Alliant Energy Center is a multi-building complex located in Madison, Wisconsin . It comprises 164 acres (0.66 km) of greenspace and includes the 255,000-square-foot (23,700 m) Exhibition Hall, the 10,000-seat Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the 29-acre (0.12 km) Willow Island, several multi-use pavilions, and the 22,000-square-foot (2,000 m) Arena. The Center welcomes more than one million people attending more than 500 events annually, ranging from local meetings and banquets to large sporting events and major concerts.
57-584: The Alliant Energy Center campus is located on the south side of Madison, Wisconsin, off of John Nolen Drive and Rimrock Road. In 1895 the Agricultural Society and Dane County purchased 250 acres (1.0 km) of land at the current site to provide an area that could be used for the Dane County Fair. This area was known as "Lakeside Park Farm", but some thought it merely represented a worthless swampland. Because of financial difficulties,
114-599: A 26–2 record, but were defeated the next day by the unranked Michigan State Spartans . Entering the Big 10 Tournament as the second seed, their first game was against Michigan State, who the Badgers defeated 70–57. In the next round against Illinois, the Badgers won 53–41 and advanced to the final to face No. 1-ranked Ohio State. The Buckeyes defeated the Badgers 66–49. In the NCAA Tournament Wisconsin received
171-456: A Number 2 seed in the Midwest bracket. The Badgers defeated Texas A&M Corpus-Christi. The second round of the tournament proved fatal for the Badgers, who lost to UNLV . Dick Bennett is largely credited with beginning the turnaround of the program. During his six-year tenure at Wisconsin (1995–2000), the Badgers achieved a 91–68 record and had two 20-win seasons. Only twice previously had
228-482: A charter member of the Mascot Hall of Fame's College Division. Bucky Badger has a tradition of doing the amount of pushups that the football team has every time they score. Wisconsin is the only Big Ten school and one of only four Power 5 schools that do not sponsor baseball, the other three being Colorado , Iowa State , and Syracuse . Wisconsin previously sponsored a baseball team , but discontinued it after
285-475: A contest in 1949. The emblem, a scowling, strutting badger wearing a cardinal-and-white striped sweater, was designed by Art Evans in 1940 and updated in 2003. A live badger from Eau Claire was used at the first few football games that year, but proved to be too fierce to be controlled and was retired to the nearby Henry Vilas Zoo . For a time, the school replaced the live badger with a live raccoon named "Regdab" ("badger" backwards). In 2006, Bucky Badger became
342-403: A division for Collegiate level teams. Contestants compete for honors in dairy judging, dairy foods and dairy forage. There is a separate junior cattle show for contestants who are college age or younger. This cattle show is separate from the main show and Supreme and Reserve Supreme champions are named the same way as the older contestants. Winning the junior show is almost as prestigious as winning
399-480: A lobby and four exhibit halls from 20,000 to 100,000 square feet (9,300 m). Directly connected to Exhibition Hall by a climate-controlled walkway is Clarion Suites Madison - Central with 140 guest rooms. The building allows light from the outside to enliven a multi-leveled lobby with a lounge area overlooking the exhibition halls. It contains a boardroom with a view of the State Capitol, and rotunda with
456-502: A not-for-profit organization in 1993. With the show growing, World Dairy Expo Management Inc. (WDEM) was established in 1998 as a for-profit subsidiary of World Dairy Expo. WDEM provided revenue for World Dairy Expo to employ full-time year round staff. Now, it has grown into the largest dairy-focused trade show in the world. Wisconsin Badgers The Wisconsin Badgers are the athletic teams representing
513-436: A story through pictures. Elements of many eras, past and present are depicted, including Wisconsin corn, Native American effigy mounds , and the state's lake and rivers. The medallions signify the passage of time and the connection between past and present. Some of the medallions represent the natural and cultural environment of Dane County and Wisconsin, such as fish, turtles, cattails, water lilies, and salamanders. Connecting
570-662: Is a five-day event showcasing dairy cattle and the newest technologies available to the dairy industry. The show is held annually at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin , United States. Considered the largest and most important dairy cattle show in North America, it has been held in the first week of October since 1967, except 2020 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic . One of
627-546: Is the centerpiece of the Alliant Energy Center campus. It is a site for concerts, family shows, sporting events, consumer shows, conventions and assemblies. The building was completely renovated in 2004–2005. The Coliseum has a long-standing history as a hockey venue. The building was home to the Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team from the 1967–68 season to the 1997–98 season, when they moved to
