Wisconsin football fans young and old have dreamed of the perfect season, their beloved Badgers storming through the Big Ten and overpowering the College Football Playoff field. What might that look like? We're going to try to find out.
With the 2020 Big Ten football season postponed, Camp Randall Stadium will sit empty in the fall for the first time since it was built in 1917. That disappointment is shared by fans and players alike. But one thing that will never cease is the pride all Badgers share in their football program. And the joy derived from a big win on an autumn Saturday will be on display throughout the Dream Season presented by American Family Insurance this fall.
The Badgers are teaming up with BTN to deliver fresh looks at 12 classic victories that will be broadcast on YouTube and Facebook. The updated game broadcasts, which also will air on radio on 97.3 The Game in Milwaukee and across the statewide Badger Sports Network, will begin Sept. 19 and run through Dec. 5. The broadcasts will combine TV footage with the original radio call featuring the "Voice of the Badgers" Matt Lepay and Mike Lucas, and will also include many of the traditions Badger fans hold dear, including UW Marching Band shows, Jump Around, the 5th Quarter and more.
On game day, fans can enhance their 'Dream Season' viewing by participating in an interactive second-screen experience. Badger fans can simply visit UWBadgers.com/live on their mobile devices during the game to enjoy exclusive content, interactive games and game day traditions. The fun second-screen experience allows fans to earn points for their participation and activity to win prizes. Best of all it's free.
Each week will be filled with classic and new content previewing the matchup, including contributions from Badger stars of the past, across Wisconsin's football social media channels and UWBadgers.com. Each week's game and broadcast time will be announced on the @BadgerFootball Twitter account Monday mornings at 9 a.m. CT, beginning Sept. 14.
Fans will also have a chance to get involved with Badger Fan Fridays. Get ready for the next day's game by participating in contests, submitting photos and videos and interacting with past and present Badgers.
In addition to the digital content during the week, Wisconsin Badgers Happy Hour will air live on 97.3 The Game in Milwaukee and on the Badger Sports Network from 6-7 p.m. on Thursdays. The radio show will preview that week's game with Lepay, Lucas, head coach Paul Chryst and other guests. The Badger Sports Report, hosted by Lepay, will also air statewide on Sunday mornings and feature a recap of the previous day's game, interviews with current and former Badgers and insight from Chryst.
Stay tuned to the official Twitter account for Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) for all the latest 'Dream Season' updates, including the season opener announcement on Monday, Sept. 14.
All Dream Season broadcasts on radio can be heard on 97.3 The Game in Milwaukee.
Photo / Release: UW Athletics