Every moment of a Wisconsin Badgers game can be exciting, from the action on the field to the fans sitting around you. However, when the sound system at Camp Randall Stadium blasts House of Pain’s “Jump Around” between the third and fourth quarters, be prepared for one of the best traditions in college football. When the song begins, fans go crazy, the stadium shakes, and everyone does exactly what the song says, JUMP AROUND!
Located on the west side of the University of Wisconsin campus, Camp Randall Stadium is the oldest stadium in the Big Ten Conference. Football at the university dates back to 1889, but the Badgers did not begin playing at the site of Camp Randall Stadium until 1913, when an original wooden stadium was constructed. Football was played there for two seasons before the structure collapsed. A new, safer stadium made of steel and concrete was needed, and a 10,000 seat facility was constructed. The Badgers played their first game at the new stadium on November 3, 1917, against Minnesota.
Unlike many other college football stadiums, Camp Randall Stadium is not named after the team or someone associated with the university. Camp Randall was originally an army training camp during the American Civil War, and the stadium was built on the historic site. Like many other college football stadiums, Camp Randall has been expanded numerous times throughout its history. By 1951, the seating capacity had reached 51,000. In 1958, the track surrounding the playing field was removed and the field was lowered, bringing fans closer to the action. A three level press box and second deck on the west side were completed before the 1966 season, increasing the capacity to 77,745.
Since 1966, relatively few major changes have been made to the stadium. In the early 1990s, Astroturf was installed to replace the natural grass, and a new scoreboard was added in 1992. Prior to the start of the 2005 season, Camp Randall Stadium underwent another major renovation. The project added nearly 1,000 club seats and 72 luxury suites, rebuilt the south end zone, and enclosed the southeast and west corners with additional seating. The Astroturf playing surface was also removed and replaced with FieldTurf. The latest renovation project at the stadium was completed in 2022 when the existing bleachers in the south end zone were replaced with premium and club seating. This reduced the overall seating capacity by about 4,000.
Today, Camp Randall Stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 76,000 and remains one of the most recognizable venues in college football. While “Jump Around” is the most famous tradition during the game, the excitement does not end when the final whistle blows. After each game, many fans remain in the stadium for the “Fifth Quarter,” when the Wisconsin marching band performs a number of popular songs, including “On Wisconsin,” “Space Badgers,” “Varsity,” and many others. Between “Jump Around” and the “Fifth Quarter,” a trip to Camp Randall Stadium is an experience that extends well beyond the football game itself.