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#1732791856081684-746: Is the fourth-oldest college football stadium in the country and has a capacity of 80,321. The student section at Camp Randall is considered by many to be one of the best in all of college football. Among the stadium traditions is a well-known student celebration to the House of Pain song " Jump Around ," occurring at the end of the third quarter of every home game. The students also sing songs in unison, including " Sweet Caroline " and " (Build Me Up) Buttercup ". The University of Wisconsin Marching Band performs its "Fifth Quarter" after every game. The Badger men won their sixth national championship in 2006, at
741-595: The Bradley Center in Milwaukee , with a 2–1 victory over Boston College Eagles . The men's team had previously won the national championship in 1973, 1977, 1981, 1983, and 1990. The Badger women won their first title in 2006, at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis , with a 3–0 victory over the defending champion Minnesota Golden Gophers. This was the first women's hockey national championship for Wisconsin and
798-538: The Eastern Association of Rowing Colleges (EARC). The athletic director is Chris McIntosh , former professional football player and lineman for the Wisconsin Badger football team. The Badgers team colors are cardinal and white, and the team mascot is named "Buckingham U. Badger," known as " Bucky Badger ." The Badgers have several major on-campus facilities, including Camp Randall Stadium ,
855-524: The Grateful Dead . In 1974, the first Exposition Center Commission was appointed. This Committee headed construction and development for the present Alliant Energy Center (formerly Expo Center). With the Coliseum schedule reaching 160 event days in 1977, it was clear that the demand for trade and consumer shows and conventions was competing with concerts, sporting events and family shows. Over time,
912-591: The Kohl Center in Madison. The women's team plays their home games at LaBahn Arena . Both teams use the LaBahn Arena as a practice facility. The Badgers softball team began play in 1996. The team has made seven NCAA Tournament appearances in 2001, 2002, 2005, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018. The current head coach is Yvette Healy . The University of Wisconsin wrestling team was established in 1911. Through
969-481: The Kohl Center on campus. It was one of the largest college hockey arenas in the nation, as well as one of the loudest. Reportedly, the "sieve chant," which is now commonly heard in nearly every arena to taunt the opposing goalie after a goal, was first started at the Coliseum. The environment for Badger hockey games was such that it was nicknamed "the Montreal Forum of college hockey." Badger fans still call
1026-696: The NCAA tournament for 19 consecutive seasons (1999–2017). Wisconsin tied for first place in the Big Ten in the 2001–02 season, along with Indiana , Illinois , and Ohio State . In 2002–03 the Badgers won the Big Ten outright, but then lost in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament to Ohio State. In the NCAA Tournament, Wisconsin lost to Kentucky in the Sweet 16. In 2003–04, Wisconsin finished second in
1083-534: The UW Field House , and the Kohl Center . Wisconsin was dubbed the "Badger State" because of the lead miners who first settled there in the 1820s and 1830s. Without shelter in the winter, they had to "live like badgers" in tunnels burrowed into hillsides. The badger mascot was adopted by the University of Wisconsin in 1889. His name, "Buckingham U. Badger", a.k.a. " Bucky Badger ," was chosen in
1140-724: The University of Wisconsin–Madison . They compete as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level ( Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) sub-level), primarily competing in the Big Ten Conference for all sports since the 1896–97 season. The women's ice hockey team competes in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA), while the men's crew team compete in
1197-480: The 1991 season. Wisconsin is also the only Big Ten school with a varsity men's rowing program. Badger men's rowing has won 9 national championships, making it Wisconsin's most successful athletics program. Wisconsin has made it to the NCAA Final Four four times in its history — back-to-back trips in 2014 and 2015, in 2000, and in 1941, when it won the national championship. The Badgers participated in
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#17327918560811254-610: The 2011–2012 season, with their running back Montee Ball , who was a finalist but lost to Robert Griffin III (RG3). Running back Melvin Gordon was runner-up in 2014.Under Paul Chryst they have won 4 straight bowl games and 2 NY6 bowl wins in the Cotton and Orange bowls and never winning less than 8 games in a season in his 4 years. The Wisconsin Badgers football team plays its home games at Camp Randall Stadium . Built in 1917, Camp Randall
1311-530: The 2018–19 season, the UW Badger wrestling team has had 18 NCAA champions, 70 Big Ten champions, 112 All-Americans, and 4 Olympians. Home dual meets and tournaments take place at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse. Barry Davis served as head coach of the program for 25 years until his retirement in 2018. Former South Dakota State University head coach Chris Bono, took over as Wisconsin's head coach at
