Camp Randall ‘Red Carpet’ rolling for a second season

After a highly successful inaugural campaign, UW–Madison will be “Rolling Out the Red Carpet” for a second time for fans and visitors to Camp Randall Stadium.

The award-winning partnership between University Communications and the Athletic Department was designed to help create a fan-friendly environment at all UW Athletics events.

“Last season, I’m proud to say that we made important progress toward our goals,” says Chancellor John D. Wiley, who notes that he did not receive a single complaint about aggressive fan conduct during the 2004-05 academic year.

“Visiting football fans from across the country told us that they were welcomed by Badger fans and had memorable trips to Madison,” he says. “Our own fans told us that they appreciated our efforts to make events even more fun. We’re hoping that this season will be even better.”

Plans are in place to continue to enhance and expand the Red Carpet program, with a special focus on the 2005 home football season.

Wiley himself will kick off the 2005 campaign with the help of student volunteer Fan Ambassadors. At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, he’ll greet fans at the corner of Regent Street and Breese Terrace ahead of the Bowling Green game.

Last season, more than 200 students from a variety of student organizations participated in the Fan Ambassador program, welcoming tens of thousands of fans to Camp Randall. This year, the guest services department of the Athletic Department will be recruiting additional students to greet fans and conduct giveaways two hours before each home game.

“We want to continue making game-day great for all of our fans,” says John Finkler, guest services director. “Keep an eye out for Fan Ambassadors in bright green vests. They’re out there to help.”

In addition, Badger coaches, such as Mark Johnson, Mike Eaves and Lisa Stone, all helped carry the Red Carpet message to UW–Madison freshmen during Wisconsin Welcome and other orientation events. Similar events are taking place across campus this month.

A series of public service advertisements featuring many of the coaches was played on the new Camp Randall scoreboard.

Also as part of the program, the university coordinated its efforts with the Wisconsin Alumni Association, police and security, local businesses, business and tourism groups and the city of Madison.

In recognition of its efforts, the university won a prestigious Silver Medal award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Higher Education for its innovative approach in tackling what has become an issue for colleges and universities across the country.

Student recommendations led to the initiative, which responded to numerous complaints about aggressive fan conduct during the 2003 football season.

Rolling out the Red Carpet has been funded through the use of private donations to UW–Madison. No taxpayer funds have been used.