Camp Randall Stadium: A Historic and Evolving Venue for the University of Wisconsin Badgers

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Camp Randall Stadium, located at 1440 Monroe Street in Madison, Wisconsin, is the home of the University of Wisconsin Badgers football team. The stadium has a rich history and has undergone numerous renovations and expansions since its inception.

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Historical Background

Camp Randall Stadium was built in 1917 and is the oldest stadium in the Big Ten Conference. The site originally served as a Union Army training camp during the Civil War, where over 70,000 troops were trained. After the war, the land was returned to the state fair property and later donated to the University of Wisconsin in 1893. The first football game at the site was played in 1895, and the stadium was officially opened in 1917 with a capacity of 10,000 seats.

Stadium Features and Renovations

Over the years, Camp Randall Stadium has seen significant changes:

• 1922: The wooden bleachers were replaced with permanent seats.
• 1958: The running track was removed, and the playing field was lowered, increasing the seating capacity.
• 1966: A second deck was added on the west side, further increasing capacity.
• 2001-2005: A major renovation added luxury boxes, a five-story office building, and new scoreboards. The capacity was increased to 80,321.
• 2022: The south end zone was renovated to include premium seating and a new scoreboard.

Recent Improvements for 2024

For the 2024 season, Camp Randall Stadium has introduced several new features:

• Alcohol Sales: For the first time, alcohol will be available for purchase throughout the stadium, including beer, wine, and pre-packaged alcoholic drinks.
• Heated Turf: The field has been equipped with a heating infrastructure to prevent ice and snow buildup, ensuring games can be played even in winter.
• New Video Board: The stadium now boasts the third-largest video board in college sports, featuring clearer graphics and replays.
• Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Chair of Honor: A symbolic empty seat has been added to honor American heroes who are POW/MIA. This seat is located on the Summit Credit Union Fifth Quarter Patio in the South End Zone.

Fan Experience

The stadium has also improved the fan experience with more restrooms, grab-and-go food stations, and digital video boards around the stadium. Ticket sales and downloads are now completely online, and fans can use the Badgers App to purchase or download tickets ahead of the game.

Cultural Significance

Camp Randall Stadium is not just a sports venue but also a cultural landmark. It has hosted numerous concerts, including performances by Pink Floyd, U2, and Phil Collins. The tradition of "Jump Around," where fans jump to the song of the same name after the third quarter, is a beloved part of the game day experience.

In summary, Camp Randall Stadium is a historic and continually evolving venue that plays a central role in the University of Wisconsin's athletic and cultural life.