Kohl Center

Kohl Center
	Exterior view of the Kohl Center
Location	601 West Dayton Street; Madison, Wisconsin 53715-1206
Coordinates	43°04′10″N 89°23′49″W / 43.069420°N 89.396972°W
Public transit	Metro Transit
Owner	University of Wisconsin
Operator	Wisconsin Badgers
Capacity	17,287 (basketball); 15,359 (hockey)
Surface	Multi-surface; 200 by 85 feet (61 m × 26 m) (hockey)
Construction
Broke ground	September 7, 1996
Built	October 8, 1996
Opened	January 17, 1998
Construction cost	$76.4 Million
Architect	Venture Architects; HOK Sport; Heinlein Schrock Stearns
Project manager	Hammes Company
Structural engineer	Thornton Tomasetti
Services engineer	M-E Engineers, Inc.
General contractor	The Boldt Company
Tenants
	Wisconsin Badgers Men's Basketball; (1998–present); Wisconsin Badgers Women's Basketball; (1998–present); Wisconsin Badgers Men's Hockey; (1998–present); Wisconsin Badgers Women's Hockey; (1998–2012); WIAA State Boys Basketball Tournament; (1998–present); WIAA State Girls Basketball Tournament; (1998, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2010–2012); WIAA State Wrestling Tournament; (1998–present); NCAA Men's Basketball Midwest Regional; (2002); NCAA Men's Hockey Midwest Regional (2008)

The Kohl Center is a multi-purpose arena located at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, United States. The arena opened in 1998 and is the home of the university's men's basketball and ice hockey teams, and the women's basketball team.

The Kohl Center has the fourth largest seating capacity in the Big Ten Conference with 17,287 for basketball and 15,539 for hockey.^[3] It is the second largest indoor venue in Wisconsin after Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee and is located at the intersection of West Dayton and North Frances Streets.

The arena is named after former United States Senator, former Milwaukee Bucks owner, and alumnus Herb Kohl, who donated $25 million of his Kohl's fortune to the project.^[4]^[5]

Naming

In 1995 Herb Kohl donated $25 million to support the construction of the yet named arena. At the time it was the largest single donation in University of Wisconsin System history. Because of the donor's first name, it is sometimes locally referred to as the "Herb Garden". Former Wisconsin Badgers basketball player Albert Nicholas and his wife donated $10 million toward the project, with the adjoining practice pavilion named the Nicholas-Johnson Pavilion and Plaza; the basketball floor itself was renamed in his honor after he died in 2017.^[6] Jack F. Kellner and his sons donated an additional $2.5 million to the project. Wisconsin-based Hammes Company developed the arena for UW–Madison in 1993. The Boldt Company was the project's general contractor.

The Kohl Center boasts the nation's highest attendance in men's and women's college hockey.^[7]

Student section

Originally known as "Mr. Bennett's Neighborhood" (for then-coach Dick Bennett) the student section of the Kohl Center adopted the name "Grateful Red" in 2002. The name was a reference to the rock group, the Grateful Dead, and members wore tie-dyed T-shirts as their pseudo-uniforms. The Detroit News ranked the section the #1 college basketball student section in February 2007.^[8] In 2018, the university renamed all student sections ”AreaRED”.^[9]

The student section holds 2,100 students^{[citation needed]} and extends from the floor to the roof of the Kohl Center, a span of three decks. Under former coach Bo Ryan, the men's basketball team achieved a record of 133–10 at home and held a 24-game home winning streak through the 2006–07 season.

Court Storming Games

The Kohl Center has hosted a number of big games where a Badger victory led to fans storming the court:

December 2, 2023: Wisconsin 75, (3) Marquette 64^[10]
March 1, 2022: (10) Wisconsin 70, (8) Purdue 67^[11]
January 19, 2019: Wisconsin 64, (2) Michigan 54^[12]
December 2, 2009: Wisconsin 73, (6) Duke 69^[13]
March 5, 2003: (24) Wisconsin 60, (14) Illinois 59^[14]
February 27, 2002: Wisconsin 74, Michigan 54^[15]
March 5, 2000: Wisconsin 56, (14) Indiana 53^[16]

History

Prior to the Kohl Center, the basketball teams played at the Wisconsin Field House, while ice hockey was played at the Dane County Coliseum. The hockey teams still may play there if there is an event conflict, because basketball has scheduling priority. Originally, the overhead scoreboard from the UW Field House was installed in the Kohl Center because the cost of a new scoreboard unit wasn't included in the figure for the new arena. The old scoreboard remained in the Kohl Center for seven years, and after the money was raised, a new and modern circular unit was bought and installed before the 2004–2005 winter sports season. At the same time a LED ribbon board was installed, which surrounds the arena below the second balcony, displaying advertising, messages, and scores. The design of the Kohl Center is modeled somewhat after that of the Field House with cantilevered balconies instead of a setback style. This was done to intimidate opponents and bring all fans close to the action.

