Attending a University of Wisconsin Madison Badgers football game at Camp Randall Stadium is an experience every sports fan should have. With a capacity of over 80,000, Camp Randall is one of the most iconic venues in college football. As a perennial Big Ten powerhouse, Badgers football games often sell out quickly. If you want to get tickets to a UW Madison football game, you’ll need to plan ahead and understand all your ticket options. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to buy Badgers football tickets.
When Do UW Madison Football Tickets Go on Sale?
UW Madison football tickets go on sale at different times depending on the game and where you are purchasing tickets from. Here is an overview of the typical on-sale dates:
- Single Game Tickets – On sale in May/June for the upcoming season.
- Season Tickets – On sale in February/March for the upcoming season.
- Student Tickets – On sale in August a few weeks before the season starts.
- Secondary Market (Stubhub, VividSeats, etc) – On sale year round, prices fluctuate based on demand.
Exact on-sale dates are announced on the UW Badgers official website and social media pages. Sign up for email alerts to stay updated on the latest ticket sale announcements. The earlier you purchase, the better selection and prices you will get.
Where to Buy UW Madison Football Tickets
There are several options available when looking to purchase Badgers football tickets:
UW Badgers Ticket Office
The UW ticket office offers tickets directly to the general public. This is the only way to get tickets directly from the university. You can purchase online, over the phone or in person. The ticket office typically sells single game tickets and season ticket packages.
Season Ticket Holders
Connecting with existing season ticket holders is a great way to find tickets. Often season ticket holders cannot attend every game. Reach out to season ticket holders in your network to let them know you are interested in buying their unused tickets.
Secondary Ticket Markets
Websites like StubHub, VividSeats and SeatGeek provide a secondary market to buy tickets from other fans and ticket brokers. Prices are determined by supply and demand. The upside is access to a large inventory. The downside is paying a premium for high demand games.
Student Tickets
Enrolled UW-Madison students can claim tickets for free to each home game. The number of tickets available per student varies per game based on demand. Students typically get 1-2 tickets per game.
Ticket Brokers
There are many ticket brokers that buy and sell UW football tickets like Ticket King and Sconsin Sports Tickets. They offer full season ticket packages as well as individual game tickets. Brokers usually have access to premium seat locations. However, expect to pay a higher price compared to face value costs.
Ticket Resale Sites
Stubhub, VividSeats and TickPick are popular secondary marketplaces for ticket resale. Season ticket holders and brokers list tickets for sale on these sites. Resale sites charge seller fees and buyer fees, so expect to pay 10-20% above the listed ticket price.
UW Madison Football Ticket Prices
Badgers ticket prices vary greatly depending on the opponent and seat location. Below are the face value ticket costs directly from the UW ticket office:
Single Game Tickets
Seat Location | Price Per Ticket |
---|---|
End Zone | $55 |
End Zone Corners | $65 |
Lower Sideline | $70 |
Upper Sideline | $60 |
Club Sections | $80+ |
For premium opponents like Michigan, Ohio State and Notre Dame, expect to pay a $10-20 premium over base prices.
Season Ticket Packages
Season tickets provide a discount over buying single game tickets. Season ticket prices vary based on seat location.
Seat Location | Price Per Season |
---|---|
End Zone | $330 |
End Zone Corners | $390 |
Lower Sideline | $420 |
Upper Sideline | $360 |
Club Sections | $480+ |
Donating to the UW Athletic Department provides access to preferred seating locations at premium price points.
On the secondary market, expect to pay above face value, especially for marquee games. Below are average secondary market ticket prices for select home games:
Opponent | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Michigan | $325 |
Iowa | $195 |
Rutgers | $75 |
How to Get the Cheapest UW Badgers Tickets
To get the best ticket prices and deals, consider the following tips:
- Buy season tickets or mini-plans – you’ll save over buying individual games.
- Look for group and promo discounts on the UW ticket office website.
- Attend a less in-demand game like a non-conference opponent.
- Wait until the week of the game to buy on secondary sites when prices drop.
- Split costs with friends and sit together.
- Ask about student ticket pricing – students can buy guest passes.
Avoiding premium opponents like Ohio State and Michigan will lead to the cheapest ticket options. Weekday games are also cheaper than weekend games.
Getting the Best Seats at UW Madison Games
Badgers fans looking for the best seats should target buying tickets in these areas:
- Lower Sideline – Between the 30 yard lines
- Club Sections – Premium amenities and midfield views
- Upper Deck Midfield – Higher up but centered on the 50 yard line
- End Zone Corners – Closer view than corners, allows you to see both end zones
Many consider sections O-V between the 35 yard lines as the optimal place to watch a game. These lower sidelines offer you the best vantage point of game action.
Avoid obstructed view seats in the upper corners of the end zone. While cheaper, you’ll be limited in what you can see.
When to Buy UW Badgers Football Tickets
Timing your ticket purchase strategically can save you money:
- Preseason – Buy season tickets or single game tickets when they go on sale to the public for face value prices.
- Early in season – Demand rises once the team’s record is known. Buy now before prices increase.
- Week of game – Prices drop this week as sellers panic. Look for last minute deals.
- Day before game – Cheapest prices as sellers accept lowball offers. Riskiest time to buy.
- Gameday – Only inflated last minute tickets left. Not recommended.
Popular games will still command higher prices, but buying sooner than later saves money. Avoid buying tickets the day of the game.
Buying UW Madison Football Tickets from a Safe Source
When looking for the safest way to buy tickets, only purchase from:
- UW Badgers Ticket Office – Safest bet, directly from source.
- Big retailers like Stubhub, VividSeats – Reliable names in secondary ticket market.
- Small ticket brokers – Look for longevity, customer reviews, BBB rating.
- Season ticket holders – Buy from known individuals like friends, family, co-workers.
Never buy from unofficial channels like Craigslist, eBay, unknown sellers. Fake ticket scams are common. Only pay with credit card for buyer protection. Inspect tickets closely upon delivery before paying. Digital tickets reduce scam risks.
Can You Get Refunds on UW Badgers Tickets?
The refund policy depends on where and when you purchased tickets:
- UW Ticket Office – Full refunds available if requested 7+ days before game. Partial refund within 6 days. No refund day of game.
- Secondary Market Sites – Each site sets policy, but generally no refunds 24-48 hours before game.
- Scalpers/Brokers – No refunds, all ticket sales final.
Read the fine print before purchasing tickets from any source. Understand the refund deadline dates and any fees deducted from the refund.
Can You Resell UW Badgers Football Tickets?
If you can no longer attend a game, reselling tickets you purchased is an option. Season ticket holders regularly sell tickets to games they cannot attend.
Popular resell sites like StubHub, VividSeats and SeatGeek make it easy to list your tickets. You will pay a seller fee, but can name your asking price.
Before reselling, understand any restrictions from the original ticket source. Some limit reselling to face value prices to prevent scalping. Digital tickets have tightened reselling controls in recent years.
Selling outside official channels like Craigslist increases scam risks and is discouraged. Always meet in person and avoid online payment methods to complete such sales.
Conclusion
With so many factors impacting UW Madison Badgers football ticket availability and prices, buying tickets can feel complicated. Planning ahead, understanding all purchase channels, and timing your buying strategy appropriately gives you the best chance for ticket success. Use this guide to make the ticket buying process smooth and secure. Whether a die-hard Badgers fan or attending your first Camp Randall experience, following these tips will allow you to cheer on Wisconsin from prime seats all season long.
On, Wisconsin!