Trip to Camp Randall?
My birthday is upcoming, and the weather should be nice, so my GF is suggesting we go to Wisconsin for the game on Saturday. Putting aside BPONE and all the rest -- seriously, please put that aside for a moment -- is Wisconsin a good road trip? Any suggestions about seating, local dining, etc.?
TIA
September 28th, 2021 at 11:52 AM ^
No, Wisconsin is not a good road trip. It's a fucking FANTASTIC road trip and if you've never been to Camp Randall stadium for a Michigan game I would highly, highly recommend doing so.
I went in 1980 (my junior year) and then again in 2005 and both times had an absolute blast there. The campus is fun, the environment inside the stadium is nuts (wait till "jump around" is played) and the fans are generally pretty cool. As a matter of fact I think the worst thing I got both trips was a random "fuck Michigan" on a drive-by near our tailgate.
GO! You wont' regret it.
September 28th, 2021 at 11:59 AM ^
Thanks, I can deal with the odd "Fuck Michigan." I just wanted to make sure this isn't a Columbus, OH, situation.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:09 PM ^
The difference is that the "Fuck Michigan" at Wisconsin comes from a beer-soaked brain, whereas in Columbus it comes from the depths of their dark-hearted soul.
September 28th, 2021 at 1:48 PM ^
Ohio State fans are just as likely to yell "FFFUCK MICHIGAN" to your kids in A2 as well as Columbus.
At a place like Madison, "FFUCK MICHIGAN" usually comes with a hearty laugh and a wave. Just flip 'em the bird and laugh laugh along.
September 29th, 2021 at 8:59 AM ^
And from some underage kid or an elderly adult using a hurry cane.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:22 PM ^
@Mgrowold and @rc90
I went to Madison to see a girl back in the day.
She took me to the Wisky/Fresno State game.
One path to the stadium takes fans right down what appears to be Sorority/Fraternity row.
Avoid that area.
It was JUST Fresno State, and I saw beer and what MIGHT NOT have been beer poured on opposing fans (read: PEE).
Once inside it was exactly as described by MGrow - but I was with all Wisky fans.
I'd encourage you to find a cadre of Michigan folks to hang with if you can. Not that I'd "fear" it anywhere close to the crap in Columbus - but you'll have a nicer time as a harder target. :)
September 28th, 2021 at 12:57 PM ^
One path to the stadium takes fans right down what appears to be Sorority/Fraternity row.
That would be Breese Terrace, the street directly abutting the stadium's west side. I think it's good advice to avoid that street adorned in Michigan gear before the game.
September 28th, 2021 at 8:17 PM ^
I have walked Breeze Terrace many times in Michigan gear. It is fine if you walk on the opposite side of the street. Even the spray from the garden hoses at the frat houses couldn’t reach us. You will have a blast in Madison. Make sure you stop at Memorial Union on the shores of Lake Mendota. Badgers get drunk but they always are just having a good time. No malice intended.
September 28th, 2021 at 1:43 PM ^
*to see about a girl
September 28th, 2021 at 2:17 PM ^
You win:
September 28th, 2021 at 12:01 PM ^
I completely agree. I've taken that road trip twice and it's comparable to an Iowa road trip, only drunker.
We made the long drive the morning of the game the first time back in 1980 (the year we were pre-season #1 and our very first game of the season was a crushing loss at Madison). Didn't even bother to get our grill going, Wisconsin fans were handing us beers and brats and other food non-stop the moment we parked our car.
September 28th, 2021 at 1:39 PM ^
Except the campus in infinitely prettier
September 28th, 2021 at 5:45 PM ^
Hey Rob - Looks like MGrowOld, you and I were at the same game in 1980! Don’t recall seeing either of you!? After the game I remember W fans shouting from the balcony “bet you are surprised!?” to which I replied “about as much as you are!”. They laughed at that. (I died a little inside.)
September 29th, 2021 at 8:45 AM ^
That was 1981, not 1980.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:16 PM ^
Go.
Madison is the best road trip in the B1G, imho. I would never pass up the chance. Get there early. Spend the night if possible. Stay afterwards. Buy strangers drinks. They'll return the favor. Drink at least one brandy old fashioned, if not more. Stumble into whatever bar or restaurant looks good. Feed off the friendly vibes of the locals. Ignore anyone trying to be a jerk. It won't be hard. Wisconsin fans, or at least 99%+ of them, don't tolerate disrespectful behavior. Madison is the anti-Columbus.
