Maryland Terrapins Fans: Meet The Wisconsin Badgers

Apr 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Traevon Jackson (12) passes the ball away from Kentucky Wildcats guard Andrew Harrison (bottom) during the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

As we tour the Big Ten opponents for Maryland Terrapins fans we now head to the great state of Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is the flagship campus of a statewide system. According to Wikipedia the state was nicknamed the “Badger State” due to mine workers who lived like that animal in their tunnels for long periods of time. The school has used the mascot symbol since the 1800’s but added “Bucky Badger” as a specific name in the 1940’s.

Madison is located about an hour west of Milwaukee and two hours northwest Chicago. The city is jammed in between four lakes that are part of the Yahara River. Madison is part Austin, Portland (Oregon), Milwaukee and Chicago into one small city package. Cubs and the in-state Brewers have most of the baseball allegiances here, but NFL support is primarily for the Packers. The Milwaukee Bucks are the local team but have not always seen that their support travels too well. The Chicago Blackhawks would win the NHL race here just because they are nearby. Baseball fans may enjoy a minor league-type experience at a Madison Mallards game. They play in the summer collegiate Northwoods League and their home – Warner Park – is considered very family friendly.

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Football and basketball are huge here as well as being very successful. Barry Alvarez really pushed the program to amazing levels in the 90’s. His heir Bret Bielema continued to do so until he defected to the SEC. Former Utah State head coach Gary Andersen now has the task of maintaining the high level of the past 20 years. They are a potential BCS contender every year. Basketball may be even more successful under Coach Bo Ryan. The appearance of the hard-working Badgers team in this past year’s NCAA Final Four exemplifies the kind of teams they have had lately. Men’s and women’s ice hockey and track and field are other quality teams on campus. Wisconsin is the only conference school not to field a baseball team.

Echo Tap and The Wise are great watering holes. State Street Brats is a great sports bar that also has great options to try the local bratwursts. I would also recommend the cheese curd basket. If you need a higher-end place to eat, try A Pig in a Fur Coat or Forequarter.

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