Vincent Frank
The University of Wisconsin made some major news during Big 10 Media Day on Monday. No, it’s not about Badger football and the hopes of contention moving into the 2024 college football season.
Rather, it’s all about the fan experience inside Madison’s Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin announced for the first time ever that the school will sell alcohol during football games this coming season.
“Beginning with the football season home opener on Friday, Aug. 30, Wisconsin Athletics will begin selling alcoholic beverages in the general seating areas at Camp Randall Stadium,” Wisconsin said in a statement. “Athletics will offer beer, wine and pre-packaged alcoholic products such as hard seltzers. Sales will also begin at the UW Field House, home to the Badger women’s volleyball and men’s wrestling teams.”
This has become somewhat of a common trend around the college football world. It was earlier this year that the Michigan Wolverines announced that they would be selling alcohol in the Big House starting this coming season.
Their rivals have now followed suit.
“The option to purchase alcohol is common at collegiate athletic venues all over the country and we’re glad that we can now offer it as part of the fan experience at Camp Randall,” Wisconsin Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin said. “I appreciate the work our athletic and administrative teams have done to put together a plan that balances this opportunity with public safety.”
Related: Philadelphia Eagles Have NFL’s Most Expensive Beer
Madison Is Considered Wisconsin’s “Drunkest” City
It was back in 2023 that 24/7 Wall Street ranked Madison — the home of the Badgers — as the drunkest city in Wisconsin. In fact, it was considered the fourth “drunkest city” in the United States. All four the drunkest cities exist within the state, too.
- Green Bay
- Eau Claire
- Appleton
- Madison
Per the aforementioned report, 25.9% of adults in Madison drink to “excess.” A total of 38% of driving deaths in Madison also included alcohol.
“There are about 226 bars and restaurants for every 100,000 Madison metro area residents. Nationwide, there are 184 drinking establishments per 100,000 people,” report on Madison.
Let’s just hope everyone stays safe. That’s for sure.