Wisconsin Football games are in full swing, and with Homecoming weekend ahead, we want to make sure Badger fans have all the information and resources they need to be “green” on game day. From getting to Camp Randall to cleaning up after the tailgate, here are five simple ways to make your game-day traditions a little more sustainable.
1. Try to avoid driving!
With nearly 100 parking lots in use on game day, traffic and congestion build fast—but there are plenty of easier ways to get to Camp Randall without driving:
By foot – Camp Randall is within walking distance from most places on campus, and from many off-campus housing areas as well. Insider tips:
If you’re coming from the Lakeshore neighborhood, taking the pedestrian bridge over Campus Drive, which connects Linden Drive to University Avenue, can shorten your commute by bringing you straight to N. Breese Terrace and the student gate.
If you’re coming from the Southeast neighborhood, walking down W. Dayton Street will bring you to the Camp Randall Arch, which also leads directly to the student gate.
By bike – Did you know UW-Madison is a Platinum-level Bike Friendly University? With more bicycle parking on campus than car parking, biking to the stadium isn’t just better for the planet; it’s also one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get there. The Southwest Commuter Path even leads directly to the stadium.
The nearest public-use bike racks to Camp Randall are located at Engineering Hall, Union South, the Discovery Building, and the Wisconsin Energy Institute. If you don’t have a bike or only need one for part of the trip, BCycle stations are available at 1848 University Ave., Union South, and 92 S. Breese Terrace.
If you want “premium” (and extra secure!) parking, Camp Randall also hosts a bike corral on game days, which is a free area that is overseen by attendants during the game.
By public transit – The Madison Metro has multiple routes that stop near Camp Randall, and students, staff, and faculty can ride any bus for free courtesy of the ASM Bus Pass. Routes A, C, J, E, D, and O all serve stops near the stadium. However, several lines run detours on game day to help manage traffic and account for construction. Check the City of Madison Metro Detours page before you head out to make sure your route is running as planned.
If you live further from campus, consider driving to one of Madison’s Park & Ride lots and hopping on a bus from there to avoid traffic and save on parking fees. The Bucky Shuttle also runs on game days from multiple lots across campus to N. Breese Terrace.
If none of these work and you have to drive, consider carpooling with some friends!
2. Familiarize yourself with Camp Randall’s recycling system
Game days produce a lot of waste, especially recyclables. Camp Randall has a completely integrated waste system, meaning there is always a recycling bin available nearby when there is a trash can. This provides fans and staff with the opportunity to recycle anything used during the game that is accepted by the local waste management company.
What can I recycle? – There are many items commonly used during game days that can be recycled. One of the main ones is aluminum cans, frequently used as a beverage container for most alcoholic beverages. Some other common items to recycle include: clean food boxes (popcorn, pizza), plastic bottles/containers, and programs/posters. If you are not sure if an item is recyclable, use the UW-Madison Zero Waste Compass!
Where can I recycle? – It is also important to practice proper recycling outside of the game itself, like during pre-game tailgates or post-game celebrations. If there is not a recycling can readily available (i.e., you are tailgating in a parking lot), try to collect your recyclables in a bag and dispose of them later. Not all dumpsters or public trash cans are used for recycling, so it is important to collect your own recycling outside of places without designated recycling areas.
Why should I recycle? – Many of the neighborhoods near Camp Randall are covered in cans and other waste after the game, which could be significantly reduced if we all do our part to recycle properly!
3. Use less to begin with
While recycling is important, the easiest way to manage your waste is to not create any at all.
Reduce and Reuse – When outside of Camp Randall, using a reusable bottle is a surefire way to minimize your waste. Within the stadium, concession stands sell soft drinks in a reusable badger-themed cup, which can be refilled throughout the game, as well as taken home and used in the household. Along with this, eating and hydrating at home prior to the game to reduce in-game food purchases will help reduce the single-use packaging waste.
4. Eat with intention
One of the biggest parts of game days is food (did someone say cheese curds?).
Shop local – As you celebrate and cheer on the Badgers across Madison, try to support local products, bars, and restaurants instead of chains, and, when possible, do research to see if they source their food locally.
Prevent food waste – While you’re loading up on game-day snacks, remember to only buy what you can eat to help save good food from going to the landfill. There are currently no front-of-house composting options on campus, so any food not eaten or taken home must be thrown out. To help support UW’s zero-waste goal, order less than you think you need, and come back for more after finishing the initial amount.
5. Gear up sustainably—don’t contribute to textile waste
Over 11 million tons of clothing and textiles are thrown away each year, not counting donated items. It can be tempting to grab new gear for every game, but rewearing what you already have—or trading with friends—is the more sustainable play.
Alternatives: Instead of buying new Badger gear, consider wearing something red that you already own, rewearing your previous game day outfits, borrowing clothing from friends or family, or checking out thrift and resale stores in the Madison area.
Purchasing habits: Consider how much use you will get out of an item before you purchase it. Will you wear this outside of football season? Will it be stored away in the back of your closet? These are good questions to keep in mind when you’re buying Wisconsin gear—or really, anything.