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Kohl Center Events

601 W Dayton St, Madison, Wisconsin, WI 53703 US

Kohl Center

Capacity: 17,287

Home Teams: Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA College Basketball)

Kohl Center Events

After the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, home to the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA, the Kohl Center in Madison is the second-largest indoor arena in the state of Wisconsin, boasting a capacity comparable to many professional sporting venues around the country. Located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Kohl Center is home to the Wisconsin Badgers men’s and women’s basketball teams and ice hockey teams. The arena features a cantilevered design that is said to bring fans from both tiers closer to the action, buoying the home team and intimidating opponents. Unusually for an American university, the successful Wisconsin Badgers hockey team is as big a draw as its basketball team, consistently pulling in the biggest college hockey crowds in the nation. The Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team has also experienced increased popularity over the past two decades due to a resurgence on the court after a half century of disappointing results (after winning the school’s only NCAA basketball championship in 1941). This return to prominence began in 1994, when the Badgers appeared in their first NCAA postseason March Madness tournament in nearly 50 years. They have qualified 23 times in the years since, becoming regular contenders who have now reached the Sweet 16 on 10 occasions and the Elite 8 on 3, continuing on to the Final Four in all three of those years. The Badgers came achingly close to a championship title in 2015, falling 68-63 to the Duke Blue Devils at the final hurdle. Several ex-Badgers have moved on to play in the NBA, including Michael Finlay, Wes Matthews, and current star Devin Harris. The crowd at the Kohl Center is known for being quite lively, particularly the student section, which for years wore tied-dyed red shirts and called themselves the Grateful Red but have now rebranded as AreaRED. As well as Badgers basketball and hockey games, the Kohl Center is known for hosting a broad range of events including graduations, career fairs, figure skating competitions and shows, political events, and conventions. The venue has hosted rounds of March Madness as well as the NCAA hockey postseason tournament. Large-scale concerts are also frequently held at the Kohl Center and attract big crowds. Hungry visitors to the Kohl Center will find delicious snacks like mac & cheese, pizza, and Johnsonville sausages, along with plenty of cold beer (as of 2022!). For Badgers or event merchandise, head to any of the shops and kiosks at Kohl Center or around campus.

How can I find the cheapest tickets to games and events at the Kohl Center?

As well as large concerts and other events, Badgers basketball games and hockey games are the big draws at the Kohl Center, pulling in big crowds from around Wisconsin and beyond. Despite the size of the arena, demand for seats, particularly for important games like conference deciders or finals, can make tickets difficult to find. Keep calm! Getting your hands on the cheapest tickets to Badgers basketball and hockey games or other big events at the Kohl Center is a breeze using the TicketX listings on this page. Our trusty TicketX seating chart also lets you compare different seating options in terms of price and location. With just a single click, you can buy tickets from TicketX with the lowest commission fees!

Kohl Center Seating Chart

The Kohl Center is a large venue that offers plenty of choice to visitors when it comes to different seating options. Those in the mood for a more luxurious experience can apply for premium seating areas like Kohl Center Suites, Nicholas Club Seats or Courtside Club Seats . The huge general admission seating areas across three tiers are lots of fun too though, offering the chance to get in there with the crowd and cheer the Badgers on to victory!

Details about Nicholas Club Seats

Located at the top of sections 101, 102, and 128 of the Kohl Center, the Nicholas Club provides some of the most exclusive seats available at the facility. In addition to being extra roomy and cushioned for optimal comfort, these seats provide a handy ledge for holding food, drinks, and personal belongings. The best part of the Nicholas Club tickets is that they grant you exclusive admission to the club, where you can enjoy free drinks and food stations as well as a cash bar for extra purchases.

How much is the Wisconsin Badgers Basketball suite?

The location of the venue, the match, and the suite's location within the stadium or arena all affect the cost of the suite. To obtain precise pricing for your Wisconsin Badgers Basketball event, you had better fill out the request form in the official page. Typical pricing for suites by Event Type is below.

  • NFL Suites: $15,000 - $35,000

  • NHL & NBA Suites: $4,000 - $8,000

  • MLB Suites: $3,000 - $6,000

  • Concert Suites: $5,000 - $15,000

Getting to the Kohl Center (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access Kohl Center via public transportation or driving their own vehicle

Getting to the Kohl Center via public transportation

Several local Madison bus lines can get you to the Kohl Center if you are keen on taking public transportation. For visitors unfamiliar with the area, a taxi or ride-share is probably a simpler and more convenient option. Those staying on or near campus can walk to the venue. 

Getting to the Kohl Center by car

Driving to the Kohl Center in your own vehicle is straightforward as long as you arrive early enough time to negotiate traffic and get parked before your game or event. The official Wisconsin Badgers website has maps and driving directions that can help you plan your route to the venue.

Does the Kohl Center have on-site parking?

Yes, there is plenty of parking near the Kohl Center, with several large surface lots offering public parking located within walking distance of the venue. Parking is allotted on a first come, first served basis. Head to the official Wisconsin Badgers website for parking information and maps.

How much does Kohl Center parking cost?

Parking in the public parking lots close to the Kohl Center will set you back $10 for most games and events. Check the official Wisconsin Badgers website for maps and information on parking prices.