Crowds gather for the initial Wisconsin football season game, marked by time-honored rituals and a sense of shared community enthusiasm

Hong Kong Cafe Bids Farewell after 15 Years of Game Day Tailgates

For over a decade and a half, Hong Kong Cafe has been a beloved destination for game day tailgates in Madison, Wisconsin. This season, however, marks the end of an era as the popular establishment prepares to close its doors.

The cafe offers a unique blend of sake bombs, crab rangoons, and classic tailgate fare, making it a favourite among fans. Corrie Lee, the owner of Hong Kong Cafe, shared that the atmosphere draws a diverse crowd, including older patrons and families.

Lee, who grew up working in the restaurant, has witnessed the evolution of game day tailgates over the years. She encourages fans to enjoy sake bombs at Hong Kong Cafe before it closes, inviting them to celebrate the end of an era.

Game days are more than just football for many students. UW-Madison senior Easton Evenstad mentioned that the day is about camaraderie, school spirit, and creating memories.

Thousands of fans filled the streets of downtown Madison to celebrate the first game day of the season. As kickoff approached, crowds dressed in red and white poured toward Camp Randall Stadium.

The atmosphere at downtown Madison's game day celebrations is described as electric by some students, with UW-Madison senior Susan Farias describing it as everyone being full of energy and ready to show school spirit.

One of the longest-running game day traditions is at Hong Kong Cafe, which has hosted tailgates since 2005. Some fans shared personal stories about relatives who went on the Badger Honor Flight, a programme that sends veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit war memorials. Volunteers with Badger Honor Flight collected donations outside Camp Randall Stadium to support this cause.

The atmosphere at Hong Kong Cafe is comfortable for families, with less craziness and danger compared to other locations. As the season progresses, fans are urged to visit Hong Kong Cafe and make memories in this iconic establishment before it closes.

Crowds gather for the initial Wisconsin football season game, marked by time-honored rituals and a sense of shared community enthusiasm