MADISON, Wis. — On Saturday, Nov. 28, Wisconsin Football matched up under the lights of Camp Randall against their long-standing rival — the Minnesota Golden Gophers — and closed the home season with a win.
On this crisp afternoon, guests from the American Family Children's Hospital gathered one last time on Bucky's Locker Room Patio and watched as the Badgers overcame a seven-point, third-quarter deficit to beat the Gophers and hold onto Paul Bunyan's Axe for a 13th-straight year. Patio guests also witnessed history, as Wisconsin tied the all-time series with Minnesota for the first time in over 100 years at 59-59-8.
Bucky greets families from the American Family Children's Hospital as they cheer on the Badgers in the rivalry match-up against Minnesota.
The Patio is an outdoor seating area located adjacent to Camp Randall's south end zone and is considered the "best seats in the house," as it accommodates nine patients from the American Family Children's Hospital every home game of the season, each accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Guests of the Patio are treated to a special Wisconsin football experience, including front row seating, an autographed Wisconsin Football poster, healthy box lunches and on colder days, hot chocolate.
"Thank you for allowing me to have the best seats in the 'house' at Badger football games," said Lauren Rose, a Patio patient. "You have made my days much brighter and because of that, I say thank you from [the bottom of] my heart and from all the kids at UW Children's Hospital."
During every game, Bucky Badger stops by the Patio for a photo opportunity at the end of the first quarter and the families receive a laminated copy of their photo with Bucky before they leave.
During half time at every home football game, Badger student-athletes stop by Bucky's Locker Room Patio to autograph shirts, greet patients from the American Family Children's Hospital and show their support for Wisconsin Football. Student-athletes pictured with a young AFCH patient: Connor Medbery (Wrestling, front middle), TJ Ruschell (Wrestling, back left), Kylie Schwarz (Women's Soccer, back middle), Lexi Greytak (Women's Golf, back right).
Student-athletes from various sports also visit at halftime to visit with children and their families. During halftime visits, student-athletes autograph t-shirts and laminated photos with Bucky that are provided by UW Athletics staff.
Moments before the families prepare to 'Jump Around' at the end of the third quarter, the Patio and its guests are featured on the stadium's large video board.
Regardless of the outcome on the score board, Patio visits provide support for patients at the American Family Children's Hospital and give them an opportunity to step away from their everyday life to cheer for one of UW-Madison's most beloved athletic programs.
