, anyone who doesn’t drink heavily, or anyone over the age of 30 who hasn’t signed up for the full experience. The energy is real. The crowd management is loose. Know what you’re signing up for.
Premium Seating & Clubs
The early 2020s south end zone renovation — a $77.6 million project — fundamentally changed Camp Randall’s premium landscape. The old south bleachers came out; in their place went ledge seats, loge boxes, terrace space, and the new Champions Club, connected directly to the iconic Wisconsin Field House next door. The east side of the stadium also has 72 luxury suites added during the 2001–2005 renovation. Alcohol is available in premium areas; as of 2024, beer is now sold in general seating as well.
Top Club — Champions Club (South End Zone): The centerpiece of the 2022 renovation, the Champions Club is built into the south end zone and physically connects to the Wisconsin Field House. It’s a climate-controlled indoor-outdoor space with a bar, fireplace, and video wall. Premium ticket holders in this area get access to the finest food and beverage options in the stadium, along with dedicated restrooms and exceptional service. This is the flagship experience at Camp Randall, and the architectural integration with the Field House gives it a one-of-a-kind feel. Memberships are multi-year commitments tied to the required athletic department donation; single-game access is limited and expensive but available on a limited basis.
Best Value Club — The Varsity Club (Northeast Corner, 6th and 7th Levels): The Varsity Club in the northeast corner of the upper deck holds up to 600 fans and offers cushioned seating, complimentary gourmet food, non-alcoholic beverages, wait staff, and TV coverage. It’s genuinely the most accessible premium option for fans who want a step up in comfort without a multi-year commitment. Sightlines from this corner aren’t the same as a midfield club, but the amenities and service quality make it worth the premium for a special occasion.
Other Notable Premium Options: The south end zone also features outdoor ledge seats and loge boxes — open-air premium seating with excellent sightlines to the action, connected to the Victory Hall indoor lounge space (bar, fireplace, video wall). Standing-room access to the Fifth Quarter Patio in the south end zone is the lowest entry point to premium access, starting around $700 per seat for the season. All premium pricing in the south end zone also requires an athletic department donation on top of the seat cost, which adds significantly to the total investment.
Suites & Group Options: The 72 suites on the east side of the stadium are primarily sold as season packages to corporate partners and major donors. Single-game suite availability exists but is extremely limited and typically routed through Wisconsin Athletics directly (uwbadgers.com) or third-party operators like SuiteHop. Expect prices for premium matchups to start at several hundred dollars per person and climb from there for big games. Group tickets (minimum 15 people) are available through Wisconsin Athletics at a discount and typically located in upper deck sections.
Camp Randall Stadium Seating Chart
Camp Randall Stadium has a seating capacity of around 80,000 rabid spectators. For a visual representation of the stadium’s seating layout, you can refer to the official Seating Chart:
It’s important to note that ticket availability and prices can vary depending on the game and seat location. It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance to ensure availability and to compare prices across different ticket marketplaces.
Tickets To Wisconsin Football Games
Wisconsin football is a genuinely difficult ticket for marquee games. The season-ticket base was over 54,000 for the 2025 season, which means secondary market availability on key games — Ohio State, Iowa, Minnesota (the Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe), and any night game — is limited and priced accordingly. Here’s how to navigate it:
Official Channel First: BadgerSelect.com is the official ticket platform for Wisconsin Athletics. Single-game tickets at face value show up here when the athletic department releases them, usually in the summer before the season. For non-marquee games against FCS programs or mid-majors, face value is almost always cheaper than the secondary market. Set an alert and check early.
SeatGeek is the Official Partner: SeatGeek is the official ticket marketplace of the Badgers. For secondary market purchases, starting there is a reasonable default — the integration with Wisconsin Athletics means verified resale listings and mobile ticket transfers are smoother than some third-party alternatives.
Rivalry Games Spike Hard and Early: Iowa, Minnesota, and any Big Ten powerhouse visiting Madison will see secondary market prices jump significantly the week of the game. If you know you’re going to a rivalry game, buy at least 3–4 weeks out. Same-week purchasing gets expensive fast.
Non-Marquee Games Are Bargains: Home games against mid-majors and lower-tier conference opponents regularly see secondary market prices dip to $30–$70 even close to kickoff. If atmosphere is your goal and you’re flexible on opponent, these games offer genuine value — Camp Randall with 70,000 fans against a mid-major is still an extraordinary experience.
