After 10 years away, it’s time for Badger football to return to Lambeau Field on September 6. As two historic teams, UW–Madison and the Green Bay Packers each have their own iconic game day rituals. Here are just a few that make games in Madtown and Titletown unforgettable.
Know your history
Badgers vs. Packers
Wisconsin football dates back to 1889, and the Badgers were one of the founding members of the Big Ten Conference. Before becoming the home of Badger football in 1917, the land where Camp Randall Stadium now stands served as a Union Army training camp during the Civil War.
The Packers were founded in 1919 and have remained in Green Bay ever since, making them the oldest NFL franchise that has never changed cities. Lambeau Field opened in 1957 and remains the oldest continuously operating stadium in the NFL.
Start the day on a full stomach
Mickie’s Dairy Bar vs. The Pancake Place
Game day starts with breakfast. Located steps from Camp Randall, Mickie’s Dairy Bar has fueled Badger fans for decades, while The Pancake Place is a Green Bay favorite for fans heading to Lambeau. Both restaurants are known for their generous portions — especially plate-sized pancakes that are worth the wait.
Dress the part
Cardinal and white vs. Green and gold
Striped bibs vs. Cheeseheads
Game day in Wisconsin comes with a signature look. The Badgers have worn cardinal and white since 1887, while striped bib overalls became a signature part of game day in the 1970s. In Green Bay, generations of fans have donned green and gold (never yellow), often topped with an iconic Cheesehead Hat, invented in 1987. The famous foam wedge has become such a symbol of American sports culture that it is now part of the Smithsonian’s collection.
Stay on beat
The UW Marching Band vs. the Tundra Line
Founded in 1885, the UW Marching Band’s pregame, halftime, and Fifth Quarter performances have kept the energy around Camp Randall alive for over a century.
At Lambeau Field, the Tundra Line brings its own musical tradition to Packer home games. Made up of musicians from across Wisconsin, including many UW–Madison alumni, the drumline welcomes fans into one of football’s most iconic venues.
Make some noise
“Jump Around” vs. “Go, Pack, Go”
Some traditions are heard before they’re seen. When House of Pain’s “Jump Around” begins, Camp Randall erupts as more than 70,000 fans prepare to welcome the fourth quarter. The tradition began on October 10, 1998, and it has become a moment synonymous with Wisconsin football.
At Lambeau Field, “Go, Pack, Go” isn’t just a chant. The phrase traces its roots to “Go! You Packers Go!” written in 1931 as the first official fight song in NFL history. It has since become a rallying cry for generations of Packers fans.
Celebrate every point
Bucky’s Push-Ups vs. the Lambeau Leap
Every touchdown deserves a big celebration. After the Badgers score, Bucky celebrates with his famous push-ups. In Green Bay, Packers players celebrate by leaping into the stands, a tradition known as the Lambeau Leap that has been a fan favorite since it began spontaneously in 1993.
Get the party started
Tailgate: Regent Street vs. the Lambeau neighborhoods
It wouldn’t be a game day in Wisconsin without a tailgate. From Regent Street and Badger Bash in Madison to neighborhood tailgates around Lambeau Field, fans know how to make the most of every pregame.
Luckily, if you’re heading to the game this year, you get the best of both worlds.
Join fellow Badgers at the official pregame tailgate, BADGER HUDDLE® at Lambeau, taking place right outside Lambeau Field, before the Badgers face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
