Badger fans in Madison gear up for the big game

 

MADISON (CBS 58) -- For those who don't have a ticket to Fiserv Forum, many Badger fans are cheering on the Wisconsin basketball team in Madison.

Badger fans packed bars on Regent Street, a popular game day area, anxiously waiting to see if the Wisconsin Badgers can pull off a win against the Colgate Raiders in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Lucky's 1313 in Madison is welcoming all the excitement before tip-off. General Manager Scott Hellested said he's looking forward to the crowds after they dealt with limited capacity restrictions last year during the pandemic.

"It just feels like a relief because this is in theory the first tournament we've had since 2019," Hellested said.

The Colgate Raiders roll into Friday's match up on a 15-game winning streak, which Badger fans have mixed feelings about.

"Badgers are going to win by 20," said Cody Wooldridge from Cameron.

"You just never know what's going to happen, it's March Madness," said Ben Benick from Madison. "They call it madness for a reason."

Wisconsin fans do hope having the game in Milwaukee gives the badgers some home court advantage.

"I expect Johnny Davis to accept the show tonight and put on a nice performance," said Jerry Lesly from De Pere.

The game is scheduled to begin at 8:50 p.m. on March 18.