Season Ticket Holder Resale: Wisconsin’s large season-ticket base means a steady supply of individual game resales hitting the market throughout the season. SeatGeek, StubHub, and Vivid Seats all see consistent inventory from season-ticket holders who can’t make a given game. Keep checking; supply fluctuates.
Get Wisconsin Badgers tickets here — Vivid Seats is GameDay Guides’ affiliate partner for ticket purchases.
Camp Randall Stadium Bag Policy
This is enforced strictly — no exceptions, no bag check. Allowed: a clear plastic tote no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, a one-gallon clear plastic storage bag, or a non-clear clutch no larger than 6.5″ x 4.5″. That’s it. Backpacks — clear or otherwise — are not allowed. Camera bags, fanny packs, mesh bags, and printed totes are all prohibited. If you arrive with something that doesn’t meet the standard, you will be turned away. The stadium does not have a bag check. Your car may be a 20-minute walk away. Plan accordingly the morning of the game, not at the gate.
Key Venue Policies No re-entry: Once you leave Camp Randall, you need a new ticket to get back in. The only exception is documented medical or emergency situations. This is strictly enforced — don’t leave without your bag or assume you can pop out and come back.
Alcohol: Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited and will result in ejection. As of 2024, beer is now sold in general seating areas throughout the stadium — a significant change from prior seasons when alcohol was limited to premium areas only. Enjoy it, but note that bringing your own is still not allowed.
Cashless or Cash? Camp Randall Stadium is completely cashless. Every concession stand, every vendor, every premium space accepts credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless payment — and that’s it. There are no cash-to-card conversion kiosks reported at the stadium. If you’re traveling with someone who only uses cash, sort that out before you arrive. This catches out-of-towners off guard more than any other policy here.
Accessibility ADA accessible seating is available throughout the lower bowl and in designated areas of the upper deck. Accessible entrances are available at all main gates. Lot 17 (1525 Engineering Drive, north of Camp Randall) offers a limited number of ADA parking permits on a single-game basis; permits go on sale the Monday before each home game at 8:30 a.m. through the Wisconsin Athletic Ticket Office (phone sales only — note the 8’2″ height clearance at Lot 17 entrances). Mobility assistance and companion seating options are available; contact Wisconsin Athletics directly at uwbadgers.com for specifics on accessibility services.
Full policy details: Badgers Gameday Central
Getting To Camp Randall Stadium
Camp Randall sits at 1440 Monroe Street (For your GPS/Apple and Google Maps) in Madison’s near west side, about a mile from the State Capitol building. For gameday, walking or the Bucky Shuttle are the two best options for most visitors — driving and parking near the stadium is a genuine headache for anyone without a pre-purchased permit.
Driving & Parking: Lots open at 7 a.m. for noon and 1 p.m. kickoffs, 9 a.m. for 3:30 p.m. games, and 1 p.m. for evening kickoffs. Premium lots closest to the stadium (Lots 16 and 17) run $20–30 and fill fast. Most campus lots are $10–20 and sold day-of on a first-come, first-served basis — cash or credit card to the lot attendant. Season parking requires a $250 minimum athletic department donation and is allocated by priority points.
For fans without a permit, the smarter play is the City of Madison State Street Campus Parking Garage on North Lake Avenue — it’s a 15–20 minute walk, doesn’t carry the early-closure restrictions of university lots, and is almost always available. Some surface lots further from the stadium also offer free parking after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend. RVs are restricted to Lot 64 only; overnight parking in any lot is prohibited.
Bucky Shuttle: Wisconsin Athletics runs the official Bucky Shuttle from three remote lots: Lot 60 (801 Walnut Street), Lot 64 (606 Walnut Street), and Lot 76 (2501 University Bay Drive). Cost is $10 per person round-trip. Shuttles run every 15 minutes starting two hours before kickoff and up to one hour after the game. Purchase passes in advance through BadgerSelect.com and add them to Apple Wallet or Google Pay before arriving — cell service in the lots is unreliable on gameday.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft both serve Madison reliably. Post-game surge pricing hits immediately after the final whistle; request your ride from inside the stadium before you exit. Drop-off pre-game is straightforward.
Walking: If you’re staying downtown or near State Street, walking is the best option. The 20-minute walk through campus to the stadium is scenic, social, and sidesteps the parking situation entirely. Post-game, the walk back through campus past the Union Terrace is part of the experience.
Here is a map that shows various lots surrounding Camp Randall..
