Downtown Matchup: Downtown Madison vs. Downtown Lincoln

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After several months of anticipation, the first Big 10 conference game for the Huskers is almost here. The #8 Nebraska Cornhuskers will head northeast almost 500 miles to Camp Randall Stadium to face the #7 Wisconsin Badgers. Both teams are undefeated at 4-0; the Huskers come into the bout the with wins over Chattanooga, Fresno State, Washington and Wyoming, while the Badgers come in with wins over UNLV, Oregon State, Northern Illinois and South Dakota.

Between 20,000 and 30,000 Husker fans are expected to travel to Madison for the nationally televised match-up. Madison, the capital city, is similar in size and population to Lincoln and shares our dreaded climate of cold winters and hot summers. Husker fans should pack their jackets as the high for Saturday in Madison is a steamy 58 with a low of 35.

Mary Carbine, Executive Director of Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID), says Husker fans traveling to downtown Madison this weekend have a lot to look forward to.

“Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) is in the heart of downtown Madison, and is the region’s center for entertainment, culture, shopping, dining and events – and on game days, for great Big 10 college football! Set on an isthmus between two scenic lakes, the famed State Street pedestrian mall links the Wisconsin State Capitol Square to the University of Wisconsin campus. This unique shopping, business and entertainment district is home to more than 370 shops, galleries, restaurants, and night spots, many locally owned, plus museums and cultural destinations.”

Carbine says downtown Madison can’t wait to play host to the myriad of Husker fans coming to enjoy the culture of their city.

“We are thrilled to welcome tens of thousands of Husker’s fans to Madison for your Big Ten Conference debut. Whether you are packing the black or sporting red, bring your A game, and make sure to discover downtown Madison. Check out http://www.visitdowntosnmadison.com, stop by the downtown Visitor Center at 452 State Street, or pick up a Downtown Madison Map & Guide at your hotel or downtown businesses. Welcome to Madison!”

Events in downtown Madison over the weekend:

Lincoln’s own Sidetrack Band will be playing at Regent Street Retreat (1206 Regent St) Friday night at 8:00 pm and also at noon there on Saturday.

While the Huskers party at Union South is sold out, Carbine suggested both State Street and Capitol Square for Husker fans looking for a spot to hang out and watch the game. Read more here.

Those who enjoy circus feats can attend the Big Top Opera at the Overture Center for the Arts on Friday at 7:30 pm on Friday or 2:30 pm on Saturday. Read more here.

From 6:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday is the Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Square. Read more here.

Also on Saturday is History on the Square, an event with “family friendly activities like scavenger hunts museum exhibit tours, kids crafts and more” from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Read more here.

As we did the past few weeks with Fresno, Seattle and Laramie, we continue to look at the cities of our Husker competitors to see how Lincoln sizes up. Below is a comparison of the city of Lincoln and the city of Madison and their respective downtowns.

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For more information about downtown Madison and to view a list of downtown retail shops and restaurants, click here.

Photo Credits: First and Third Photos by Skot Weidemann, Second photo by Troy Freund, Fourth photo by Archie Nicolette.