Camp Randall Stadium Accessibility
Parking
Lot 16 and Lot 17 near Camp Randall Stadium are reserved for accessible parking. You will need a Special Event Accessible Parking Permit and either a Department of Transportation ADA hangtag from any state or an internationally-issued ADA hangtag to enter Lot 16 and Lot 17. Special Event Accessible Parking Permits are no longer being distributed via email. If you require a Special Event Accessible Parking Permit, you must go to Union South to pick one up. If you need support, please contact them at 608-262-3333.
Free parking will be available at most campus lots during Commencement weekend where accessible parking is first-come, first-served. Beyond an ADA hang tag or placard, no additional permit is required. A map outlining the free campus parking will be available soon.
A complimentary shuttle service will be available on Commencement Day. The shuttle will run every 10 minutes from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from noon to 2 p.m.
Due to road closures in the Camp Randall area, including Monroe Street, drop-offs directly in front of the stadium will not be available. Guests are strongly encouraged to utilize free campus parking or designated ADA parking lots as the primary arrival method.
Entrances and getting around
Guests with accessibility needs should arrive 1 to 2 hours before the ceremony begins at noon. Doors will open at 10 a.m.
Entering the Stadium and Wheelchair Check-In
There are two accessible entrances into Camp Randall on Commencement Day: Gate 1 near Kellner Hall and the Student Athlete Performance Center (located near Gate 3). Guests who filled out the Wheelchair Seating Intake Form (available below) must check in with Guest Services who will assist you in getting to your seat. Seating is still first-come, first-served. Please note that most accessible seating will require an elevator ride.
Mobility aids
We recommend bringing your own mobility aids, including any wheelchairs, scooters, or assistive devices, or renting from a local vendor. All devices are permitted in the stadium, but the university is unable to store or supply any devices. There will be a large amount of on-site travel required to move from campus parking to your seat in Camp Randall stadium.
Restrooms
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).
Graduate accommodations
Graduate access to the ceremony is via Gate 5. Graduates in need of ramp access to the candidate seating area or other accommodations should notify commencement staff at accessibility@chancellor.wisc.edu prior to the date of the ceremony to ensure a comfortable and celebratory experience.
Accommodations can include accessible access to floor seating, removal of chairs, extra chairs, anxiety support, repositioning of chairs, and accommodations for service animals, ASL, or assistive listening devices. Commencement staff can also discuss arrival and departure plans prior to the event.
As it can be very difficult to meet needs on the day of the ceremony, please contact us prior to the event at accessibility@chancellor.wisc.edu so we can best assist you.
Seating accommodations
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. Seat backs are welcome.
Guests with accessibility needs should arrive 1 to 2 hours early as seating is first-come, first-served. Accessible seating is limited to only guests who require it and one companion.
Wheelchair seating locations
A Wheelchair Seating Intake Form to request a wheelchair accessible spot in Camp Randall is now available. This does not guarantee seating, and is just an intake form to assist our team to better gauge the need, and for guests to receive detailed information.
Wheelchair Accessible Seating will be first-come, first-served. Check in will occur at Gate 1 (Kellner Hall) and the Student Athlete Performance Center (near Gate 3). Exact seating locations are not predetermined and will be decided in order of arrival.
Limited mobility seating locations
Guests with limited mobility should enter through Gate 1. Seating options with minimal steps are located throughout the stadium for guests who may have difficulty walking or using stairs, but do not use a mobility device such as a wheelchair or scooter. These seating areas will be clearly indicated by signs, and are first-come, first-served. No reservations are required to sit in this location.
Hearing and vision accommodations
Headsets
The seating area is served by assistive listening devices (ALD) on an FM system. Individuals may pick up headsets at the Guest Services Office in the Kellner Club (near Gate 1) and must leave some form of collateral, such as a driver’s license while using the ALD.
Captioning
Captioning will be available throughout the ceremony under the North Scoreboard, and attendees can also use the Badger App to view captions on their cellular devices. An American Sign Language Interpreter will be located near Section S. Guests in need of an interpreter should fill out the form below so we can set aside seats in that section.
Service Animals
Animals are not permitted at Camp Randall Stadium, except for service animals or service animals in training that may accompany individuals with disabilities.
Service animals are welcome at Camp Randall Stadium provided they are accompanied by the handler, trained to provide a service to the handler, leashed at all times unless this interferes with the animals work, and under control and do not jeopardize safety.
Service animals needing a relief area may exist and reenter as needed at any gate.
Service Animals in Training
Service animals in training are welcome at Camp Randall Stadium provided they are: 1) not jeopardizing the safety operation of the program, 2) the service animal in training must wear a harness OR leash and special cape, 3) remain under the control of the trainer at all times.
Service animals in training needing a relief area may exit and reenter as needed at any gate.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Emotional support, comfort, or therapy animals do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and, therefore, are not permitted at Camp Randall Stadium.
Sensory Bags
Sensory Bags provided by KultureCity will be located at Camp Randall at the Guest Services Office in the South End Zone. Sensory bags will include: noise-canceling headphones, wacky track fidget, monkey tube fidget, marble fidget, visual cue card and feeling thermometer, and KultureCity VIP Lanyards.
In addition, noise canceling headphones separate from the sensory bag will be offered for individuals who want a reprieve from the noise but don’t want the entire bag.
Nursing Parents
Nursing & Breast Feeding Room Location
The nursing & breast feeding room location for Camp Randall can be found at Gate 10, 1514.
Request Accommodations
Graduates are able to request for their infant children to be with them in the graduate seating sections, and other accommodations such as access to a nursing & breast feeding room by filling out the form below.
Emergency alerts
Two message boards, located at opposite sides of the stadium, will relay general information and messages that are broadcast over the Public Address system. In case of an emergency, strobe lights will help alert the deaf and those who are hard of hearing. Emergency messages will also be posted on both Camp Randall scoreboards.
Areas of Rescue Assistance are located at Elevators 4, 5, 6, and 7 on the east side of the stadium.
Contact information
For general or accessibility questions, we’re here to help.