7 ways to play in Madison
Fall is arguably the best time of year for the sports spectator, and the most beautiful time of year for sports participants. Check out our list of seven opportunities to get the blood pumping for fans and athletes alike:
1. Only the elite (or arguably deranged) compete in Ironman Wisconsin, but this 140.2-mile test of will -- mental and physical -- is underrated as a spectator event. The best viewing on Sept. 7 will be at Monona Terrace, either at the 7 a.m. mass start of the 2.4-mile swimming leg or, starting in late afternoon, the arrival of runners at the tail end of the finishing leg, a full 26.2-mile marathon. The emotion at both junctures is palpable, fueled by an enthusiastic group of volunteers and the families of the more than 2,000 participants.
For those in search of some scenery, the 112-mile bike leg loops twice through the rolling hills of western Dane County, and there is a festival atmosphere in places like Verona and Cross Plains. For those spectators who get the urge to compete, be aware that the field for 2009 likely will fill up by the day after this race. Info: www.ironmanwisconsin.com.
2. Hidden away in the bowels of the UW Memorial Union is Wisconsin Hoofers, an organization that has introduced generations of students and area residents alike to activities such as sailing, horseback riding and mountaineering. Registration is relatively cheap and the classes, taught by enthusiastic instructors, are designed for beginners. So don't be intimidated. Info: 262-1630 or visit www.hoofers.org
3. The Mad Rollin' Dolls have picked up steam in each of their four years of operation as a pioneer in the resurrection of flat-track roller derby. As their Web site puts it, the Dolls "delight Madisonians with a unique blend of hard-hitting action and campy entertainment." This fall the organization hits the big time by hosting and participating in the Eastern Regionals, a tournament that will draw the 12 best teams this side of the Mississippi to the Alliant Energy Center on Oct. 10-12.
What to expect at a roller derby match? It's a potpourri of tattoos, sweat, skirts, dramatics, PBR, the occasional live punk or speed metal concert, and a heck of an afterparty at which, um, the general rules and inhibitions of society are relaxed a tad. Info: 271-6222 ext. 150 or visit www.madrollindolls.com
4. For the runners among us, nothing beats a jaunt down lakeshore path from Memorial Union, all the way out to Picnic Point. In the fall, it's a particularly gorgeous journey, and a perfect antidote for all the commotion up and down State Street.
5. Football games at Camp Randall are something of a national holiday in Madison, and clearly something every newcomer should experience; even though six of the seven home games sold out before the season started, tickets for all but the marquee games are available at a reasonable cost on the secondary market on the street (note that reselling tickets for more than face value is illegal and violators can be ticketed).
Sometimes lost in the shuffle, though, is the experience of attending a UW volleyball game. The program has a dedicated following that routinely produces crowds of 4,000 or more at home games. If nothing else, it's a great excuse to visit the Field House, the history-laden former home of the men's and women's basketball teams. Info: Call 262-1440 or visit www.uwbadgers.com.
6. Nestled just a few minutes from the UW campus is the Arboretum, a 1,260-acre playground for exploration by those who favor flora and fauna. Thanks to some foresight, what was once cultivated land has been transformed over the past 80 years into a series of tallgrass prairies, forests, wetlands and savannas.
The Arboretum is open from dawn to dusk, and is a popular spot for runners, bikers and hikers, as well as birdwatchers and the like. Its nature center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and 12:30 to 4 p.m. on weekends, and guided hikes are offered every Sunday afternoon and select times during the week. Info: call 263-7888 or visit www.uwarboretum.org.
Other nearby outdoor outlets include the Lussier Family Heritage Center (224-3604 or www.countyofdane.com/lwrd/parks/heritage) at Lake Farm Park in southeast Madison and Blue Mound State Park (437-5711, www.friendsofbluemoundstatepark.org), located 30 miles west of Madison on the highest point in southern Wisconsin.
7. If you're in the mood to play mini golf, take some swings in batting cages, work on your mountain climbing skills, hit some range balls during the day, soak your friend with a water cannon, then wrap up with a round at a Par 3 course at night, you can do it all in one spot in Madison at George Vitense Golfland. For a one-stop shop, you'd be hard-pressed to get more bang for your family dollar. Info: 271-1411, or visit www.vitense.com.
File photo
Ironman Wisconsin, Sept. 7 this year, is just one of many great spectator events in the city.
