Fan Field Guide
College Football event guide

Midwest Rivalry Weekend

Rivalry weekends are the hardest tickets and the most expensive hotel nights of the season. Plan lodging first and tickets second.

Fan Field Guide Editorial Team / Editorial · Updated August 2026

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The basics

What this event actually is

When

Late October through the last weekend of the regular season

Where

Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin

Coverage

Usually a national or conference network window

Planning

How to plan the trip

The order that saves the most money and the most stress.

  • Lock the date first. Kickoff windows move, dates rarely do.
  • Book refundable lodging before buying tickets, because rooms sell out faster than seats.
  • Compare seat locations, not just price. Shade, wind and aisle access matter more than a few rows.
  • Confirm the venue bag policy and payment rules before you leave the hotel.
  • Plan the exit. Rideshare pickup zones are usually several blocks from the gates.
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The venue

Camp Randall Stadium

Capacity 75,822Opened 1917Madison, Wisconsin

A tight, steep bowl in the middle of campus, best known for the student section jumping between the third and fourth quarters.

  • Campus lots are permit-only on game day; private lots off Regent Street are the realistic option.
  • Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff and the west gates move fastest.
  • Bring a clear bag; the policy is enforced at every gate.
  • November kickoffs can swing 25 degrees between warmups and the fourth quarter.
Teams

Programs involved

Watching

If you are staying home

Usually a national or conference network window. Our conference viewing guide breaks down which package carries which window, including the streaming options that cover games not on national television.

How to watch guide