A Middleton Guide to Badger Game Day

Everything you need to know about Badger football game days from Middleton — bars, shuttles, tailgates, and stadium experiences.

Badger gamedays bring an energy all their own. Whether it’s the sea of red, the traditions inside Camp Randall, or the cheers from fans across the state, there’s nothing quite like it. For visiting fans, staying in Middleton offers competitive rates, proximity to Camp Randall Stadium (15-20 minutes away from any of the nine hotels), and a great leisure destination to extend their stay. And if you’d rather cheer from a barstool, the city has no shortage of bars and restaurants showing every play.

Watch the Game Right Here in Middleton

Not every fan needs a ticket to Camp Randall to get in on the Badger gameday excitement. While Middleton has plenty of spots to cheer on Wisconsin with fellow fans, enjoy food and drinks and soak up the energy of game day at one of these local sports bars here. Below are some first-string game day spots.

A bar interior with empty black chairs at the counter, multiple TVs on the wall, and drink bottles behind the bar—perfect for planning your Spring itinerary while a bartender stands in the background.

Monk's Bar & Grill

Two people sit at a bar, raising their drinks toward each other as part of their spring itinerary. A TV displays a football game above them, and a chalkboard menu is visible on the brick wall behind the bar.

Free House Pub

Free House Pub is a must-visit for football fans. During weekend game days, enjoy $12 pitchers of select beers, party platter specials and custom cocktails like Baldi the Badger. This year, Free House launched the Football Club Punch Card, available Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Collect punches for each visit and once the card is complete, receive a $20 Free House gift card and entry into a grand prize raffle for one of two postseason parties. Winners will enjoy a private room to watch the College Football Playoff or NFL Divisional Round Weekend games, a $150 bar tab and an open invite to bring as many friends as they’d like.

Craftsman Table & Tap

Craftsman Table & Tap keeps the fun flowing with game day specials like 3 Sheep’s Armchair Quarterback pints for $6 throughout football season. Plus, two large screen TVs conveniently located right at the bar.

Middleton Sport Bowl

Middleton Sport Bowl is another fan favorite, with massive TVs everywhere you turn and a shuttle to the stadium, making it easy to enjoy the game and still feel a part of the downtown action. Plus, customers can enjoy football specials like $4 brats and hot dogs, 16oz domestic beer buckets for $16 and free Jell-O shots on Badger touchdowns.

A yellow school bus with an extended stop sign is parked outside a building. A person inside is waving, and the bus displays the number 2881, ready to begin its Spring itinerary.

Middleton Sport Bowl Badger Shuttle

Mid Town Pub

People sit at a bar counter with drinks while a bartender works. TVs display football games, and various decorations and signs, including some featuring a badger, are visible on the walls.

Paul's Neighborhood Bar

The Camp Randall Experience

Thinking about catching the game live? Here’s everything you need to know to get there, join the pregame fun and celebrate like a true Badger fan.

Getting to the Stadium

Heading to Camp Randall from Middleton is a 15- to 20-minute drive on non-game days, though gameday traffic adds some time. Luckily, fans have several convenient ways to get downtown:

By Car

While there is some street parking available, many areas around Camp Randall rent out parking lots and driveways during the football season. Arriving early (at least three hours before kickoff) can help you find the best spots and sometimes even the rare and highly sought-after free parking spot. Regardless of where you park, expect to walk at least a few blocks to the stadium. But with grills sizzling, music blasting and tailgates spilling into the streets, the walk feels more like a pregame parade.

By Rideshare/Taxi

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft make it easy to get to the stadium without worrying about parking. Plan for slightly longer wait times on game days and expect surge pricing. Or schedule your trip by taxi with Madison Taxi or Union Cab of Madison.

Person in a UW Badger mascot costume wearing a red-and-white striped shirt and red shoes, sitting on a metal chair outdoors with trees and buildings in the background, ready to cheer on the football team.

By Shuttle

Shuttles are a great way to skip downtown traffic, and with fellow Badger supporters all around you, they’re also one of the most spirited and stress-free ways to get to the stadium.

Middleton Sport Bowl Shuttle

Located right here in Middleton, this shuttle runs to all Wisconsin Badger football and basketball home games. Tickets are $10 per rider, round-trip, and you’ll be dropped off right at the stadium. The bus leaves the bar one hour before the start of the game and heads back 20-30 minutes after the game ends. Reserve your spot by calling 608-831-5238.

Bucky Shuttle

If you’d rather drive part of the way but still avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot and the worst of the traffic, park in lots 60, 64, or 76 near the UW campus and hop on the Bucky Shuttle to Camp Randall. Passes must be purchased in advance (here) and cost $10 per person round-trip. Shuttles run every 15 minutes starting two hours before kickoff and continue up to an hour after the game, dropping you right by the stadium entrance.

