How to have the best first Badger tailgate

Congratulations! You are officially a Badger and now have the opportunity to partake in all of the amazing festivities UW-Madison has to offer. One of the best Badger traditions is tailgating on game-days.

There is nothing better than waking up on a nice fall day, and getting ready to cheer on Badger football at Camp Randall. Your first tailgate is just around the corner and that’s exciting, but can be a little nerve-racking if you don’t know what to expect.

Rise and shine

Tailgating starts a lot earlier than you might expect. It is not unusual for an enthusiastic badger to run down the hallway at 8 am with a blow horn or stereo, in an attempt to get everyone up and ready to party.

If possible, it is a good idea to get a good nights rest before, but that is highly unlikely, so I suggest setting your alarm extra early, and having an energy drink or coffee by your bed.

Brats for breakfast

Tailgates are one of the only occasions where it is not only acceptable, but highly encouraged to have a brat for breakfast. Whether or not you have a brat, one of Wisconsin’s staple foods, or something else, make sure you eat something before heading to the game. It’s important to have something in your stomach before you start drinking, and food at Camp Randall can be quite expensive.

If you’re lucky, you might be able to snag a free hot dog from 7-Eleven, they hand them out on some game-days.

Dress the part

Wearing red and white is required. Game day bibs are optional but highly encouraged. Face paint and stickers are also recommended. School spirit is very important, so make sure you plan ahead and have something suitable to wear when game day rolls around, and remember to always go big or go home.

Stay don’t stray

I promise you will get to a party, and one of your friends will say something along the lines of “oh, I know of another tailgate that is supposed to be way more fun.” Unless the tailgate you are currently at blows, I promise leaving is not worth it. You will likely spend a significant amount of time looking for the party, and once you arrive you will discover it is exactly the same as the place you left. My advice is find a fun tailgate, and stay there until you leave for the game.

Know your limits

As a baby badger, it’s very easy to get excited and consume too much alcohol. Not only will over-consuming likely result in you missing the game, it also is dangerous and will probably interrupt your friends tailgate experience as well. Make sure you pace yourself, so you can enjoy the game and maybe even remember it.

It’s OK to be late

Throw your manners out the window, because no one goes to the game until well into the first quarter. Kick-off is a cool experience, so definitely head to the game on time if that’s something you want to see, but otherwise being late is very normal.

Cheer your heart out

One of the best parts of tailgating and Badger football is the crazy chants the student section comes up with. Everything from “Eat shit, and fuck you” to “First and ten Wisconsin,” make sure you pay attention, so next game-day you can join in.

Jump Around

There is nothing better than jumping around with 14,000 of your closest friends. After the third quarter, “Jump Around” plays and the entire student body does exactly that. So, join in and enjoy yourself. “Jump Around” signals there is one quarter left in the game, and your first tailgating experience is coming to an end.

Being a Badger is an amazing opportunity, and your time at UW-Madison will come and go much faster than you expect, so enjoy every moment.