‘Drunkest city’ in Big Ten approves booze at college football games

Hidden in all of the discussion of football at Day 1 of Big Ten Media Days was an announcement from Wisconsin that might change the fan experience more than a coaching change. The Badgers will start selling booze.

Madison has a reputation for its alcohol consumption. Last year, 24/7 Wall Street ranked Madison as the drunkest city in the Big Ten. And the competition wasn’t close. Madison ranked fourth on the list of “Drunkest Cities in the US.” In fact, the state of Wisconsin landed 10 of the top 20 spots. The next closest Big Ten city on the list was Iowa City at No. 13.

Now, things are getting even boozier in Madison. The University of Wisconsin announced through its official website that it will start selling alcohol at its football stadium Camp Randall. “Beginning with the football season home opener on Friday, Aug. 30, Wisconsin Athletics will begin selling alcoholic beverages in the general seating areas at Camp Randall Stadium. Athletics will offer beer, wine and pre-packaged alcoholic products such as hard seltzers.”

The announcement did set some limits, “Fans at Camp Randall will be limited to purchasing only two drinks at a time per person, the University of Wisconsin Police Department will provide increased on-site presence, and fans will continue to have access to a text line to report any problems they may encounter. Additionally, ID policy at the stadium will mirror that at the Kohl Center and LaBahn: Anyone who appears under the age of 40 will need to show ID, which will be verified by an electronic scanner.”