Bucky's Backyard Feast: A Taste of Madison on Game Day
When the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp in Madison, Wisconsin, you know it's time for Badger football—and some serious tailgating. At Camp Randall Stadium, the sea of red isn't just in the stands; it's in the parking lots and surrounding streets where fans gather hours before kickoff to celebrate their beloved Badgers.
The Badger Tailgating Scene
Badger tailgates are a perfect blend of Midwest hospitality and Wisconsin's rich culinary traditions. From the moment you step onto Breese Terrace or University Avenue, the scent of grilled bratwurst and the sound of "On, Wisconsin!" fill the air. Here's what you need to know to tailgate like a true Badger:
Signature Dishes
Beer Brats: No Badger tailgate is complete without bratwurst simmered in beer and onions, then grilled to perfection.
Cheese Curds: Fresh, squeaky cheese curds are a must-have snack. Some fans even bring portable deep fryers for that authentic fried cheese curd experience.
Red and White Potato Salad: A colorful twist on a classic side dish that shows off Badger pride.
The Drink of Choice
Spotted Cow: This farmhouse ale from New Glarus Brewing Co. is a Wisconsin exclusive and a tailgate favorite.
Recipe Spotlight: Badger Beer Brats
Here's how to make the ultimate Badger tailgate staple:
Ingredients:
6 bratwurst sausages
2 large onions, sliced
4 cans (12 oz each) of your favorite Wisconsin beer (Spotted Cow recommended)
2 tablespoons butter
6 brat buns
Mustard for serving
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine sliced onions, beer, and butter. Bring to a simmer.
Add bratwursts and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Remove brats from the beer mixture and grill over medium-high heat until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Serve on buns with mustard and beer-simmered onions.
School-Inspired Cocktail: The "Bucky Badger Bloody Mary"
No Badger tailgate would be complete without a Wisconsin-style Bloody Mary—a bold and savory cocktail that's as much a meal as it is a drink. The "Bucky Badger Bloody Mary" is garnished with all the Wisconsin essentials: cheese, sausage, and pickles.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
4 oz tomato juice
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes hot sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 celery stick
Garnishes: cheese curd, pickled sausage, pickles, olives, and a beef stick
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice and add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with a celery stick, cheese curd, pickled sausage, pickles, olives, and a beef stick.
Enjoy with a chaser of local beer, such as Spotted Cow, for the full Wisconsin experience!
Beyond the Food
Badger tailgates are about more than just eating and drinking. Here are some popular activities you'll see:
Cornhole tournaments: Red and white boards, of course.
"Jump Around" practice: Fans perfect their moves for the famous fouth quarter tradition.
Bucky Badger spotting: The beloved mascot often makes appearances at tailgates.
Weather Watch
Madison's weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared:
Early season: Light layers and sunscreen
Late season: Bring blankets and thermoses of hot chocolate
Tailgating Tip
Arrive early! The best spots fill up fast, especially for big games against rivals like Minnesota or Ohio State.
We hope this guide helps you tailgate like a true Badger fan. Next week, we'll be heading to Stillwater to see how the Oklahoma State Cowboys prepare for game day. Until then, On, Wisconsin!
Don't forget to share your Badger tailgating photos and tips in the comments below!
