‘Rolling Out the Red Carpet’ welcomes sports fans

UW–Madison is “Rolling Out the Red Carpet” in a communitywide campaign to build new, welcoming traditions for all sports fans.

Student recommendations led to the initiative, which responds to numerous complaints about fan conduct during the 2003 football season. The effort encourages a friendlier welcome to all fans – whether they’ve come from across the nation to cheer opposing teams or from just down the street to back the Badgers.

“We want sports fans and their families to feel welcomed and respected,” Chancellor John D. Wiley says. “The majority of our fans are really genuinely enthusiastic, supportive and good natured. The majority also knows when someone in their party has crossed the line.”

The “Rolling Out the Red Carpet” campaign emerged as a positive way to deal with this national issue on a number of levels that involve the university, the community and Badger fans at large. The campaign was developed in six months of meetings with students, athletes, staff, and alumni. UW–Madison participants wanted to give fans a chance to address the issue before Big Ten Conference or National Collegiate Athletic Association rules force change.

“We want to get ahead of what is a growing problem nationally, and position ourselves as a leader in identifying solutions and bringing back the traditions of a good collegiate athletic experience,” says Barry Alvarez, UW–Madison’s athletic director and head football coach. “We want to be known as a tough place to play, but one where everyone can enjoy the competition.”

The effort, which will focus on football, hockey and basketball this year, involves an education, media and marketing campaign. It attempts to raise awareness of the issues, encourage all fans to respect one another and help fans have the best possible game-day experience. A volunteer corps of “Fan Ambassadors,” wearing bright green vests and armed with give-aways and information, will greet fans as they approach Camp Randall Stadium.

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz says Badger sports provide an important economic boost for the city, and make it a tourist destination.

“We’re pleased to be a part of this initiative. If all fans feel welcome here, they are more likely to return to our city and spread the word about Madison being a great place to visit and as a site for their next business meeting,” Cieslewicz says. “That helps venues like Monona Terrace, the Overture Center and our local businesses.”

“Rolling Out The Red Carpet” has the backing of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. Business groups such as the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Madison Inc., and the Greater Madison Convention and Tourism Bureau have also lent their support to the campaign.

Students involved in brainstorming that led to the “Rolling Out the Red Carpet” campaign say their efforts can lead to a change in the game-day culture.

“Students can be a powerful force for change because they set the tone for enthusiasm in the stadium,” says Gina Pignotti, a senior from Kenosha who participated in the effort.

“We don’t want to take the electricity and fun out of the stadium, because that’s a key part of our football team’s success,” Alvarez says. “You can be loud and friendly at the same time. Show fans a warm welcome, then raise the roof on fourth down and inches to go.”

Wiley says that fans are a big part of the solution. He urges them to respect stadium neighbors and to report incidents of harassment or unruly behavior to police or Per Mar security personnel.

“There is no magic bullet to solve these problems, no cure all, but we hope that our campaign will open the dialog about the issue and raise awareness of the importance of making everyone feel welcome on our campus,” Wiley says.

The initiative is being privately funded. No taxpayer funds have been used.