Comments on Camp Randall Seating, Tailgating and Bars...

[BGis2005sUtah]

Just wanted to comment on few posts I've seen, I hope this helps. Another thing I would add too -- just ask people. Everyone's got their opinions on the "best" places, but they're all more than willing to help out.

Camp Randall Seating --
For those of you thinking they “got stuck” in the upperdeck vs. Section X, Row 6 -- you're the lucky ones. I've been going to games at CR for 20 years and there isn't a better view in the stadium then the upperdeck. I hate to break it to the Section Xers, but it's not the world's best view when you are down that low. The field is crowned so sometimes you actually can’t see the players’ legs on the other side. However, they have eliminated a number of the “problem” rows so it should be a bit improved. But I’d choose the upperdeck any day. Up there you get a clear view of the field, scoreboard, student section and the scenery around Madison – it’s a really neat actually.

Tailgating –
Someone asked about lots – Most lots will open at 6 a.m. and will fill up very quickly. I wouldn’t plan on getting in one after 7-7:30. My best bets would be the Meriter Parking lot on Regent & Park St or the lot right west of it (can’t think of the name). Or, there is a lot back about 3 blocks south of Regent Street at the St. James Catholic Church that is usually a good spot. Or, you could just park and tailgate in someone’s lawn; you can usually set up shop at a nice student’s place for about $10-20 (they’re trying to pay the cable you know!)
Others have expressed it but your best bet is to park and walk around. What makes Badgers games Badger games is the atmosphere around. Walk by the bars on REGENT STREET and stop in the beer garden for a drink – they’ll all be open by 8 a.m. – Big 10 Pub, Oakcrest, Regent Street Retreat and more.
Beyond the lots, I would suggest exploring some of the neighborhoods around the stadium. You’ll find some of the most inventive students who will be more than willing to offer beer, food (and women?) as long as you are a good sport.

It sucks that it is an 11 a.m. game b/c watching the UW band in pre-game is really fun. I know, I know, it’s a band. But I’m not kidding – you’ve never seen a band like this.

The positive of an 11 a.m. game – more time to explore after the game too. The tailgates will fire right back up again for hours afterwards.

Where to go in Madison?
If its nice out - head to the Terrace - this is the lake front of UW's Union. It truly is a marvel. Sitting outside, playing cards, enjoying the view off the lake - it's heaven to us UW grads. And they serve GOOD beer there. I'll be heading there first thing on Friday night before I start my bar crawl. Here's a tip - when there is a long beer line, head downstairs to the pool hall and purchase beer by the bottle with little to no waiting!

My favorite bar(s) in Madison? The Essen Haus/Come Back Inn – No question. They are located about 1 1/2 miles off State St. – by the Capitol. It’s a great time. As you can imagine, this is a German beer house and it serves the best beer in town. You can drink it out of a huge glass boot with your buddies and pass it around yelling, “chug, chug, chug”. The waitresses where the cute little German outfits too! The atmosphere is VERY FESTIVE at night – it’s impossible not to have a riot here. They serve great German food and also have soft pretzels to snack on. Right next door (they are actually connected and you can enter from one to the other) the Come Back offers the same great beer selection only it’s a little more relaxed. Here you can get free peanuts and (I have no idea how/why) but the world’s best popcorn. On Friday’s they always have some import as a 24 oz tap for like $2.75.

By now, I'm sure you've heard of State Street. Two words: Go There. There is every type of bar on State as well as University Ave (runs 1 block off, parralel).

Sports bars around State St - I'm not going to name them all – (I’ll indicate if they aren’t on State St)
BW3 - Good beer selection and lots of TVs
State Street Brats - In general, overated but if you are watching a game, great stadium seating upstairs.
The Nitty Gritty - aka "The Birthday Bar" -- again, it's more of a touristy, birthday stop but its located near the Kohl Center and does have good burgers (3 blocks off State – south).

Happy Hour Bar
Unless its changed - Brothers and Mad Hatters on University Ave are good stops. Brothers has $2 pitchers for 3 hours and Hatters has something similar.

We’ll call them Bars
Angelic - Just off State - Brew their own great beer. Good place to eat and start the night.
Irish Pub - Good beers, dark and danky... fun little dive
The Vintage – Purple building on University and France (?) – great little bar with lots of tap beer and really good food.
Hawks – It’s newer so I haven’t spent a lot of time there but it seems pretty low key
The City – This is an basement bar that you could easily miss. Has GREAT martinis and leather couches – cool live music too.
Mondays – Across from the City – Mondays has the stiffest drinks in town. It’s a dive that gets VERY crowded at night.

Other Dives
The Pub (not to be confused with The Irish Pub)
Plaza – (Just off State) – Used to be an old Bowling Alley, famous for Plaza Burger
Silver Dollar – (near Capitol) – The definition of a towny/dive bar.

Trendy/Young college co-eds
Kollege Klub, aka the “KK” – (Just off State) – Once voted a top-10 “hook up” bar by Playboy

State Bar – (on State up closer to Capitol) Gets packed with the younger crowd at night
Paul’s Club – Near and similar to the State Bar – and it has a big tree inside of it!
Nicks – By Pauls and State, more of dive but still very popular
Bull Feathers – Younger crowd, right near The Plaza

Wandos – A Madison tradition – try drinking the fish bowl (Univ. Ave & Frances)
Red Shed – Right by Wandos on Frances Street
Johnny O’s – Newer young crowd hang out on University Ave (right by Brothers, MadHatters)

Crave – New Martini bar and fancier dining
Blue Velvet Lounge (off State on Gilman) - Martinis

Capitol Area
If you are looking for a slightly older crowd – young working adults – head up to the Capitol area – head all the way up on State St, you can’t miss it. Lots of cool places around here too.
Great Dane Pub – Great beer, food & Pool
Genna’s – Neat little corner chill bar
Madison’s
Kimia – trendy, martinis

[dharrisfan2003]

And you guys gotta go to The Parthenon on State St. if you love Greek food. Best gyros in town! Best food for the best price, nothing beats the Avenue Bar, on East Wash.

[factman]

GREAT information!!!! Very informative, and I was in Madison the last time we played, in the early 90's. Thank you

[Myles Longer]

The neighborhood tailgates around the stadium are often quite interesting

[bg8492]

..any suggestions for those of us who will have our eleven-year old along? Even though he may find the Bike Beer Bong and neighborhood parties extremely interesting, we will likely seek out some other pregame activities...any thoughts..?

[Myles Longer]

..any suggestions for those of us who will have our eleven-year old along? Even though he may find the Bike Beer Bong and neighborhood parties extremely interesting, we will likely seek out some other pregame activities...any thoughts..?

For pregame with kids try Union South right across the arched entrance to the Camp Randall grounds. Band, food and more family orientated entertainment. If he knows your fight song, he will appreciate that the UW Band is learning it as we type, and will play it for you guys, gals and youngins

[bg8492]

Thanks!! Sounds like something for everybody... Looking forward to the day!