Wisconsin Gameday Insider Tips
I’ve attended games at dozens of college football venues over the years, and Camp Randall does something that very few manage: it has a pregame, an in-game, and a postgame worth showing up for independently. Miss the Arch March and you missed something. Skip the Fifth Quarter and you left early. The stadium rewards fans who lean in and punishes people who treat it like a generic gameday. Here’s everything you need to know to do it right.
Arrival & Security
Arrive three hours before kickoff for the full experience. Gates open 90 minutes to two hours before kickoff, but three hours out is when the energy in the surrounding neighborhood peaks — Badger Bash is running, the Arch March window is open, and the lines at security are still manageable. Trying to arrive 30 minutes before kickoff at a big game is a genuine logistical mistake.
For Big Ten powerhouse games, be at the Arch by 2 hours 15 minutes. For marquee matchups (Ohio State, Michigan, Iowa) the team procession under the Camp Randall Memorial Arch happens closer to 2:15 before kickoff, not the standard two hours. Show up at exactly the two-hour mark for one of those games and you’ll be 10 rows deep. Give yourself the buffer.
New security is faster than it looks. Camp Randall uses walk-through weapons detection — you don’t empty your pockets or pull your bag off your shoulder. Keep moving. The process is genuinely faster than old wand-based screening. The bag check is visual; a prohibited bag means you’re walking back to your car, not checking it at a bag drop. There isn’t one.
All tickets are mobile — download before you leave the hotel. Cell service near the gates with 70,000 people is unpredictable. Add your ticket to Apple Wallet or Google Pay before you’re within a mile of the stadium. This is not optional.
The Traditions (All Three Are Mandatory)
Jump Around is the reason the internet knows this stadium’s name. Between the third and fourth quarters, House of Pain’s 1992 song comes over the PA and 76,000 people jump in unison. The force generated has reportedly registered on local seismographs. Be in your seat well before the third quarter ends. Pack earplugs for kids — this is the loudest moment in the stadium.
Bucky does push-ups after every score. Whenever Wisconsin scores, Bucky Badger drops and does push-ups equal to the team’s total score — led by the student section counting each rep. By the fourth quarter of a blowout, this is genuinely entertaining to watch. The “over/under on Bucky collapsing” is a legitimate in-stands conversation.
Stay for the Fifth Quarter. After the final whistle, roughly 30,000–40,000 fans stay as the UW-Madison Marching Band performs for 30–45 minutes. “On Wisconsin,” “Hey Baby,” the Beer Barrel Polka, the Chicken Dance. Some fans follow the band as it marches back to instrument storage afterward. Plan a 90-minute buffer between the end of the game and wherever you need to be next. The Fifth Quarter and a fast exit are mutually exclusive — pick one.
“Build Me Up Buttercup” — don’t miss your cue. The Foundations’ 1968 hit plays typically in the third quarter or at the first timeout of the fourth (right after the Jump Around energy settles). The crowd sings along, and at a specific moment the music cuts out and the fans fill in the silence unaccompanied. Know the words. You will be expected to participate.
“First and 10, Wisconsin.” Every Wisconsin first down gets the crowd echoing the announcement back. Simple, loud, unanimous. Join in.
Watch the students for the slow-motion Wave. The student sections occasionally run a deliberately slow, dramatic wave that spreads through the stadium. It’s funnier and more impressive than the standard wave and uniquely Camp Randall.
Sun, Shade & Weather Reality
Late afternoon sun hits the east upper deck hard — bring sunglasses. The field runs north-south, meaning west stands face east and east stands face west. For afternoon games, as the sun tracks west, fans in the east upper deck sections are looking directly into it. Sunglasses and a brimmed hat are required equipment if you’re sitting upper deck on the east side for a 3:30 p.m. or evening kickoff with a setting sun. West side fans shade out as the afternoon progresses.
Late-season Wisconsin weather is not a personality type — it’s a survival situation. November games in Madison can be in the 20s with wind. Layers, hand warmers, and a rain layer are not optional for October and November. The stadium is outdoor and exposed. If you’ve never experienced Wisconsin fall, assume worse than you’re picturing.
Food & Drink
Eat before you come in — but save room for one thing inside. The Brisket Grilled Cheese and the Mac-N-Cheese Burger are the standout concession items worth the stadium markup. Everything else you can get better outside for less. Ian’s Pizza at 319 N. Frances St. (not the State Street location, which is a postgame bottleneck) is the smarter call for a pre-game slice — closer to the stadium approach and faster to move through.
