The Wisconsin Badgers basketball and hockey teams call the Kohl Center home. Since 1998, Wisconsin Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Hockey Teams have played their home games at the same place. The sporting arena is named after former United States Senator and former Milwaukee Bucks owner Herb Kohl, who donated $25 million of his Kohl’s department/grocery store fortune to the building project. At the time it was the largest single donation in University of Wisconsin System history. Now in 2023, the Kohl Center has a new home court/ice advantage they’ve never had before.
Wisconsin Badgers Fans Are Now Able To Buy Beer And Hard Seltzer At Basketball And Hockey Games
According to Todd Milewski of the Wisconsin State Journal:
Buying beer during a University of Wisconsin game at the Kohl Center has been reserved for those in suites and club seats.
That’s about to change in a move that brings the Badgers closer to their Big Ten compatriots.
UW will expand beer sales to the general public at the Kohl Center and LaBahn Arena starting this season, it announced Thursday.
The school will become the 12th of 14 in its conference to sell beer to general public ticket holders of legal drinking age. There’s no plan yet to expand beer sales for Badgers football games at Camp Randall Stadium, according to a UW spokesperson.
UW will sell beer, wine and prepackaged alcoholic beverages like hard seltzers at the venues for Badgers basketball and hockey.
It’s part of what a UW athletics official said was a renewed focus on the customer experience. The Badgers also have renewed a partnership with sports marketing group Legends and hired sports advertising and entertainment company Van Wagner to step up in-game production at Camp Randall.
What Does This Mean For Wisconsin Badgers Home Games At The Kohl Center?
It is no secret that Wisconsin folk like to have a drink every now and then. It is also no secret that fans who have a little “liquid courage” tend to have a bit more passion during sporting events. As the 2022-2023 college basketball season concluded, there seemed to be a general consensus among fans, students and faculty that the overall atmosphere and energy from the crowd in the Kohl Center was subpar this season.
Some pointed to the regular season performance as a culprit for the low energy, but considering how consistent and competitive the program is, coupled with how passionate of a college sports town Madison is, this should never be an excuse for lack of support.
Some blamed alumni and regular admission, specifically in the lower bowl, for not bringing enough energy and support. Others argue that the “AreaRED” student section was lacking its usual liveliness. While it seems as though there isn’t one reason for the sub-par energy, giving alcohol to the entire stadium COULD be a step in the right direction to get fans on their feet and passionate.
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