A bar and restaurant was added to the second level in 2005. The area is for pre-game gatherings of boosters who have made donations to the athletic department.

In 2006 a second student-athlete academic center was built on the lower level of the Kohl Center to provide student athletes easier access to academic services. Prior to the 2006 men's basketball season, the UW Athletic Department sold 48 courtside seats, at a price of $10,000 to $12,500 each. The available seats sold out, and a waiting list was created for the sale of seats that become available in the future. Space for the seats was created by eliminating part of the courtside seating for media. The addition of these seats has increased maximum capacity for men's basketball from 17,142 to 17,190.

Prior to the 2008–2009 season some of the seating in the upper deck was also reconfigured, adding more seating to the arena to bring capacity for men's basketball to 17,230.^[17]

The athletic department's master plan included adding a practice rink for ice hockey after construction of the Kohl Center. One configuration under consideration placed the rink next to the Nicholas Johnson Pavilion, where it would serve as an alternative practice facility for the men's hockey team and a game and practice facility for the women's hockey team.^[18] This was realized as LaBahn Arena, which opened in 2012.^[19]

The front entrance lobby features a wall sculpture from glass sculptor Dale Chihuly called "Mendota Wall".

Other events

Other events are held at the Kohl Center, including commencement ceremonies for the UW, concerts, ice skating shows, career fairs, political gatherings, and conventions. The Kohl Center is the site of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) high school Boys' basketball and individual wrestling championships. It has also hosted an NCAA women's volleyball national championship (Dec. 17–19, 1998), an NCAA men's basketball regional championship (March 22–24, 2002), and an NCAA men's hockey regional championship (March 28–30, 2008).

The Kohl Center also hosts the annual Varsity Band Spring Concert, an event that began in March 1975 and has grown into a three-night affair with professional staging, lighting, sound and pyrotechnics. The concert averages 25,000 attendees every year.

On February 12, 2008, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke before a crowd of over 17,000 prior to the Wisconsin primary.^[20] The 2008 Jeopardy! College Championship was taped on April 11 and 12, 2008, at the Kohl Center.

The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2011 Science Olympiad National Tournament were held at the Kohl Center on May 20 and 21, 2011.

On October 8, 2016, the Milwaukee Bucks hosted a preseason game vs. the Dallas Mavericks at the Kohl Center.

On October 30, 2017, DJ Khaled hosted a concert at the Kohl Center after UW Student Sam Jeschke handed out 43,000 bottles of Mentos Gum.^[21]

Metallica kicked off their North American WorldWired Arena Tour on September 2, 2018, at the Kohl Center.

