MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Downtown Madison turned into a sea of red Thursday as fans celebrated the first Badger game day of the season.

From early morning tailgates to downtown bars, thousands filled the streets to mark the return of Wisconsin football.

UW–Madison senior Susan Farias said the excitement starts before the stadium gates even open.

“Everyone is just full of energy, up early, ready to be out there for the game day and show their school spirit,” Farias said.

Senior Easton Evenstad added that for students, game days are about more than just football.

“We’re known like around college. The tailgates are fun, the games are fun, the atmosphere is insane,” he said.

One of the longest-running game day traditions sits just off Regent Street at Hong Kong Cafe. The family-owned resta

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