On September 5, approximately 10,000 Wisconsin Badgers supporters are expected to flood downtown Green Bay, transforming the area into a vibrant display of red and white for the annual Badger Bash North. This lively celebration precedes the much-anticipated game between the Badgers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, scheduled for September 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Lambeau Field, as part of the Shamrock Series.
In addition to the festivities hosted by Badger fans, Notre Dame supporters will also be gathering in the Titletown district to partake in a variety of pregame activities. The Shamrock Series has become a celebrated tradition, showcasing college football in unique venues, and this year’s matchup promises to be no different.
The Badger Bash North will kick off with a parade featuring the full 350-member University of Wisconsin Marching Band and the UW Spirit Squad. The parade is set to begin at 3:30 p.m., starting at Mather Street and Broadway, making its way south to Dousman Street before turning towards the river. This event is not just a celebration of school spirit but also a chance for fans to come together and enjoy the community atmosphere.
The main festivities will take place at Leicht Memorial Park, located at 128 Dousman St., and the surrounding area near the Titletown Brewing parking lot. Attendees are encouraged to utilize parking on the east side of the river at the Main Street parking ramp, as the Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.
Activities at the Badger Bash will begin at 1 p.m. with a service project, followed by a kids football combine at 2 p.m. The parade is a highlight of the day, featuring various units, including a fire truck from the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, a Grand Marshal car with former UW and Green Bay Packers player Mark Tauscher, and performances from the Green Bay Preble High School Drumline, the UW Spirit Squad, and, of course, Bucky Badger himself.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame fans will have their own set of activities in the Titletown district, beginning with a tailgate at noon and the Shamrock Kickoff running from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Notre Dame band is scheduled to perform at 4 p.m., followed by a drumline performance at 8 p.m. at the base of Ariens Hill, ensuring that the excitement continues throughout the day.
Weather for the day is expected to start with high humidity, tapering off as the day progresses. Early fog is predicted to give way to sunny skies with a high temperature around 77 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Green Bay. This pleasant weather will set the stage for a fantastic day of festivities leading into the game.
As both teams prepare to kick off their seasons on Labor Day weekend, the Titletown district will also host the Titletown Gameday Live event starting at 2:30 p.m. on September 6. During the game, both marching bands will perform at halftime, with the Notre Dame band taking the lead during the pregame festivities, while the UW band will play their Alma Mater post-game.
With Lambeau Field operating on a cashless basis and specific carry-in policies in place, fans are advised to plan accordingly for a seamless experience at the game. The excitement surrounding the Badger Bash North and Shamrock Kickoff illustrates the passion and camaraderie of college football fans as they come together to celebrate their teams.
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