1368-579: The Badgers (against 75 losses), defeating in-state rival Marquette. During the 2014–2015 season, the Badgers reached the National Championship game, but lost to Mike Krzyzewski 's Duke squad. Badgers currently in the NBA include Sam Dekker , Frank Kaminsky , Devin Harris , Greg Stiemsma and Jon Leuer . Wisconsin's football program has been among the most successful in the Big Ten since
1425-447: The Badgers lost to Indiana in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals, and to Arizona in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The highlight of the season was a win over intrastate rival Marquette . In the 2006–07 season the Badgers had victories at Marquette and at home against 2nd ranked Pittsburgh. Its lone non-conference loss was against Missouri State . On February 19, 2007, they earned their first No. 1 ranking in school history with
1482-502: The Badgers won at least 20 games in a season, the most recent being the 1940–41 championship season. Coach Bo Ryan has been in charge since the 2001–02 season and has led the Badgers to the NCAA Tournament every year. During the 2006–07 season, he not only achieved his 500th win as a college coach but the Badgers were also ranked Number 1 in the AP Top for the first time in program history. On December 12, 2009, Ryan earned his 200th win with
1539-487: The Big Ten. The team went on to win the program's first Big Ten tournament title. However, the Badgers lost to 3rd-seeded Pittsburgh in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. In the 2004–05 season Wisconsin finished third in the Big Ten. In the 2005 NCAA Tournament, Wisconsin advanced to the Elite Eight by defeating 11th-seeded Northern Iowa , 14th-seeded Bucknell , and 10th-seeded North Carolina State . In 2005–06
1596-530: The Coliseum doors to attend a vast array of events. As a consequence of the large demand for exhibit space, the 255,000-square-foot (23,700 m) Exhibition Hall was built at Alliant Energy Center in 1995 as the largest unobstructed facility for trade/consumer shows and conventions in the state. The naming rights for the campus, previously the Dane County Exposition Center, were sold in 2000 to Alliant Energy Corporation , which holds
1653-706: The Coliseum since 2001–02. The Coliseum was also home to two minor league hockey franchises, the Madison Monsters from 1995 until 1999, and the Madison Kodiaks in 1999–2000. The Madison Mad Dogs , an indoor football team, also played in the Coliseum from 1998 to 2000. In 2009, indoor football returned to the Coliseum as the Continental Indoor Football League 's Wisconsin Wolfpack played the 2009 season there. However,
1710-508: The Dane County Fair was halted on the site in 1938 and did not return until 1951. During this time, even though the Dane County Fair was held in an alternate location, the County board did not abandon the site and Dane County managed to pay off the mortgage for the property in 1941. As a major turning point towards the advent of a full-service venue, roads, parking lots, sewer and water, a heating plant and kitchen/bathroom facilities were built on
1767-610: The IRA eights championship. The University of Wisconsin has been involved in disputes with a number of high schools, including Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska , and schools in Iowa , New Jersey , North Carolina , Ohio , Texas , and West Virginia , as well as with D-II Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas . The issue involved the use of the Badgers' athletic logo, the "motion W". As
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1824-879: The Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Travel Green Wisconsin recognizes tourism-related businesses that are reducing their environmental impact through operational and other improvements. Through the center's use of green space on Willow Island and environmentally friendly purchasing practices, the Alliant Energy Center has helped build sustainable tourism in Wisconsin. The Center implemented energy-saving measures in Exhibition Hall, which included energy-efficient lighting and upgrades to reduce gas emissions. 43°02′38″N 89°22′51″W / 43.043952°N 89.380710°W / 43.043952; -89.380710 World Dairy Expo World Dairy Expo
1881-530: The administration building for the Alliant Energy Center. In 1967, Veterans Memorial Coliseum was built. Its early clientele included the Zor Shrine Circus, World Dairy Expo , the Ice Capades , Dane County Junior Fair, The ABC National Bowling Tournament, Frank Sinatra , Bob Hope , Tony Bennett , Duke Ellington , Janis Joplin , Jimi Hendrix , Pink Floyd , Jethro Tull , Elvis Presley and
1938-813: The arena "the Great Dane." The Wisconsin Badgers women's hockey team also played a number of games on the Coliseum ice in their first two seasons (1999-00 and 2000–01). The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) boys' and girls' state hockey tournaments also take place each year in Veterans Memorial Coliseum. State tournaments for boys' hockey have been held in the Coliseum since 1971, except in 1974 and 1975 when they were held in Green Bay. All state tournaments for girls' hockey have been held in
1995-688: The early 1990s, when Barry Alvarez was hired as head coach. Under Alvarez, the Badgers won three Big Ten Championships and three Rose Bowls . In the 2005 season, Alvarez's last year as coach, the Badgers defeated the Auburn Tigers 24-10, in the Capital One Bowl . In 2006, Bret Bielema took over as head coach, posting a 12–1 record and defeating Arkansas 17-14, in the Capital One Bowl. On December 5, 2012, Bielema announced his departure for Arkansas, stating, "I just felt it
