BY ANDY BAGGOT
UWBadgers.com Insider
MADISON, Wis. — For much of its long and distinguished life, Camp Randall Stadium has been known as a battleground.
It rose from the soil of a Civil War training site where Union troops were enrolled and wounded Confederate soldiers were detained.
It subsequently housed and vetted U.S. military personnel leading up to World War I and World War II.
It has since become known as the home for Wisconsin football games, where 557 of them have been played since 1917.
But Camp Randall Stadium has hosted more than just conflict and more than just major college football, a reality that will be celebrated during the coming season when the facility turns 100.
UW Athletic Department officials plan to commemorate Camp Randall's centennial in a variety of ways, starting with a series of stories, 100 strong, that shine a light on memorable people and moments in its history.
Since becoming a full-fledged competition site for UW athletics in 1917, Camp Randall has staged concerts, high school and college track and field meets, college soccer matches, college hockey games, high school football games and college graduation ceremonies.
How many athletic, civic and humanitarian careers have been launched from its location over the years? Good question.
During its 10 decades of service Camp Randall has also served as the backdrop for local Olympic and NCAA salutes, a finish line for the world-famous Crazylegs Classic run as well as the site for crisis and real-life heroism.
The list of subjects was compiled by a diverse committee that included a number of athletic department employees, local media members and even a Badger legend as well as input from Badgers fans via invitation on social media.
Many of the topics are familiar, but many are cause for surprise.
There are stories of people who lifted mankind with their courage, from explorers to activists.
There are stories of global figures who changed the world with their passion, from musicians to administrators.
There are stories of men and women who affected our culture, from actors to journalists.
There are stories of local treasures, from comedians to Olympians.
There are stories of unique voices, from behind the mic to the printed page.
Of course, there are stories of people whose lives intersect with Wisconsin football, from Hall of Fame coaches and players to unforgettable contributors.
The stories will appear for 100 consecutive days starting Wednesday and running through Aug. 31, which is the day before UW opens the season facing Utah State at Camp Randall.
Visit the Camp Randall 100 to learn more ...