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Ceremony to Mark Kohl Center Construction, Fundraising Effort Archived August 22, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
^ M-E Engineers – Kohl Center Archived April 25, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
^ "Largest College Basketball Arenas in the Big Ten". Fueled by Sports. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
^ "About". Kohl Initiative. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
^ "Badger fans grateful for Herb Kohl's dedication to the university and state". TMJ4 News. December 29, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
^ "Kohl Center court named in honor of Ab Nicholas" (Press release). Wisconsin Badgers Athletics Department. January 12, 2017. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
^ "2009–2010 Division I Men's Attendance". USCHO.com. Archived from the original on August 21, 2010. Retrieved January 11, 2010.
^ Lacy, Eric. "Wisconsin has No. 1 student section," Detroit News, February 16, 2007.
^ Schultz, Rob. "ESPN Show Will Focus on Badgers," The Capital Times. Madison, Wis.: January 31, 2004. p. 4.C
^ Potrykus, Jeff (December 3, 2023). "Wisconsin Badgers fans storm the Kohl Center court after wire-to-wire upset of Marquette". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
^ AP. "No. 10 Badgers nip No. 8 Purdue for share of Big Ten title". Espn.com. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
^ Kocorowski, Jake (January 19, 2019). "Highlights from Wisconsin's win over No. 2 Michigan". Bucky's Fifth Quarter. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
^ Lucas, Mike (January 17, 2023). "Twenty-Five Years of the Kohl Center". Uwbadgers.com. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
^ AP. "Badgers claim first outright title since 1947". Espn.com. Retrieved December 10, 2023.^{[dead link‍]}
^ Wisconsin, Badgers. "Badger History: 2002 Big Ten Champions". YouTube. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
^ AP. "Wisconsin closes game with 11-3 run". Espn.com. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
^ "Upper-deck Seats Become Available". The Capital Times. October 27, 2008. Retrieved March 15, 2009.
^ Milewski, Todd D. (August 21, 2008). "Uw Athletics Seeks $51 Million In State Bonds For Building Projects". The Capital Times. Retrieved March 15, 2009.
^ "Facilities".
^ Derby, Samara Kalk (February 19, 2008). "Obama energizes 17,000+ at Kohl Center (with full audio)". The Capital Times. Retrieved March 15, 2009.
^ Savidge, Nico (September 6, 2017). "DJ Khaled to play concert for University of Wisconsin students". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved March 20, 2020.

External links

Preceded by Galen Center	Host of the Jeopardy! College Championship 2008	Succeeded by Sony Pictures Studios

[construction-1] Ceremony to Mark Kohl Center Construction, Fundraising Effort Archived August 22, 2010, at the Wayback Machine

[2] M-E Engineers – Kohl Center Archived April 25, 2012, at the Wayback Machine

[3] "Largest College Basketball Arenas in the Big Ten". Fueled by Sports. Retrieved January 24, 2024.

[4] "About". Kohl Initiative. Retrieved January 24, 2024.

[5] "Badger fans grateful for Herb Kohl's dedication to the university and state". TMJ4 News. December 29, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2024.

[6] "Kohl Center court named in honor of Ab Nicholas" (Press release). Wisconsin Badgers Athletics Department. January 12, 2017. Retrieved December 2, 2017.

[uscho_attendance-7] "2009–2010 Division I Men's Attendance". USCHO.com. Archived from the original on August 21, 2010. Retrieved January 11, 2010.

[8] Lacy, Eric. "Wisconsin has No. 1 student section," Detroit News, February 16, 2007.

[9] Schultz, Rob. "ESPN Show Will Focus on Badgers," The Capital Times. Madison, Wis.: January 31, 2004. p. 4.C

[10] Potrykus, Jeff (December 3, 2023). "Wisconsin Badgers fans storm the Kohl Center court after wire-to-wire upset of Marquette". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved December 10, 2023.

[11] AP. "No. 10 Badgers nip No. 8 Purdue for share of Big Ten title". Espn.com. Retrieved December 10, 2023.

[12] Kocorowski, Jake (January 19, 2019). "Highlights from Wisconsin's win over No. 2 Michigan". Bucky's Fifth Quarter. Retrieved December 10, 2023.

[13] Lucas, Mike (January 17, 2023). "Twenty-Five Years of the Kohl Center". Uwbadgers.com. Retrieved December 10, 2023.

[14] AP. "Badgers claim first outright title since 1947". Espn.com. Retrieved December 10, 2023.^{[dead link‍]}

[15] Wisconsin, Badgers. "Badger History: 2002 Big Ten Champions". YouTube. Retrieved December 10, 2023.

[16] AP. "Wisconsin closes game with 11-3 run". Espn.com. Retrieved December 10, 2023.

[upperDeckSeats-17] "Upper-deck Seats Become Available". The Capital Times. October 27, 2008. Retrieved March 15, 2009.

[athleticBuildProjects-18] Milewski, Todd D. (August 21, 2008). "Uw Athletics Seeks $51 Million In State Bonds For Building Projects". The Capital Times. Retrieved March 15, 2009.

[LaBahn-19] "Facilities".

[obamaRally-20] Derby, Samara Kalk (February 19, 2008). "Obama energizes 17,000+ at Kohl Center (with full audio)". The Capital Times. Retrieved March 15, 2009.

[21] Savidge, Nico (September 6, 2017). "DJ Khaled to play concert for University of Wisconsin students". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved March 20, 2020.

