UW Madison, Badgers fans, and Graduates

Make way for the graduates and their families. The warning went out last Tuesday. If you were anywhere near the Kohl Center this weekend, you were stuck in a traffic jam.

All the proud parents, and excited graduates filled the streets surrounding the Kohl Center. I love seeing all those caps and gowns. The graduates look so happy to be there.

First it's the ceremony, then come the pictures. That can create traffic problems too. Watch out for the shutterbugs.

My Experience At The Kohl Center...

Opened in 1998 and home to UW-Madison’s basketball and hockey teams, the Kohl Center is a staple for entertainment in Wisconsin. The $76.4 million building has a maximum capacity of 17,190 in its basketball configuration and 15,237 for hockey. It is owned by the University of Wisconsin Madison and is generally used for sporting events but has also been used for commencement ceremonies for the school and local high schools, political gatherings, conventions and concerts among other things. It is also the official site of WIAA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association) high school boy’s wrestling and basketball championships.

My own experience at the Kohl Center divides from the sports and into entertainment as I saw Britney Spears there on March 21, 2000. Though this was nearly a decade ago and the details have become a bit fuzzy, I do remember that Britney put on a great show and that the Kohl center was a great venue to see her in.

In 2000 it was the beginning of her career, and she was on the “Crazy 2K Tour” which was her second American tour. She was supporting the song “…Baby One More Time” and also treated the audience with her new single “Oops!…I Did It Again”. Britney had a very elaborate show, including many costume changes, an elevator, 2 ramps on each side of the stage, and video screens. She also had many back up dancers and even sat on a flying magic carpet over the audience while she sang “Oops!...I Did It Again,” to an anxiously awaiting crowd.

The Kohl Center was a great place to see Britney perform because it was a large venue with equipment available to create her extravagant stage set up and over the top performance. Because of her music’s pop style and the many dancers on stage at any given time, they needed a lot of space to be able to move and perform. The entire show was very sensational and fun for all that attended.

Even though my dad had to buy my Madison concert tickets last time I was at the Kohl Center, I look forward to checking out some sporting events next season with my own money!