Jump Around

Today was just as exhausting as yesterday, but even more fun.  We headed to Camp Randall stadium well ahead of game time so that we could find a parking spot.  It was a lot different than an IU football game day as there really wasn't anywhere to tailgate.  We knew that ahead of time, but didn't realize that there wouldn't be much parking either.  Thankfully, we were there early enough to scout the best places close to the stadium that weren't already reserved.  

After securing parking, we walked through the artisan part of campus where there were shops, bars and more.  We really enjoyed it as the stores reminded of the area around the courthouse in Bloomington.   Next, we headed to campus where there were several activities to tailgate with the university.  Before we found the first one near the union, a team of reporters from Purdue stopped Cameron and Samuel to interview them.  It was a lot of fun listening to their answers.  The boys each had a brat as we watched contestants play games on the big stage.  Next, we walked to the arches of Camp Randall.  The football players arrived shortly after we did and walked through the crowd giving out high fives and hugs to those in attendance.  The last area to tailgate was at the engineering mall.  Bucky the Badger was having a dance off with the fans in attendance.  Cameron and Samuel participated in several tailgate games including a field goal kicking activity that ended with Samuel thankful that he had pursued running instead of football.  

The four of us headed into the stadium about 45 minutes before the 2:30 kickoff.  We were instantly impressed with the size of Camp Randall Stadium and that nearly every one of the 80,000 seats were filled this afternoon.  The student section was seated together in the north end zone.  They stood throughout the entire game, danced, cheered and sang along to all songs played on the big screen.  Bucky the Badger was a nice addition as he was extremely interactive with the students.  He wore a different Halloween outfit each quarter with Pikachu begin my favorite.  There weren't as many gimmicks during the timeouts and halftime as there were at Memorial Stadium.  We figured that was because Wisconsin fans actually came to watch football whereas at IU everyone was just there for the atmosphere.  One exciting part was when Steve Miller, a Wisconsin grad, came out to lead the band in a rendition of his song Swing Town.  The best part of the day was definitely participating in "Jump Around."  The stadium shook as all 80,000 in attendance jumped up and down to the song.  It was absolutely amazing to witness in person.  All in all it was a lot of fun going to the game.  Our only wish was that Purdue played better as Wisconsin dominated the game and that the drunk behind us would have left early.  Other than that, it was a fantastic  two days in Madison and we were very thankful to spend them with Cameron and Samuel.