Beer is now sold throughout the general seating bowl. This changed in 2024 — a significant shift from prior seasons. Lines are heaviest in the second quarter. If you want to avoid the wait, use the Badgers App’s Grab & Go mobile ordering kiosks to skip the line.
Spotted Cow is mandatory if you’re from out of state. New Glarus Brewing Company’s cream ale is only sold in Wisconsin. It will be at bars, tailgates, and restaurants across Madison all weekend. It’s not optional.
Rideshare Reality
Do not request a rideshare from inside the stadium. Police close Breese Terrace, Regent Street, and Monroe Street post-game, creating a hard geofence that prevents most drivers from getting within 4–5 blocks of the stadium. If you request before walking out, your driver can’t reach you and the ride gets canceled. Walk at least 0.5 miles — toward Park Street or into the surrounding residential blocks — before opening the app. West toward Park Street tends to have faster pickup availability than the Monroe/Regent corridor.
Staying for the Fifth Quarter actually helps your rideshare situation. By the time the band finishes (45–60 minutes after the final whistle), the road closures are typically lifted and surge pricing has partially subsided. The fans who sprint to the exits fight the worst congestion. The fans who stay for the Fifth Quarter walk out into a calmer situation. This is not accidental.
Getting Out
The walk to State Street is the best exit strategy. If you don’t need a rideshare immediately, the 20-minute walk east through campus toward State Street is scenic, social, and entirely bypasses the parking lot and traffic situation. You’re moving with other fans through a beautiful university campus past the Union Terrace on Lake Mendota. Post-game Madison is worth seeing. Don’t rush it.
Instagrammable Camp Randall Spots
The Camp Randall Memorial Arch — arrive early for the clean shot. The stone arch on Breese Terrace east of the stadium is the signature photo moment. Get there at least 2:15 before kickoff for the Arch March procession; the photo without 5,000 people in the background requires arriving even earlier. This is the shot.
The Bucky Badger statue outside the Kohl Center. On the walk from State Street or downtown toward the stadium, you’ll pass the bronze Bucky statue outside the Kohl Center. Less crowded than the Arch, great for family photos with kids, and a mandatory stop that most first-timers don’t know about.
Families & Kids
Stay out of sections J through P with young kids. The student sections in the north end zone are high-energy, loud, and not appropriate for children. The sections O and P specifically have a call-and-response tradition between sections that is not family-appropriate. The lower sideline sections and upper west sideline are the best family environments.
Bring ear protection. Jump Around is the loudest moment in the stadium, registering on seismographs. For children especially, bring earplugs or over-ear protection. Guest Services at Gate 1 gives out free ID wristbands for young kids — get one as soon as you walk in.
The Badger Bash pregame is your best family move. The free all-ages tailgate at Union South starts 2.5 hours before kickoff. Live music, food, drinks, Bucky Badger appearances, and a marching band performance. It’s relaxed, free, and genuinely better than anything inside the stadium walls before the gates open.
Merch & Stadium App
The Badgers app is actually worth having. Mobile ticket management, interactive stadium maps, mobile ordering for concessions, and occasional in-seat upgrade offers. Download it before the trip, not while standing in line at security.
Bucky’s Locker Room at Gate 1 is accessible from outside the gates before you enter — grab gear before kickoff rather than fighting concourse traffic at halftime. The Wisconsin Book Store on State Street has better selection and less chaos for anyone who wants to browse rather than grab-and-go.
The Locker Room Story Worth Telling at Your Tailgate
The visiting team’s locker room at Camp Randall was originally painted bright pink — same psychological tactic Iowa’s Hayden Fry pioneered at Kinnick Stadium. Wisconsin eventually decided that irritating the opposing team might actually fire them up, and had the room repainted a pale blue they call “prison blue” — the same shade used in Wisconsin Department of Corrections cells, specifically chosen for its calming effect. After the repaint, the Badgers went 43–4 at home. Whether you believe in the psychology or not, it’s the best locker room story in college football and now you have it.
Fun Bars and Restaurants in Madison
Madison’s pregame scene spreads across several distinct districts, each offering its own flavor of Badger game day celebration, from the raucous Regent Street corridor just blocks from Camp Randall to the iconic State Street pedestrian mall that stretches from campus to the Capitol Square.
Regent Street is the epicenter of pregame activity, transforming into a massive outdoor party on game days. Neighborhood bars on Regent Street transform into massive pregame parties, selling brats and beer to the masses. Located within walking distance of Camp Randall, this strip becomes a sea of red-clad fans as bars convert their parking lots into beer gardens and tailgate zones.