It doesn't matter if you're wearing head-to-toe maize and Michigan is losing by 40 points. It doesn't matter that the song epitomizes early-90's cheese - pun intended. When "Jump Around" comes on, go bonkers. Put the cell phone down. Enjoy it yourself, and emblaze the sight of that entire stadium rocking, and you being a part of it, into your memory.
September 28th, 2021 at 2:19 PM ^
Didn't that 1980 game famously go off the rails? I think that Michigan entered the season # 1....and then lost to Wisconsin. For the younger crowd out there Wisconsin of 1980 was NOT the Wisconsin we all know since Barry Alvarez got there in the 1990's.
I went to Wisconsin one time for a game against Penn State back in the 2000's. They had a big RB/FB named Bernstein. The announcer kept saying "Feel the Bernstein" as he ran over PSU. Wisky hammered Penn State that day.
Speaking of "hammered", it's pretty easy to find beer in Madison. I had breakfast, lunch and dinner at State Street Brats one of the days.
EDIT: It was 1981 when Michigan lost to Wisconsin. Apparently they played in Madison in both 1980 and 1981. The 1980 early season loss was to South Carolina....and eventual Heisman winner, George Rogers.
September 28th, 2021 at 7:20 PM ^
Oops! Guess I was there in 81 then. But wait, M played at Madison back to back years!?
Edit. Yes. Yes they did.
September 28th, 2021 at 11:55 AM ^
So much fun. Madtown is a riot.
But...don't do the overhead body press with your friend when michigan adds points to the board. We had a group do that and they got ejected from the stadium.
September 28th, 2021 at 11:55 AM ^
Is this the Mgoblog camping trip?
September 28th, 2021 at 11:55 AM ^
Wisconsin is great! I made the trip in 2019 with my friend whose brother lives out there. It's a nice town. Take an extended self guided tour of campus. They have a couple really pretty lakes. The State Capitol Building is centrally located and there are bars all around it surrounding city and campus - I believe State St connects campus to the capitol and there are tons of cool bars there, just pop in the ones that tickle your fancy.
People are really nice, occasionally you'll get some ribbing, but the worst I got was someone yelling "now you know what a real college town looks like" and some bro from Chicago who was still salty he didn't get into UMich.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:00 PM ^
Madison is beautiful. The student union is on the water and they serve beer. You can grab a beer after the game and drink while looking out to the water. They also have a wonderful pedestrian-friendly night scene with great bars and restaurants. One of my favorite places is State Street Brats where you can go on Friday for Happy Hour. Not sure if they still do this but at 3 p.m. pitchers are $3, and at 4 p.m. they are $4 and so on.
Definitely order some cheese curds.
And tailgate at a bar. They have outdoor tailgates at bars where they grill up ears of corn. The Wisconsin marching band may even stop by. Wild.
September 28th, 2021 at 1:47 PM ^
Agreed, but one clarification. Wisconsin has two union buildings: Memorial Union, on the lake and with beer, and Union South, which is right across from the arch that makes up the famous entrance to Camp Randall. I think Union South also has beer but it definitely doesn't have a lake, and you're more likely to see Union South if you're in the stadium area. Memorial Union is north and east of Camp Randall, not far from the west end of State Street. IIRC, State Street Brats is at the west end of State Street.
September 28th, 2021 at 2:14 PM ^
Union South serves beer from The Sett (restaurant/bar). Both unions also serve amazing Babcock Ice Cream.
September 28th, 2021 at 1:48 PM ^
Agree with tailgating at the bar. Our group set up at a bar a short walk from the stadium and the Wisconsin fans were friendly. Part of the band was coming through playing their fight song and my friend jumped in front and played drum major as they marched around the bar. Cool story bro - met Vada Murray and partied with him. Great guy.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:02 PM ^
Go for it. Madison rocks and Camp Randall is one of the better atmospheres in the country.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:05 PM ^
Went 2 years ago. The game notwithstanding, it was a really fun trip and Madison is a cool town. Don’t remember any bar/restaurant names, but just do some googling and you shouldn’t have problems finding good places to eat/drink. Also, your girlfriend sounds like a keeper
September 28th, 2021 at 12:09 PM ^
Yes it's a very fun town.
Their stadium experience is no different than anyone else.