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v t e University of Wisconsin–Madison
Located in: Madison, Wisconsin
Colleges and schools	Agricultural and Life Sciences Business Education Engineering Human Ecology International Studies Journalism and Mass Communication Law Letters and Science Library and Information Studies Medicine and Public Health Music Nursing Pharmacy Public Affairs Social Work Veterinary Medicine
Campus	Abraham's Woods Agriculture Hall Allen Centennial Gardens Arboretum Bascom Hill Chamberlin Hall Chazen Museum of Art Dairy Barn DeLuca Biochemistry Building Geology Museum Heating Station Lake Mendota Lakeshore Nature Preserve Lathrop Hall Law Building Memorial Union North Hall Pine Bluff Observatory Space Science and Engineering Center Red Gym Science Hall State Street Stock Pavilion Synchrotron Radiation Center Union South Washburn Observatory Weinert Center Wisconsin Union Theater
Athletics	Baseball Basketball (M W) Crew Football Ice hockey (Men Women) Men's soccer Softball Volleyball Camp Randall Field House Kohl Center LaBahn Arena University Ridge Golf Course Bucky Badger Grateful Red Paul Bunyan's Axe Heartland Trophy
History	Camp Randall Experimental College Past Chancellors Sifting and winnowing Single-grain experiment Slab of Bacon Sterling Hall bombing Teaching Assistants Association WHA Wisconsin Idea Wisconsin Idea Theatre Wisconsin school Wisconsin School (diplomatic history)
Media and publications	The Badger Herald The Daily Cardinal Scandinavian Studies Tandem Press UW Press The Wisconsin Engineer Wisconsin Law Review WSUM
People	Alumni, faculty and staff Academics Athletics
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Student life	Forensics Fundamentally Sound Grateful Red Hoofers Humorology Iron Shield Society Jump Around MadHatters Marching Band On, Wisconsin! Undergraduate Projects Lab Varsity Wisconsin Film Festival Wisconsin Union
Related	University of Wisconsin System The War at Home (1979 documentary)
Founded: 1848

v t e Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball
Venues	Red Gym (1904–1930) Wisconsin Field House (1930–1998) Kohl Center (1998–present)
Rivalries	Marquette
Culture & lore	Bucky Badger "On, Wisconsin!" Grateful Red
People	Head coaches NBA players Statistical leaders
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Helms and Premo-Porretta national championships in bold; NCAA Final Four appearance in italics; NCAA championships in bolded italics

v t e Big Ten Conference ice hockey
Teams	Michigan Wolverines Michigan State Spartans Minnesota Golden Gophers Notre Dame Fighting Irish Ohio State Buckeyes Penn State Nittany Lions Wisconsin Badgers
Venues	Yost Ice Arena (Michigan) Munn Ice Arena (Michigan State) 3M Arena at Mariucci (Minnesota) Compton Family Ice Arena (Notre Dame) Value City Arena (Ohio State) Pegula Ice Arena (Penn State) Kohl Center (Wisconsin)
Championships & awards	Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Tournament (list of champions) All-Big Ten Teams Player of the Year Defensive Player of the Year Goaltender of the Year Freshman of the Year Scoring Champions Coach of the Year Tournament MOP All-Tournament Teams
Seasons	2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23 2023–24 2024–25

v t e Music venues of Wisconsin
Outdoor	Alpine Valley Music Theatre American Family Insurance Amphitheater American Family Field Breese Stevens Field Elkhorn Band Shell Neuroscience Group Field Owen Park Somerset Amphitheater
Arenas	Fiserv Forum Kohl Center La Crosse Center Menominee Nation Arena Resch Center
Theaters and clubs	Barrymore Theatre Big Top Chautauqua Grand Theater High Noon Saloon King Club Kohler Memorial Theater Majestic Theatre Miller High Life Theatre Orpheum Theatre Oshkosh Grand Opera House Pabst Theater Park Theatre Riverside Ballroom Riverside Theater Phipps Center for the Arts The Rave/Eagles Club Stoughton Opera House Turner Hall Weill Center
Performing arts centers	Fox Cities Performing Arts Center Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts John Michael Kohler Arts Center Theatre Marcus Center Overture Center for the Arts Weidner Center for the Performing Arts
Festivals	Mile of Music Summerfest
Historic venues	Bradley Center Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena Club Pop House O'Cayz Corral Royal Theatre State Theater Uptown Theatre Zivko's Ballroom