UMN vs UW-Madison: Football culture?

Hi everyone! I'm a huge football fan, and I'm considering both the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin-Madison for college. Can anyone give me a feel for the football culture at these schools? How's the support and game day experience like?

Hi! Great question. As someone familiar with both campuses, I can definitely give you a general idea about the football culture at the University of Minnesota (UMN) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison).

At UMN, the Golden Gophers have a passionate fan base and a strong football culture. TCF Bank Stadium, where the games are held, creates a fun atmosphere with activities and tailgating before the games. The student section, known as the "Barnyard," is always lively and packed. You'll find plenty of school spirit throughout the campus on game days, and the strong Big Ten Conference competition makes for some exciting matchups.

UW-Madison's Badgers also have a dedicated fan base and a rich football tradition. Camp Randall Stadium, one of the oldest stadiums in college football, offers an incredible experience on game days. Students in the "Jump Around" section jump to the House of Pain's song "Jump Around" between the 3rd and 4th quarters, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The tailgating scene at UW-Madison is very vibrant, and you'll see lots of people in red and white all around campus participating in pre-game festivities.

Both schools have a strong football culture, but UW-Madison's might be more intense overall due to its long history and tradition. The game day experience at both schools can be memorable, so you can't go wrong with either choice. It's worth considering factors like academics, campus environment, and other extracurricular opportunities at the two schools rather than basing your decision solely on football culture. But if football is your passion, you'll undoubtedly enjoy your time at either UMN or UW-Madison. Good luck on your decision-making process!