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I lived there for 5 years, if you're going, I recommend:
The Great Dane
The Old Fashioned
Tipsy Cow (best fries and wings I had in Madison, right on capital square)
The Nitty Gritty (burger bar)
Union Terrace
Greenbush Bakery for donuts
Marigold Kitchen for breakfast (be prepared to wait)
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The Zoo is pretty good, I always loved the Vilas Park area in general (https://goo.gl/maps/YM6tYL61RumMTH86A)
The farmers market on Saturdays around the capital is really nice too. Find a place with jalapeno cheese bread and thank me later. (https://www.dcfm.org/markets/saturday-on-the-square)
Their state street is a semi-closed road (only buses, police, etc allowed to drive), full of restaurants and bars, leading from campus to the capital. A pretty fun walk with a view.
September 28th, 2021 at 1:27 PM ^
Both of my sons went to Wisconsin, so I've been going there regularly for the last 7 years. I'd second A State Fan's recommendations, with a couple of comments and a couple of additions.
The stadium is west and south of campus. State St. runs due east and west and connects campus to the capitol building. It's mostly a pedestrian/bicycle mall and many of the popular restaurants and bars are centered around it. Frat row is to the north and east of State St. Avoid it.
If you're going from the campus/Capitol area to Camp Randall before the game, take a slight detour south and follow Regent St. west and turn north on Randall St., which takes you to the entrance of Camp Randall. Greenbush Bakery is on Regent, near Randall St., and there are several high-seatiing-capacity bars along Regent too. I've never done the football game thing in Madison, but I suspect those bars would be pretty good spots for pre-gaming. If you're in the mood for coffee in that area, go to Indie Coffee, also on Regent St.
The Great Dane, Old Fashioned, and Tipsy Cow are all good choices. The Old Fashioned is a variation on the stereotypical Wisconsin supper club, where the classic drink is a brandy old-fashioned (mostly brandy, Sprite, and cherries), and the classic hors d'oeuvre is cheese curds. The Great Dane and Old Fashioned are both close to the capitol building and are crazy crowded on weekends. You can get on a seating list at Old Fashioned and walk around the capitol and State St. area until they text you to say your table is ready, but be prepared to wait 90 minutes on a Friday or Saturday night. Waits might be shorter at Great Dane, but not by much; and anything close to the capitol will be packed. In the capitol area, Graze (farm-to-table gastropub) and Lucille (Detroit-style pizza) are both good, but also very popular and crowded.
If you go east of the capitol, along Washington Street, you can find another supper club-style restaurant, the Avenue Club. Quite good, with a very Wisconsin-y vibe. If I want the supper club experience without the lengthy wait for a table, I go there. Also on East Washington is the best pizza place in Madison, Salvatore's Tomato Pies.
South of and parallel to Washington Street is Williamson Street, known as Willy Street. This is my favorite place to find restaurants in Madison. For breakfast or lunch, you can't beat Madison Sourdough, which has sandwiches, omelettes, and pastries, along with bread and fancy desserts. Their savory pastries are terrific. (For what it's worth, I think Madison Sourdough beats the pants off Zingerman's Bakehouse). There's another bakery on Willy Street, which only has take-out pastries and breads, Batch Bakehouse. If you get there early, you can get a ham and gruyere croissant, which is nearly life-changing. They have lots of other good stuff too. On weekends, expect a line. There's a good coffee shop next door to Batch (can't remember the name, but it's bicycling-themed). Diagonally across Willy Street from Batch, there is Ha Long Bay, which has Thai and Vietnamese food. Also very good and usually crowded. There are plenty of other cool places along Willy Street, which, overall, has the alt-culture, hippy feel that Madison is famous for.
West of the Stadium, along Monroe St., there are also quite a few good restaurants. It's pretty far west, but Gates and Brovi is quite good.
If you want to sit lakeside, you have a couple of choices. Much of Madison is between two lakes, Mendota to the north and Monona to the south. The Memorial Union Terrace is on Mendota, near campus and State St. Monona Terrace is south and east of the capitol building. James Madison Park on Gorham is a nice spot to sit in the sun and look out at Mendota. If you start your day early enough, and if the weather's good, you could get something to go from Madison Sourdough or Batch Bakehouse and enjoy it on a bench in Madison Park, while you look at the lake.
There's lots more. You might not have a good time in Madison, but only if you really try to be miserable.
September 28th, 2021 at 3:12 PM ^
These two comments get my stamp of approval. I would just add Tipsy Cow also has the best burgers in Madison (although some will say Doty Dumplings which is also good), and sadly Avenue Club, which had the best cheese curds, closed down.
If you're looking for a bar the night before the game, State St will have the most fans, students, and best game weekend environment. It's filled with college bars and restaurants.
