UW–Madison’s Camp Randall Stadium has been through eight significant renovations. Originally constructed in 1917, it’s the fifth-oldest college football stadium in the country. When premium season-ticket holders expressed a desire for an alternative to box seats, one where they could take part in the collective energy of the games rather than feeling separated from the action, the UW athletic department was happy to heed their call. Construction began November 22, 2021, to reinvent the south end zone of Camp Randall Stadium, right after the football season concluded. Less than a year later, the superior south end zone was unveiled as JP Cullen completed the project ahead of schedule.
“It’s a big chapter in the book of Camp Randall,” says Chris McIntosh ’04, MS’19, director of athletics. “This renovation allows us to be competitive and stay competitive. The expectations of our fans are evolving, and this is an attempt to offer them an experience, one that they’ve told us they want.”
With the assistance of generous donors and ticket buyers, this $77.6 million project is providing fans with more than enhanced premium seating options for Badger football games. Ticket holders also have access to indoor and outdoor hospitality clubs, climate-controlled amenities, expanded first-rate food and beverage selections, dedicated restrooms, and exceptional service. While the new south end zone configuration modestly decreased the overall capacity of Camp Randall Stadium, the premier open-air space boasts ledge seating, a terrace space, and chairback seats, and it adjoins the stadium to the iconic Wisconsin Field House. These top-notch seating alternatives became popular so quickly that tickets for the 2022 season sold out.
“People are very impressed with the way the project turned out. A highlight is the Champions Club, which really ties the Field House into the space,” says Jason King, senior associate athletic director for capital projects and operations. “The backdrop to the space is actually the facade of the Field House. And above it are the windows that allow you to see from the patio area into the Field House.”