State Street offers a different vibe – this pedestrian-only corridor connects the university to downtown and the Capitol, providing a more diverse mix of restaurants and bars. It’s popular for those who want to start downtown and make the 20-minute walk to the stadium, taking in Madison’s unique atmosphere along the way.
The student neighborhoods around Camp Randall are where the real party energy begins. Mifflin Street is known for its three-story houses and big gravel parking lots, making it the most traditional tailgate scene you’ll find in Madison, while Lathrop Street is just one block west of Camp Randall Stadium and is another very popular spot for students to tailgate with large student houses that tend to host pretty rowdy pre-game parties.
Essential Pregame Bars
Jordan’s Big Ten Pub stands out as a Regent Street institution with a huge lot for tailgaters and a massive Badgers scoreboard over the lot. Located on Regent Street, Jordan’s is a favorite among both Madison locals and University of Wisconsin students for its great drinks and delicious daily food specials, including the famous Friday Fish Fry.
Lucky’s 1313 Brew Pub/SconnieBar is another Regent Street venue that turns its parking lot into a makeshift beer garden for tailgaters. On Game Day this is the obvious choice. Come Celebrate Wisconsin with 1300 other fans. More than 37 TVs ensures you will catch all the action.
State Street Brats has earned legendary status as one of the best places on earth for a brat and is located on the pedestrian-only State Street. The massive space rocks on game days with wings, burgers, sandwiches and vegan and vegetarian options, making it the perfect family spot to watch the game.
The Kollege Klub (KK) remains a campus institution where alumni remember the good old days and current students absolutely love the drinks, central location, music and camaraderie. It opens at 8 a.m. on Game Days so you can get the party started early.
The Stadium Bar & Grill offers the ultimate in convenience, located just across the street from Camp Randall. The bar converts its entire parking lot into a massive beer garden and often hosts live performances.
The Red Zone (1212 Regent St.): Four indoor areas plus an outdoor tailgate space with music, games, and 35 large TVs. One of the most complete gameday bar environments in the city.
Must-Visit Madison Restaurants
Ian’s Pizza has achieved cult status with unique flavors that earned it the title of Wisconsin’s Best Pizza by Food Network. Try the classic Mac and Cheese pizza or be spontaneous and go for the “Drunken Ravioli,” which combines vodka marinara sauce, mozzarella, cheese ravioli, butter and asiago.
Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry is a Madison institution favored by the locals for over 40 years, offering award winning hamburgers, homemade soups and chili, fresh salads, Friday fish fry and so much more. Located in the heart of downtown, Dotty’s has been voted Best Burger in Madison for more than 40 years in a row.
The Old Fashioned celebrates Wisconsin’s tavern culture with beer battered cheese curds as essential dining. In addition to burgers, salads, soups, and sandwiches, there are plenty of other cheese-related items including grilled cheese, Wisconsin fondue, and beer soup.
Mickie’s Dairy Bar: A cherished breakfast destination near Camp Randall, known for its classic diner vibe and satisfying Wisconsin comfort food, ideal for energizing before game day activities.
The Great Dane Pub and Brewing Co. (123 E. Doty St., Downtown): Madison’s landmark brewpub with in-house brews and reliable pub food. The best option for a sit-down pregame meal that isn’t going to break the bank and won’t rush you out the door. Multiple locations throughout Madison.
Hotels Near Camp Randall Stadium
Madison is one of the more enjoyable college towns to visit for a football weekend, and where you stay shapes the experience significantly. Game weekends — especially rivalry games against Minnesota, Iowa, or Ohio State — sell out downtown hotels months in advance. Book as early as possible. Prices on game weekends run 2–3x normal rates at most properties.
Where to Stay in Madison
Downtown / State Street: The most walkable option for visiting fans. Everything you’d want to do pregame and postgame — restaurants, bars, State Street itself, the Capitol Square farmers’ market — is within a 10-minute walk of most downtown hotels. Camp Randall is about a 20-minute walk from the core of downtown through a beautiful university campus. This is the right base for first-time visitors who want to experience Madison beyond just the game.
Near Campus (Langdon Street / Regent Street area): Staying near campus puts you 5–15 minutes from the stadium on foot and directly in the middle of pregame energy. Regent Street is bar-central for gameday. The tradeoff is fewer dining options and slightly more noise during the pregame hours. Best for fans who want maximum immersion in the college atmosphere.
