University of Wisconsin has received permission from the Big
Ten Network to broadcast next Wednesday?s basketball game between the Badgers
and the Indiana Hoosiers on the big screen at the Kohl Center.

Associate Director of Athletic Communications Vince Sweeney
said there were still some details of the event to pin down, but he hopes
everything will be set by the end of the day today. He made clear, however, the
event would be free to students.

Sweeney said the goal is to create the feel of a live game
in the arena. He said UW hopes to have full concessions available as well as
other entertainment. This means there could be Bucky Badger, cheerleaders and
the UW Band.

?We want to have everything but the teams, I guess,? Sweeney
said.

According to Sweeney, the university is unsure how the
seating will be controlled or what time the gates will open for the 6 p.m.
tip-off. He added the event is difficult to prepare for because no one is sure
how many people will show up.

?We don?t know what to expect,? Sweeney said. ?This is
something that is really hard to predict.?

UW senior Brady Minter said he thinks there will be a big
crowd, including himself, if the university goes through with the broadcast.

?I?ve been watching all the games at State Street Brats, so
I?ll be saving money,? Minter said. ?Too bad they can?t do that for the
football games, too.?

Minter said he thinks the event will also be successful
because of the matchup itself.

?I?d imagine a lot of students would want to see it because
it?s a big game, too,? Minter said.

The Badgers are currently ranked No. 8 in the Associated
Press poll and the Hoosiers are ranked 14th. The teams are No. 2 and 3
respectively in the conference, so Wednesday?s matchup is very important in the
battle for conference supremacy.

Sweeney said the university doesn?t plan on turning a profit
on the event, as the price of staffing the event will definitely outweigh
revenue brought in by concession sales.

?We?ll probably lose money on the event, but that?s not what
this is about,? Sweeney said. ?This is about the fans who are caught in the
middle. We want people to be able to see the game.?

Sweeney said there are no plans for any similar broadcasting
events at the Kohl Center. He added UW is only looking so far as Wednesday
night?s game.