Friday Night Alumni Mixer

Let's kick off the 2021 football season right! 

Join the Madison Chapter for a Friday Night Alumni Mixer on Sept. 3, 2021. Mingle with fellow Penn State fans and hear from our local chapter leaders, PSAA CEO Paul Clifford, and PSAA President Kelley Lynch. We will have raffles to support our scholarship fund, and the Wisconsin Chapter plans to sell famous Penn State cheeseheads. Our fingers are crossed that the pep band, Nittany Lion, and cheerleaders will also be able to join us.

Although this is a free event, RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes. Please RSVP here by Aug. 27.

• ​Where: Old Sugar Distillery, 931 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703
• When: Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, 7:00pm-9:00pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Food: Light appetizers will be provided. Cash Bar.
• Who: Penn State fans of all ages are invited.
• Parking: Free street parking may be available on nearby streets. Garage parking is available at the public South Livingston Street Parking Garage located only two blocks away. 

FAQs

Do I need to RSVP? 
RSVPs are appreciated so we know how many to expect, but not required. Please RSVP here by Aug. 27.

What COVID-related precautions are you taking? Are masks required? 
This event will follow Penn State, PSAA, and state and local COVID guidelines. Currently, this means fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear face masks indoors. Unvaccinated individuals must wear face masks indoors at this event. Attendees will be asked to sign in and provide a method of contact to enable contact tracing if necessary. Please do not attend this event if you are not feeling well, have COVID-related symptoms, or have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID within the past two weeks. 

We will have hand sanitizer available and ensure that appropriate cleaning of the venue occurs. If Penn State, Wisconsin or Madison public health officials change COVID-related requirements, we will adjust, and update this website accordingly.

This is going to be the first time many of us Penn Staters are back together in person for an event of this magnitude. Everyone is coming at this from a different place and different personal experiences, so please be respectful of your fellow Penn Staters and their decision to wear masks, distance, and wave/bow/fist bump/give a little "We Are" cheer in lieu of handshakes. We Are!

Can kids attend the Alumni Mixer? 
Yes! It is open to fans of all ages.

How can I support the Chapter? 
The Madison Chapter, along with the Wisconsin Chapter, are raising money for our joint endowed scholarship fund so we can provide more scholarships for Penn State students from Wisconsin. You can contribute by texting "BLUECHEESE" to 41444 or visiting psumadison.org/donate.html.

Where should I eat dinner before or after the Mixer? 
Madison is home to many award-winning restaurants. The Old Sugar Distillery is within walking distance of many restaurants on Williamson Street, East Washington Avenue, and the Capitol Square featuring a wide variety of cuisines. State Street (near the University) and Regent Street and Monroe Street (near Camp Randall) also have great pubs and restaurants. We suggest trying the fried cheese curds wherever you end up! (Please note that many places are still recovering from COVID-related restrictions which were just lifted in June for Madison, so check hours and availability before heading out and be kind to your servers and bartenders!)

Where should I eat breakfast? 
Like State College on a gameday, breakfast places near the stadium will likely be busy. Mickie's Dairy Bar across from Camp Randall is a famous cash-only dive and often featured for its scrambler. Short Stack Eatery on State Street always has a line. As noted below, the Dane County Farmer's Market on Capitol Square is great place to pick up some baked goods and coffee early on Saturday morning. There are a number of local coffee shops on Capitol Square and State Street.

Will there be a pep rally before the game? 
PSAA is planning to have a pep rally on Saturday morning. We will post details when we have them.

Is the Madison Chapter hosting a tailgate before the game?
The Chapter is not hosting a tailgate before the game this year.

Where can I tailgate? 
Camp Randall stadium is smack dab in the middle of the city, so lots close to the stadium are reserved or not great for tailgating. Your best bet for tailgating is Lot 60 by the University hospitals and McClimon Soccer/Track Complex. Blessed Sacrament Church is located a few blocks from the stadium and sells parking in its lot ($20) and allows tailgating. Otherwise, many bars and taverns along Regent Street near the stadium host biergartens before and after the game. 

What else can I do while in town? 

• The Dane County Farmer's Market rings the Capitol Square on Saturdays from 6:15am to 1:45pm. Stop by and grab some baked goods like Stella's hot and spicy cheese bread and some coffee on your way to the game. Just walk counter-clockwise around the square like a local!
• Tour the Capitol building. Then walk a few blocks south and check out Monona Terrace, a Frank Lloyd Wright designed convention center.
• Have a drink on the UW Memorial Union Terrace and walk along the lakeshore path.
• Taste of Madison is Sept. 4 and 5 at Breese Stevens Field and will feature food from many local restaurants. This year is a bit different and requires tickets.
• Madison features many outstanding breweries and distilleries - Karben4, Ale Asylum, State Line Distillery, Working Draft - are just a few. Garth's Brew Bar and Brasserie V are known for their beer selections and are located near Camp Randall. Visit Steve's on University (owned by a PSU alum) to pick up some local brews to take home.