A fan’s guide to ESPN College GameDay, Camp Randall Stadium, campus traffic

ESPN’s College GameDay visits Bascom Hill for this weekend’s historic matchup between the Badgers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers and university officials want to make sure that the experience is a safe, fun and enjoyable one for everyone.

The network is setting up on Bascom Hill in an area that includes its staging and areas for crowds to gather.

This is a special opportunity for Badger fans to have a fun, spirited and safe time in the heart of campus. It is also a chance for the University of Wisconsin–Madison to be showcased on an international stage on Saturday morning.

Lines are expected to form for fans to gain access to the areas closest to the stage. University police warn that Chapter 18 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code bars camping on campus.

Camping includes the pitching of tents or the overnight use of sleeping bags, blankets, makeshift shelters, motor homes, campers or camp trailers.

ESPN does not allow backpacks or other bags into the area closest to the stage.

Authorities also advise participants that signs on sticks will not be permitted at the event. For those admitted to the areas close to the ESPN stage, note that network personnel will screen signs, items, appearance and attire for appropriateness.

Portable toilets are available for the public on the east side of South Hall.

Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium

Police at UW–Madison are also reminding fans of stadium polices to help ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience at this sold-out 7 p.m. game.

If you’re coming to the game, here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff;
• Plan to arrive at the game early to ensure enough time for parking and entry into the stadium;
• Items permitted inside the stadium are: bags no larger than 8.5 inches by 11 inches, binoculars, cameras, blankets, jackets, items related to a medical condition, chair backs not more than 16 inches wide, and diaper bags  for those with a child;
•  Items not permitted inside the stadium are: bags larger than 8.5 inches by 11 inches, food, beverages, containers, strollers, laser pointers, umbrellas, banners, flags, signs, noisemakers, weapons, inflatables, or any items deemed dangerous or inappropriate;
• Open intoxicants are not allowed on city of Madison property, such as streets and sidewalks and are also not allowed inside Camp Randall Stadium;
•  If you leave Camp Randall, there is no re-entry into the stadium.

Campus police will also be posting additional information throughout the events on Saturday.  For this information, follow @UWMadisonPolice on Twitter or Like University of Wisconsin Madison Police Department on Facebook. 

Campus traffic

The main event location for ESPN College GameDay on Saturday will be in the middle section of Bascom Mall. Several large trucks are already parked along Observatory Drive from North Hall to Bascom Hall.

UW-Madison employees who park in lots 9, 10 and 11 will experience additional congestion and changes in the traffic flow.

Today through Saturday, Observatory Drive will be one-way westbound from North Park Street to North Charter Street.  There will be no right turns allowed out of Lots 9, 10 and 11.

Madison Metro bus routes will continue normal operations.  On Saturday Observatory Drive will be closed from North Park Street to North Charter Street, except for lots 9, 10 and 11 permit customers who will need to show their permit in order to enter their lots.

Employees who need to park for work-related reasons on Saturday may choose to avoid some congestion and park in lots 5, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30, 57, 82, 83, 85 or 131. Remember that you must display your annual parking permit.

If you have special parking needs or would like advice for work-related parking during this event or have other questions, contact Transportation Services representatives at customerservice@fpm.wisc.edu or call 263-6667.