2052-590: The end of the halter) listing both of their achievements. After this is done the cows are judged by all of the breed judges from the past week. After they decide on a cow, the Supreme Champion and Reserve Supreme Champion is announced. World Dairy Expo is also home to the a largest dairy-focused trade show in the world. Over 600 companies from all over the world exhibit to the show's 60,000 attendees. Companies like John Deere , Case IH , Land O'Lakes , Select Sires, Semex, ABS, AEM, ANIMART and many more make
2109-516: The expenses incurred to operate the center and its facilities. The center has operated in this manner since 1990. In 2013 Dane County completed plans for the construction of new multi-use pavilions at the Alliant Energy Center. Pavilions totaling 290,000 square feet (27,000 m) replaced nine agricultural barns. Construction began in April 2014 and was completed by late September for the 2014 World Dairy Expo. A multimillion-dollar naming rights deal for
2166-604: The facilities with New Holland Agriculture & Construction, along with other public/private funding partnerships with the State of Wisconsin, World Dairy Expo, the Midwest Horse Fair/Wisconsin Horse Council, and AEC food service provider, Centerplate, financed the expansion. Veterans Memorial Coliseum (formerly known as Dane County Coliseum ), built in 1967, is a 10,231-seat (7,432 seats for basketball and hockey) multi-purpose arena that
2223-666: The first time that the NCAA Women's National Championship trophy left the state of Minnesota. (Minnesota-Duluth won the trophy in 2001, 2002, and 2003; Minnesota won it in 2004 and 2005.) The victory did, however, continue the Western Collegiate Hockey Association 's dominance of the women's crown. On March 18, 2007, the Badger women captured the back-to-back national championship with a 4–1 win over Minnesota-Duluth at Herb Brooks Arena, in Lake Placid, New York. The Badgers returned to
2280-786: The following season the Wolfpack moved to the Hartmeyer Ice Arena . It was also the home ice of the Madison Capitols hockey team until their move to the Capitol Ice Arena, a separate, smaller facility. Exhibition Hall, on the Alliant Energy Center campus, has 255,000 square feet (23,700 m) of exhibit space. This building hosts conventions, trade shows, consumer shows, meetings and conferences. Completed in September 1995, Exhibition Hall consists of 14 meeting rooms totaling 20,000 square feet (1,900 m),
2337-600: The grounds in 1949–51. In 1951, the Dane County Fair moved back to the present Alliant Energy Center (formerly the Expo Center) and remains there today. Over the ensuing years, the first buildings were erected on the site. In 1954, the Arena was built; it remains the only building still standing from this era. The Youth Building was constructed in 1962 and housed the offices for 4-H in Dane County. This area now serves as
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2394-663: The lobby of Exhibition Hall. Willow Island is a 29-acre (120,000 m) natural area with two ponds encircling a 7-acre (28,000 m) isthmus. It was developed in 2002 and made its debut as an outdoor venue in 2003. Willow Island is used for outdoor festivals, consumer shows, corporate events, music events, auctions and more. In 2004, Willow Island hosted the fifth year of the ESPN Great Outdoor Games, which feature athletes competing in outdoor activities including fishing, sporting dog events, target shooting, and timber events. Starting in 2005, Willow Island became
2451-736: The market area had expanded well beyond Wisconsin and the committee recognized the need for expansion. In 1978, an addition to the Youth Building was built (now the Administration Building) and the new facility was named the Forum. At the time, this facility offered the area's largest facilities for trade shows, banquets and other public functions. The forum was replaced with the construction of Exhibition Hall in 1995. Veterans Memorial Coliseum celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1992. At this point, over 16 million people had entered
2508-500: The naming rights to the Expo Center for 20 years. The agreement does not include the naming rights of individual buildings on the campus, which have all retained their original names. Although the naming rights belong to Alliant Energy, the center is owned and operated by Dane County . The Alliant Energy Center operates without the use of County general fund monies - it is run as a business using facility-generated revenues to cover
2565-545: The national championship game in 2008, but suffered a 4–0 loss at the hands of Minnesota-Duluth. In 2009, the Badgers became the first team in NCAA history to reach the title game in four consecutive seasons, winning their third national championship with a 5–0 victory over Mercyhurst. The Badgers went on to win their fourth national championship in 2011, defeating Boston University 4-1 at Tullio Arena in Erie, Pennsylvania. Mike Eaves
2622-446: The natural elements to cultural developments in the region are images of artifacts left by the first inhabitants. These artifacts were used for hunting and gathering. Wisconsin industries are also incorporated into the design. Other elements represented in bronze are the state bird ( robin ), flower ( violet ), and tree ( maple ). As an extension of Geologic Time , a podium displays the cast bronze form of Chief Black Hawk , which adorns
