Badgers Open Season Tonight on ESPN
August 23, 2002 | Football
The Wisconsin football team opens the 2002 season tonight by playing host to Fresno State in the John Thompson Classic beginning at 7 p.m. CDT at Camp Randall Stadium. The game is only the fifth night game in UW history and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
August 23rd is the earliest starting date for football in the history of either school and is one of eight home games this season for the Badgers. Wisconsin Coach Barry Alvarez begins his 13th season in Madison, and is 10-2 in home openers.
In the only meeting between the two schools, which took place in Madison last fall, Fresno State came from behind to beat the Badgers 32-20.
The Badgers are ranked 25th by the Associated Press and 23rd according to the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll. Fresno State has received votes in both polls but did not appear among the top 25. For more information on the teams, go to the Football Gameday page at UWBADGERS.COM.
About 5,000 tickets remain for tonight's game, and may be purchased at Camp Randall Stadium after 5 p.m. Fans are encouraged to park in the city ramps and use the Bucky Bus to travel to tonight's game.
Fans are also reminded about the carry-in policy for events at Camp Randall Stadium. Fans will once again be prohibited from bringing backpacks, coolers, thermoses, bottles, cans, bags and umbrellas into Camp Randall Stadium. Additionally, small purses, fanny packs, blankets and seat cushions or similar items are subject to search.
Much like last season, fans are encouraged to arrive a bit earlier to the facility to accommodate these check-in measures. The Athletic Department wishes to thank Badger fans for their cooperation and patience with these carry-in policies.
If you cannot attend the game, log on to UWBADGERS.COM and head to the Football Gameday section where you can listen to the game broadcast, read the live stats, and view the post game news conference which will be live video streamed over the Web at the conclusion of the game.
