Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

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Spring football game: don’t not go!

Here in Madison, gameday is a sacred tradition. For me, it’s usually the earliest I’ll wake up all year, which can only be explained with the phrase: cuz’ it’s gameday! This rationale pervades the day — from triumphantly downing beer bongs to gracefully dancing away the Fifth Quarter. Seven glorious fall Saturdays each season, Badger faithful assemble in historic Camp Randall Stadium.

After every season, most Badger fans longingly wait for next fall. But in doing this, fans are overlooking an important aspect of the season: the spring football game. Although scarcely attended in Madison (last year it looked like the division 4 WIAA playoff game), other Big Ten venues typically draw 50,000 plus fans. It seems that the game lacks appeal to alumni and students alike, yet the game offers many incentives to attend, and I’ve outlined six reasons to go to Saturday’s scrimmage.

1) Great prizes and opportunities to meet with the team

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You can win a freaking car. Now, if the attendance is equal to last year, I’d estimate that there’s about a 1 in 6,000 chance of winning, and that’s assuming everyone at the game is eligible. You’re about as likely to get injured shaving http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMRrNY0pxfM. On top of this, students have the unique opportunity to meet the team in the UW Field House for a Qdoba dinner Thursday night. Included in the dinner are a spring game ticket and a burrito bar. Additionally, students can win 2012 season tickets (avoid the iniquitous lottery!) and other prizes from Qdoba.

2) Donate to a good cause

The UW center for non-profits in the UW School of Human Ecology will receive the proceeds from the game. In purchasing a ticket, you are supporting a great cause to help a campus group. You get a lot with this ticket; you’re assuring yourself quality entertainment while supporting the football team and the School of Human Ecology.

3) Cuz it’s gameday!

The spring game is a great opportunity to get together with friends, grill out and have a couple drinks. Maybe there will even be some parties on Breese Terrace. Nonetheless, students only get a couple Saturdays each year with a gameday atmosphere, so why not extend that with one more event each spring. This event can also indicate relative support for the Badgers. Across the nation, many analysts associate high spring game attendance with feverish support for the team, so don the bibs, eat a good breakfast, accomplish some studying and head out to the game.

4) Preview the team for next season

Last year Russell Wilson wasn’t a Badger yet, and this year Danny O’Brien is in Maryland. However, fans can get an excellent look at the young talent on the team. The spring game provides playing time for players deep on the depth chart, so expect to learn a lot about the backups vying for a starting job in the years to come. At the same time, the game showcases various position battles. For instance, inexperienced wide receivers and defensive backs will have to fill in certain roles this season, and the spring game could help reveal the playmakers in these groups.

5) An eighth home game

Supposing the average student spends four years at UW-Madison, that’s 28 home games, and who knows where your career will take you after that. Basically, there are limited chances to see the Badgers in person as a student (which we all know is the most exciting viewing option). Go to the game for the festivities and Jump Around; you’ll always be a Badger, but not a Badger student. Chris Borland says it best in his hilarious Youtube video: “just go.”

6) Bonus: Because we don’t like Ohio State University

Ohio State reportedly drew over 80,000 fans to their game last Saturday. Perhaps so many Buckeye faithful attended because they haven’t lost to Purdue yet in the 2012 season.

Granted, many students may feel they won’t have time to attend the game Saturday because of schoolwork or other commitments. With Mifflin just two weeks away, many students may want to study in anticipation of exams. Yet, I would implore students to attend the game. Stay in Friday night, or wake up early Saturday morning and tackle that six-page paper. The spring game offers enticing opportunities for fans to learn about the team and revel in a gameday atmosphere, all while supporting an excellent cause. Get out your red shirt. Trek down Dayton or Regent. Because on Saturday, it is gameday.

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