By Bus

Middleton is served by the F and R Metro Transit bus lines, both of which can connect you to downtown Madison and Camp Randall. Keep in mind: these details are for weekend routes, which differ from weekday service. Use Metro Transit's real-time tracker to plan your trip.

For the most straightforward option, ride Route R to downtown Madison with no transfers and get off at University at N. Breese for a short walk to the stadium. Staying on for two more stops will drop you at W. Johnson at N. Orchard, steps from Union South’s Badger Bash and just a short walk from Regent Street tailgating.

Route F loops around the outside of Middleton and connects with Madison’s new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. Take the F to Sheboygan at N. Segoe, ask your driver for a transfer pass, then cross to the median to board the A Line. With just four stops, you’ll reach downtown quickly. Get off at the Orchard stop and either walk down N. Camp Randall Ave to the stadium or head down Orchard to Regent Street or Union South for tailgating.

Accessibility at Camp Randall

Camp Randall Stadium offers several options to help all fans enjoy game day.

Drop-Offs: University Avenue and Breese Terrace, and Randall Street near Monroe Street. Golf cart or wheelchair escorts are available through guest services.
Gates: Gates 1, 3, 7 and 10 have no stairs.
Golf Cart Service: Complimentary rides from Breese Terrace and University Avenue (preferred), Lot 17, or Randall and Monroe.
Seating: Wheelchair and easy access options available.
Assistive Listening: FM headsets available at guest services in the south endzone concourse.

Learn more

A crowded football stadium bursts with fans in red, a game in progress on the field, and “WISCONSIN” marked in an end zone—a perfect Spring highlight on any sports lover’s itinerary.

A man, woman, and toddler stand together outdoors at a football tailgate event, all wearing casual red and white clothing and sunglasses. People and red tents are visible in the background, capturing the excitement of game day.

Tailgating Tips and Top Spots

No Badger gameday is complete without a tailgate. Here are some fan favorites for a memorable tailgating experience:

Badger Bash Tailgate Party at Union South
Just steps from Camp Randall, Badger Bash kicks off two and a half hours before every home game. This free, family-friendly event offers food, drinks and entertainment both indoors and out. Enjoy tunes from the Badger Band, grab free goodies on Orchard Street, or simply soak up the lively tailgate atmosphere. The Union has hosted this beloved event since 1972, welcoming fans from all teams.

Fabiola’s Spaghetti House & Deli
Continuing a tradition started by Rocky Rococo founder Roger Brown in 1998, Fabiola’s hosts a spirited tailgate on Regent Street. Fans can enjoy 20 craft beers on draft, refreshing cocktails and tailgate favorites like award-winning brats and sausages. The tailgate takes place in the parking lot under a tent if weather calls for it, with DJ Nick Nice spinning tunes to keep the energy high.

The Red Zone
This spot combines indoor and outdoor tailgating with a full beer garden. Enjoy food and drink specials while catching the pregame hype with fellow fans.

Jordan Big 10 Pub
Since 1999, Jordan’s has been a staple for Badger fans, entertaining more than 1,500 people on game days. Its massive outdoor beer garden on Regent Street makes it one of the top spots to tailgate before, during, and after the game.

Game-Day Traditions

Want to look and feel like a true Badger fan? Learning the game-day traditions is the first step.

Jump Around: Few traditions are as iconic as Jump Around, the stadium-shaking anthem played at the end of the third quarter. Fans leap into the air together, creating a wave of energy that’s impossible to miss.
Varsity: A halftime tradition where the attendees put their arms around each other and sway side to side in song, a simple gesture that captures the spirit of Wisconsin game day (video).
On, Wisconsin!: The official fight song is sung after touchdowns and at the end of games, uniting fans in a chorus of Badger pride. Check out this performance at the Badger Bash tailgate!
Fifth Quarter – After the final whistle, the Wisconsin Marching Band continues to play, giving the stadium a lively send-off that keeps the energy alive. Sticking around for this tradition is also a smart way to avoid the largest crowds as they exit the stadium.

A woman in a red sweatshirt stands in a stadium, smiling and raising her hands in a "W" shape, celebrating UW Badger football with the crowd and game action visible in the background.

After a day full of Badger game-day excitement, Middleton’s nine hotels are ready to welcome you. Kick back, relax and recharge while reflecting on the fun, food and traditions you enjoyed. With comfort, convenience, and easy access to downtown and more than 80 dining spots and bars where you can keep the party going, staying in Middleton makes every game-day weekend even better.

Continue Making Memories

There’s plenty more to see and do while you’re in Middleton. Check out these blogs for tips on local favorites, events and ways to enjoy your stay to the fullest.