As a longtime Badgers fan who’s followed the team through thick and thin, I’ve learned that getting the most out of a season starts with knowing the schedule inside and out. So let’s dive into the 2023 UW Madison football schedule—key dates, those must-see rivalry clashes, and how you can snag tickets before they vanish. I’ll walk you through how I plan my own season, step by step, so you don’t miss a thing. First off, mark your calendar for the home opener on September 2 against Buffalo. It’s a perfect warm-up, and honestly, the energy at Camp Randall that first game is electric. I always tell new fans to start here—it sets the tone. Then, just a week later, we face Washington State at home. That’s one I’m circling; it’s a non-conference test that could show early if this team’s got grit. Now, onto the real meat: the Big Ten matchups. On September 22, we’re at Purdue, which is always a scrappy road game. I’ve been to West Lafayette a couple times, and let me say, it’s not easy—pack your patience and maybe some noise-canceling headphones. But the one I’m most pumped for? October 28, when we host Ohio State. That’s the kind of game where legends are made, and tickets for this one will disappear faster than you can say “Jump Around.” I’ve already set reminders to buy mine the second they drop.
When it comes to rivalry games, nothing beats the axe. The battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe against Minnesota on November 25 is the season finale, and it’s personal. I’ve seen years where this game decided everything—last season’s 23-16 loss still stings, so redemption is on the menu. And don’t forget Iowa on October 14; that’s another grudge match I’ve circled in red. My method for these rivalry games is simple: buy tickets early, arrive hours before kickoff to soak in the tailgating, and wear your red loud and proud. From experience, if you wait until the last minute, you’ll end up paying triple on resale sites or worse, watching from a bar. Which, hey, isn’t the worst, but nothing beats being in the stadium.
Now, let’s talk tickets. I usually hit up the official UW Athletics site first—prices start around $50 for general games but can spike to $200 or more for rivals like Ohio State. Last year, I snagged a pair for the Michigan game at $150 each, and it was worth every penny. Pro tip: sign up for the Badgers email list; they often send presale codes that give you a leg up. If that fails, I’ve had luck with trusted resellers like StubHub, but be wary of fees—they can add 20-30% easily. One thing I’ve learned the hard way: avoid buying from random social media posts unless you want a fake ticket story to tell your friends. Instead, stick to verified platforms and double-check your seats on the stadium map. Oh, and if you’re bringing kids, the family sections in the 100-level are gold—great sightlines and fewer rowdy crowds.
In wrapping up, the UW Madison football schedule for 2023 is packed with opportunities, from that September kickoff to the axe game finale. It reminds me of that idea from the Cool Smashers—you know, sticking to your roots in a way only you know best. For us Badgers fans, that means embracing the traditions: tailgating on Regent Street, belting out “Build Me Up Buttercup,” and never underestimating those underdog matchups. Personally, I think this squad has the potential to surprise people, especially if they lean into that gritty, run-first identity. So grab your schedule, plan ahead, and I’ll see you at Camp Randall—here’s to a season we won’t forget.