Camp Randall Stadium Accessibility

Please bring your own mobility aid. If you or your guest requires a wheelchair, scooter, or any assistive device to travel any distance, you must bring it with you. All devices are permitted in the stadium, but are not able to be stored at the stadium, and are not supplied by the university. Please be aware that there will be a decent amount of on-site travel required to move from campus parking to your seat in Camp Randall stadium.

We reserve Lot 17 near Camp Randall for accessible parking. In the spring of 2025 the request form to obtain an accessible parking permit will open. Please note that in addition to the special event accessible parking pass, you will need a DOT-issued ADA parking pass to enter Lot 17.

To see other accessible parking options on campus, see here. Most campus lots are available and free to the public on the day of the ceremony. Free parking will be available at most lots during commencement weekend. In these lots, accessible parking spots are first-come, first-served. Beyond an ADA hangtag/placard, no additional special permit is required.

On the day of Commencement, Monroe Street, near Gate 1 of Camp Randall, will be used as a drop-off and loading zone (no parking) for guests with limited mobility and accessibility needs. 

In addition, a complimentary shuttle will be available on the day of Commencement to transport participants and guests around campus to Camp Randall Stadium. Shuttle stops are stationed at various Madison Metro Bus Stops throughout campus, indicated by signs. At each respective stop, a shuttle should come every 10–15 minutes. A couple of these shuttles are wheelchair accessible to accommodate guests with accessibility needs.

To accommodate those with accessibility needs, there are designated Wheelchair Accessible Seating areas as well as easily accessible seats for those with limited mobility.

General Information

Camp Randall Stadium is an open-air stadium. All seats are subject to exposure from the elements — including direct sun, rain, and wind. 

Camp Randall has bleacher-style metal benches, like those at high school sporting events. You are welcome to bring a seat back within the parameters of the stadium’s carry-in policy, which is the same as for Badger football games. Please plan accordingly. 

Much of the accessible seating will require an elevator trip. We encourage guests who will be utilizing wheelchair accessible seating and our limited mobility/easy access seating to arrive at the stadium 1–2 hours prior to the start of the ceremony to ensure they are in their seat location before the ceremony begins. Seats are first-come, first-served. Gates will open at 10 a.m., and the ceremony begins at noon. 

Wheelchair Accessible Seating Information

To request a Wheelchair Accessible Seating Spot in Camp Randall, we ask that you fill out the Accessible Seating Notification Form which will become available in spring of 2025. This does not guarantee seating, and is just an intake form to assist our team to better gauge the need. This seating location allows for two people — one person in their own wheelchair and one companion. To ensure that there is space for all folks who need accommodations, additional members of the party will need to sit separately in general seating nearby. 

Once requested, Wheelchair Accessible Seating will be determined day-of once guests arrive at Camp Randall. Check-in will occur at Guest Services tables at the Student Athlete Performance Center (near Gate 3) and Gate 1. Exact locations are not predetermined and will be decided largely in order of arrival. There are no tickets for general seating or limited mobility/easy access seating locations. 

Easy Access and Limited Mobility Seating Information

We highly recommend guests with limited mobility enter through Gate 1. For guests who have difficulty walking or using stairs, but do not use a wheelchair or scooter, seating options with minimal steps are located throughout the stadium. These spots will be clearly indicated by signs. No reservation is required to sit in this location and seating is first-come, first-served. To accommodate all guests with limited mobility, only one companion may join the guest. Additional members of the party will need to sit in general admission seating.

Stadium staff will make every effort to accommodate guests with accessibility needs and ensure the day is an enjoyable and comfortable experience. Due to the nature of this event, we ask for your patience. We anticipate 40,000+ attendees at Camp Randall Stadium, and it can take extra time to get guests with accessibility needs to their designated seating areas. To ensure you are in your seats before the ceremony begins, we recommend that those with accessibility needs arrive 1–2 hours prior to the noon start time. Doors will open to the stadium at 10 a.m.

Entering the Stadium and Wheelchair Check-In

There are two designated accessible entrances into Camp Randall on Commencement Day: the Student Athlete Performance Center near Gate 3 and Gate 1 near Kellner Hall. These entrances are also where guest services will have tables for those with wheelchair seating reservations to check-in, along with staff who will be available to assist you in getting to your seats. Note: much of the accessible seating will require an elevator ride.

Accessible restrooms are available throughout Camp Randall Stadium. Accessible family restrooms, which include flushing floor-drain urinals and diaper-changing stations, are located in concourses on the 5th level east side, 3rd level east and west side, and ground level near Section R (Badger Alley).

The entire Camp Randall seating area is served by assistive-listening devices (ALDs), operating on an FM system. Individuals may pick up headsets at the Guest Services Office in the Kellner Club, near Gate 1. Use of an ALD is free, but individuals who would like to use an ALD must leave some form of collateral, such as a driver’s license or credit card, at the Guest Services Office.

Captioning services are visible at the bottom of the north scoreboard. Attendees can also use the Badger App to view captions on their cellular devices.

An American Sign Language interpreter will also be present during the ceremony. No special tickets are required, however, to ensure we reserve enough space, if you or someone in your group needs seating in view of the interpreter, please reach out to  accessibility@chancellor.wisc.edu.

Message and video boards are located at both the north and south ends of the stadium to relay general information, as well as messages broadcast over the public address system. In case of an emergency, strobe lights will help alert guests with hearing-impairment. Emergency messages will also be posted on the stadium’s scoreboards.

Areas of Rescue Assistance are designated areas where guests who are unable to use stairs may remain temporarily to await assistance during an emergency evacuation. Areas of Rescue Assistance are located at Elevators 4, 5, 6, and 7 on the east side of the stadium.