Regent St. has a ton of tailgating and bars on game day. One option is to arrive a bit early and go to breakfast at the Curve (cash only diner). There is free street parking in the neighborhood around S Brooks St. and S Mills St which is about a mile from the stadium but fills up eventually. After breakfast, walk to Regent for drinks at one of the bars, then head to the stadium for kick-off.
If you're into craft breweries and a little quieter scene, Working Draft, Giant Jones, Old Sugar Distillery, and Vintage on E Washington (good food and fish fry) are all close together and have a wide selection of beer. You could walk to them all if you're ambitious.
September 28th, 2021 at 3:27 PM ^
It's a shame that Avenue Club closed. I was last there before the pandemic. Sigh.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:11 PM ^
As a student, I had the chance to make this roadtrip and backed out at the last minute. I really regret that as everyone I know who has made the trip to Madison loved it.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:12 PM ^
I've found the campus mostly so-so (Union excepted) but its setting and the surrounding area are great. Madison is behind Ann Arbor in the college-town-gentrification process and there are more charming hole-in-the-wall places still around.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:14 PM ^
Very much worth the effort. I was actually there in 2001 and the trip was worth it for the union patio views along Lake Mendota alone. There was barely any animosity when I stayed there. Drunk people are everywhere, but you are not taking your life in your hands like maybe Columbus or East Landfill.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:16 PM ^
I went to Madison to witness the beat-down of 2019. Although the game itself was horrendous, I can't say enough nice things about the city, stadium, and enemy fanbase.
There was some good-natured trash-talking during the tailgating, but absolutely nothing malicious. Just good times had by all.
On the walk to the stadium before the game, a particularly hospitable Badger fan stopped me to ask if I was having a good time. I separated from my group of friends to join him at his tailgate, where he treated me to beers and eggrolls from a street vendor.
I will say that I was underwhelmed by "jump around", but I recognize that the score at that point in the game might have factored in.
After the game, we went to about 8 different bars to sample all the cheese curds in the city. Boy were they all good, and lessened the sting of the loss just a little bit.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:22 PM ^
I've lived in/near Madison for the better parts of 20 years. I'm also a Wolverine AND Badger alum, but I've never been able to truly root for Wisconsin. Michigan is and will always be my first love.
That being said, soaking in the Camp Randall experience is totally worth it at least once in your lifetime. I've only attended a handful of games over 20 years (3 Michigan games, one OSU game, and one random Maryland game) since I would rather spend my Saturday afternoons watching Michigan. But it's a nice venue to visit. Fans are usually good-natured (as long as you're not a total asshole). The beer garden scene along Regent Street is pretty cool and distinctive from the Michigan pre-game vibe. Parking is atrocious, so leave yourself plenty of time to find a spot. The Madison restaurant scene is great. Try fried cheese curds while you're here.
Upper level seating is somewhat nose-bleedish, but you're on top of the action more than Michigan Stadium. It's also a little unnerving to be up high when Jump Around time comes. You pray that the engineers and construction got things right.
Someone before me mentioned some solid restaurant choices. I love Jordan's Big Ten Pub on Regent Street - solid bar food and beer selection, although it will likely be crazy on game day.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:42 PM ^
Little brother is a UW grad. I've been up there for countless games both against UM and not. Great dining options, great city, great campus. Madison is great!
September 28th, 2021 at 12:49 PM ^
Madison and Camp Randall make for the best road trip in the Big Ten. An absolute must visit, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Lots of great hotels (surely booked up by now, of course), eateries, bars and an overall gorgeous city to stroll around. The lakes are beautiful.
The pier and waterfront at the bottom of the image below is the terrace outside the Wisconsin Union Building (lower right corner). If the weather's nice, it's great place to go for a cheap, personal pitcher of beer. No better place to be on a Friday afternoon.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:52 PM ^
In general, you'll hear a few "F@ck Michigan" and "Ann Arbor's a wh0r#" type comments, but then they'll buy you a beer.
If the weather is nice, after the game and their 5th quarter, head to their student center, the UW marching band will end up there and there's like a beer garden type setup there where you can get beer, food, pretzels etc. Good times.
If you're younger, definitely spend the night and enjoy the bars. Just watch out for Shark bowls and Ski shots!
September 28th, 2021 at 12:52 PM ^
If you can, GO! Wisconsin is a great atmosphere. My son and I went two years ago when M got smashed badly. The city and campus are pretty nice, the travel into the game was pretty easy, and the fans were fans of their team but generally nice. The people in the stands around us chatted with us all game including how glad they were that we stayed the whole game despite the big loss.
