A Trip to the Barn

Last Friday evening there was a great opportunity to watch the Wisconsin women's volleyball team in a match with Michigan in the Fieldhouse.

The "barn" opened in 1930 as home to basketball, wrestling, and boxing (Wisconsin had quite a good team until the NCAA did away with boxing in 1960).

Now volleyball and wrestling are the primary tenants and it was an exciting venue this weekend as the #15 Badgers hosted #16 Michigan and then the #5 Michigan State women on Sunday.

In addition to seeing an entertaining product on the court (or ice in the case of hockey), I'm becoming a fan of women's athletics.

My interest in the men's collegiate teams isn't going away - but as a spectator sport seen in person there is a lot to like about the women's game.

There is unquestioned talent, effort, and enthusiasm.   There is also a little bit of the feeling that this is more of what college sports should be like for both men and women.

And it's no small thing that the price is right.

Admission to women's games are just $5 and Friday night was a special promotion with $2 seats.  It's great marketing all right - get you in the door to see the product and you'll be back.

Throw in Bucky and the Badger band?

Oh yeah, I'll be back!