2679-462: The new idea. Greg Blaska, AMPI corporate board member, was elected president of the organization for thirty-one years. Also in 1971 were the foundations of success built. The first farm management workshops were held, the first recognition awards were presented, National Dairy Shrine moved its festivities to Madison, and the expo began to focus on food and craft exhibits for women in dairy. To assist with its business organization, World Dairy Expo became
2736-488: The new location for the annual Brat Fest fundraiser that takes place on Memorial Day weekend. The WJJO Band Camp music festival was held at Willow Island from 2004 - 2015. The one-day hard rock music festival was known to draw upwards of 10,000 fans. On April 19, 2007, the Alliant Energy Center was recognized by Travel Green Wisconsin as a recipient of the Travel Green Certification. Sponsored by
2793-565: The open show. World Dairy Expo began as the World Food Exposition in 1967 by the newly created World Food and Agricultural Foundation. The first executive director of the show was Bruce Walter from Chippewa Falls, WI. He served in 1967 and 1968. The first show had nearly 1,200 head exhibited. The only problem was that no one came to see the show. In 1969, the show was transitioned to a new executive director, Mr. Bev Craig. He focused on attracting commercial exhibits and shortening
2850-427: The show from ten to five days for practicality. Additionally in 1969, the show was held in the Coliseum for the first time and celebrated with an opening banquet. The show remained on shaky ground financially, despite major strides. In 1971, industry leaders met to discuss solutions. One of which was the major need for a major trade show for dairy farmers. A broad array of organizations came together to breathe life into
2907-446: The show. All seven nationally recognized breeds ( Brown Swiss , Holstein , Red & White, Guernsey , Jersey , Milking Shorthorn , and Ayrshire ) have a show. After a grand champion from each breed is selected, a final judging is held to determine the best two cows in the show. This is held on the last day (Saturday) and is often referred to as the main event. The show starts out with an introduction of each cow and leadsman (person at
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#17327918560812964-564: The start of the 2018–19 season. Wisconsin has won 32 NCAA national championships: Below are 21 national team titles that were not bestowed by the NCAA: † All men's and women's rowing titles above included winning the eights. The men's 1986 title was not an IRA championship but rather a now-defunct finals-only meet that included three rowing squads with a history of snubbing the IRAs. In 1990, Wisconsin's men's titles included both this event and
3021-549: The trip to Madison, Wisconsin, USA every year. World Dairy Expo is recognized as a member of the "Tradeshow Week Top 200", a list honoring the nation's top trade events organized by Trade Show Executive Gold 100. World Dairy Expo remains the only Wisconsin event in the “Top 200”, and was ranked #23 in 2013. World Dairy Expo offers conferences for the youth in the dairy industry. There are several regional and national judging contests in which teams and individuals from high school FFA chapters and 4-H programs can compete in as well as
3078-540: The unusual aspects about the World Dairy Expo is its themes. Since the late 1980s the show has had a theme, when the showing is decorated with two backdrops that correspond to that year's theme. Themes have ranged from the simple to the extravagant, like the "Excitement is Building" theme which had a huge construction-like backdrop. Dairy cattle from all over the United States and Canada are exhibited at
3135-435: The world's largest glass chandelier. Two three-dimensional statues, 'The Farmer's Market Cow' and 'Gallop to Glory Horse', that were painted by local artists to represent community connections and long-time events at the venue, are perched atop the entrance doors. Geologic Time , created by artist Michele Oka Doner , consists of over 900 bronze medallions inlaid in the terrazzo floor of Exhibition Hall's lobby. The images tell
3192-469: Was the head coach of the men's hockey team until March 2016, while Mark Johnson coaches the women's hockey team. Both coaches were teammates on the Badgers' 1977 NCAA title team. Former Denver Pioneers head coach George Gwozdecky , the only other person besides Eaves and Johnson to win ice hockey national championships as both a player and head coach, was also a member of Wisconsin's 1977 national championship team. The men's team plays their home games at
3249-539: Was time for me to try and spread my wings and fly a little bit further." Bielema was Alvarez's handpicked successor, and he coached the Badgers in their return to the Rose Bowl. The Badgers are 16–14 in bowl games, and have made 14 bowl appearance in the past 15 seasons, including a school record seven straight appearances. The Badger football program has had two Heisman Trophy winners: fullback Alan Ameche in 1954, and running back Ron Dayne in 1999. They came close in
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