Hotels To Shoot For
The Graduate Madison (Hotel) (Mid-range/Upscale, Langdon Street): The Graduate is the gameday hotel in Madison. Its design leans into Wisconsin nostalgia — Badger iconography, university-era aesthetics — and it sits directly on Lake Mendota, about a 24-minute walk from Camp Randall. The Camp Trippalindee rooftop lounge is a postgame destination in its own right. Book months in advance; this is the first to sell out on major game weekends.
The Edgewater Hotel (Luxury, Lake Mendota waterfront): If budget is not the primary concern, The Edgewater is Madison’s nicest hotel — a lakefront property that offers complimentary game-day shuttles for guests (running every 30 minutes starting two hours before kickoff). Non-guests can purchase shuttle wristbands for $12 (kids 12 and under free). The lake views alone are worth the premium.
Wisconsin Union Hotel (Mid-range, UW campus): Operated by the Wisconsin Union, this hotel puts you inside the university campus experience. Walking distance to the Union Terrace, extremely close to State Street, and a pleasant 20-minute walk to the stadium. Limited rooms, so book early.
Madison Concourse Hotel (Mid-range, Downtown): A reliable downtown option with an on-site restaurant and rooftop terrace. Well-located for the full Madison experience. Not the closest to the stadium, but the best mix of location, amenities, and availability for fans who book late.
Best Western Plus InnTowner Madison (Budget-Mid, Near Campus): The most practical near-stadium budget option — about a mile walk from Camp Randall through a quiet university neighborhood. The price is right for gameday weekends when everything else doubles in rate. Functional and convenient.
Budget Options
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madison Central offers the best combination of price and location for budget-conscious travelers. It’s a reasonable drive from the stadium and doesn’t command the gameday premium of walkable downtown properties. Book early to lock in the lowest rate.
For the lowest prices with the most flexibility, houses and apartments on VRBO and Airbnb in the Greenbush or Monroe Street neighborhoods (walking distance to the stadium) regularly undercut hotels on price while offering the space for groups.
Fun Things to Do in Madison
Here are some of the best things to do in this bustling city that perfectly blend sports, culture, and nature, creating an unforgettable itinerary for your stay.
Explore the State Capitol: Visit the Wisconsin State Capitol building, an iconic structure with stunning architecture and an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: Take a stroll through the beautiful campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Don’t miss the Memorial Union Terrace, a favorite spot for students and visitors alike, where you can enjoy lake views, live music, and delicious food.
Visit the Henry Vilas Zoo: This free zoo is perfect for families and animal enthusiasts. It features a variety of animals and interactive exhibits, making it an enjoyable experience for people of all ages.
Geology Museum: Located on the University of Wisconsin campus this museum offers a captivating journey through Earth’s geological history. With fossils, minerals, and interactive exhibits, it showcases the dynamic forces that have shaped our planet over millions of years, including awe-inspiring dinosaur skeletons and ancient marine life forms.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens: Spend a peaceful day at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, featuring stunning outdoor gardens, a Thai pavilion, and a serene indoor conservatory.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art: Art lovers will appreciate this museum’s diverse collection of modern and contemporary art exhibitions.
Madison Farmers’ Market: If you’re visiting on a Saturday morning, head to the Capitol Square for the Dane County Farmers’ Market, one of the largest and most renowned farmers’ markets in the country.
Paddle on the Lakes: This starts to get tough as you get later into the fall. But if the weather is nice, rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to explore the beautiful lakes, Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, which offer fantastic views of the cityscape.
Bike or Hike at the Lakeshore Path: Enjoy the scenic Lakeshore Path that runs along Lake Mendota’s shoreline, perfect for a leisurely bike ride or walk.
Chazen Museum of Art: Another gem for art enthusiasts, this museum features an impressive collection of international and American art.
Why You Should Go
Camp Randall is the rare stadium that has been running for over 100 years and still manages to offer something you cannot replicate anywhere else — not in the Big Ten, not in college football, maybe not in American sports. The combination of the Arch March, Jump Around, and the Fifth Quarter creates a gameday arc with a beginning, middle, and end that most venues can only approximate. If you’ve been putting this trip off, stop. The Badger fans who fill this stadium every fall Saturday are some of the most passionate, welcoming, and genuinely fun fans in the sport — and Madison, with its lakes, its State Street culture, its incredible food scene, and its warm Midwestern hospitality, will make you want to come back before you’ve even left. On Wisconsin.
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Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.