September 28th, 2021 at 12:59 PM ^
Madison is a fun town. The highlight is the waterfront outdoor mall area. I do think Madison is a BIT overrated in comparison to other fun college towns. It's no better or worse than AA, Iowa City, or Bloomington. Just larger. A lot of it is taken up by the state capitol.
But it's very nice, and the fans are relatively tame toward Michigan fans. They do get very drunk, as all fanbases do, but the early start will mitigate that. The stadium is much more tame during day games. (Thank god it's not a night game.) The stadium is also right on the outskirts of campus, so you don't have to make a long, hellish trek, a la Happy Valley.
Also, everyone is blond and eats sausages.
September 28th, 2021 at 1:01 PM ^
I really want to take my son to this game, if I can find tickets. It has been a great bonding experience with him over the years. If anyone can't go and is looking to sell/give away a couple tickets, let me know.
September 28th, 2021 at 1:02 PM ^
Our daughter chose to attend Wisconsin instead of Michigan ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Madison is a great place, and not just the campus area. They've done a fantastic job of taking advantage of the copious water frontage.
It's been a while since she was in school there, but the Great Dane was a nice place.
September 28th, 2021 at 1:09 PM ^
I lived there for 3 years, and I agree with the other posters. You definitely should road trip there. The two places I think are a must go are:
1. The student union (which is pictured above by another poster)
2. The farmer's market is Saturday morning before the game. Walk around the Capitol where the market is and grab coffee, pastries, cheese curds...Just an awesome scene. Expect everyone else to be wearing red.
September 28th, 2021 at 1:15 PM ^
Agree with everything said here. Madison is an excellent town and everyone is pretty friendly. Apart from the suggestions on food/drink a couple more-
1) if you do the farmers market, Stella’s cheese bread.
2) chocolate shoppe ice cream
September 28th, 2021 at 2:19 PM ^
I just delivered two packages of Stella's cheesy bread to my daughter in Ann Arbor when I visited for the Rutgers game! Great stuff.
September 28th, 2021 at 2:00 PM ^
Madison is a wonderful city - I've lived here for 20+ years. It's like Ann Arbor, but bigger, and with beautiful lakes. The people are pretty similar to those in Michigan imho.
The terrace (Memorial Union) is a unique treasure and worth visiting in the afternoon/evening. Quite a lovely scene.
And the downtown has oddly improved because of pandemic - so many outdoor dining venues.
Check it out!
That said, it's always better to be rooting for the home crowd....
September 28th, 2021 at 2:04 PM ^
The stadium atmosphere in Madison is worth it for the trip alone.
September 28th, 2021 at 3:28 PM ^
Heading to my first game in Madison, something I have longed to do. Appreciate all of the helpful tips from the board.
FYI, there is a Michigan local Alumni group setting up a gathering at a local bar, Whiskey Jack's. Details below - NOTE: MUST REGISTER
Welcome to Madison! For Michigan alums and fans coming in from out-of-town to watch the game, the U-M Club of Madison invites you to gather at Whiskey Jacks Saloon on Friday the night before the game. Meet other U-M alums and fans in town to cheer on our Wolverine fans! If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Andree at [email protected]
This event is free but we ask that you register in advance for contract tracing purposes. Capacity is about 300.
September 28th, 2021 at 4:14 PM ^
Have a ton of family who went to Wisconsin, I have been to Madison many times. If I had to plan day for a game (which I did in 2019, regretfully) do this:
- Get to town super early, hit up Mickies Dairy bar for breakfast. Get there early because its right next to stadium and gets crowded fast. But also, for parking, there is a lot of residential area near that actually has free street parking. Most times in Madison I am able to find a spot if you go bright and early.
- From there, the walk to the capital. Its probably a 1.5 mile walk but will take you all the way through campus and downtown. Checkout the student union (which for some reason does not serve beer until noon on Saturdays) and the views of lake Mendota.
- Grab some beets in the bars on state street. I like the Nitty Gritty and State Street Brats. There will be plenty of Michigan fans and the Wisconsin people have always been friendly in my experience.
September 28th, 2021 at 5:12 PM ^
rob f the crushing loss at Madison was 1981 not 1980. We had lost John Wangler to graduation after 1980 season. Yes Madison is a great trip and the fans are friendly and generous with their beer and brats. Go.