Badgerville fires up football fans

A new Badger football season has arrived along with an exciting new pregame attraction – Badgerville, the all-new official tailgate of Wisconsin Athletics.

Located on the grass field just north of Camp Randall Stadium along Breese Terrace, the gates to Badgerville open 2½ hours before home-game kickoffs in September and October. The event, presented by Johnsonville, features an array of entertainment, food and fun.

Photo showing Badger fans and Badgerville banner.

A sea of red-attired Badger fans walk toward the setting sun and Camp Randall Stadium before the season-opening Wisconsin vs. UNLV football game. In the background, a large red banner with mascot Bucky Badger invites fans to Badgerville, a pre-game tailgating event sponsored by Wisconsin Athletics.

Photo: Jeff Miller

Badgerville features entertainment including music, an appearance by the UW Marching Band and autographs from current UW student-athletes and from all-time Badger greats.

Future Badgers will enjoy several inflatable games for youth as well as face painting and hair coloring. Fans will also be able to keep track of other college football action on a big-screen videoboard.

Fans looking to grab a bite to eat before the game will be in luck at Badgerville. A wide selection of food, beer and beverages is available.

Famous Dave’s will be on hand every week serving its well-known barbeque, and Panchero’s Mexican Grill will also be serving its specialties. And, of course, no football tailgate would be complete without hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and Wisconsin’s own Johnsonville brats.

The entertainment lineup changes weekly. Here’s a rundown of Badgerville’s upcoming attractions:

Saturday, Sept. 10 vs. Oregon State

Gates open at 8:30 a.m.
Badger legend appearance: Former Badger football player Jamar Fletcher
Badger team appearance: Men’s hockey
UW Marching Band/Spirit Squad performance: 9:25 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 24 vs. South Dakota

Gates open 2½ hours before kickoff
Badger legend appearance: Former Badger football player Scott Starks
Badger team appearance: TBD
UW Marching Band/Spirit Squad performance: TBD
Wisconsin Science Festival display

Saturday, Oct. 1 vs. Nebraska

Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
Badger team appearance: Men’s basketball
Heisman Trophy exhibit featuring running back Ron Dayne
UW Band/Spirit Squad performance: 5:25 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 15 vs. Indiana

Gates open at 8:30 a.m.
Badger legend appearance: Former Badger football player O’Brien Schofield
Badger team appearance: Women’s basketball
UW Marching Band/Spirit Squad performance: 9:25 a.m.

Badgerville schedules are subject to change. Badgerville will be available to fans before all September and October home games.

Wisconsin Athletics and The National W Club will host the Badger Blast before the Purdue game on Nov. 5 and the Chili Kickoff before the Penn State game on Nov. 26. Both events will be held in the UW Field House 2½ hours before kickoff.