Sports Fans, Here’s Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Wisconsin

When my group touched down in Green Bay — aka Titletown, owing to the impressive number of championships the Packers have won — we dove headfirst into a sea of NFL fans who were as welcome as they were passionate. Supporters of all teams were proudly rocking their wildest game-day gear — jerseys, cheesehead hats (a headpiece resembling a cheese wedge that Packers fans are known to wear), and even a gentleman in a full-blown inflatable bear costume.

Amid the cheering and high-fives with every jersey twin I crossed paths with, I couldn’t help but soak in the charm of the city that hosts the colossal NFL haven, Lambeau Field. The surrounding streets reminded me of cozy small-town high school Friday night football, with spirited, smiling faces offering areas of their yards as parking spots, garages as pop-up bars, and bathrooms as pit stops. It was all about neighborly spirit and a mutual passion for the game, regardless of which team logo you were sporting.

As I strolled through the captivating Hall of Fame museum, conveniently located within the stadium, I learned about the long history of triumphs and the passionate fandom cherished in this football-loving town. The exhibits showcased a variety of items, including vintage uniforms and trophy memorabilia, along with interactive displays such as the combine vertical jump, offering a fascinating insight into the Packers’ way of life.

The NFL draft itself was a perfectly orchestrated celebration of talent and perseverance, featuring stunning light displays, live musical performances, surprise guest appearances like Packers superfan Lil Wayne, and even a military flyover. As the teams’ clocks continued to tick in the background, each new pick announcement was met with roars of approval (especially for the Packers) and/or playful boos (sorry, Bears fans). The electric crowds stretching as far as the eye could see in every direction painted a vivid picture of Wisconsin as a state brimming with passion and enthusiasm for sports.

After the draft, I continued to appreciate how Wisconsin is a dream for all kinds of sports lovers. From the camaraderie among fellow fans in Green Bay to the fun activities available across Milwaukee, I found myself immersed in a world where sports are applauded with unwavering enthusiasm. These are some of the must-sees, must-dos, and must-eats for sports fans in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and in between.

Things to do in Wisconsin for sports fans

X-Golf American Family Field

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X-Golf at American Family Field in Milwaukee is where MLB and virtual golfing collide, allowing fans of both sports to enjoy a day at the ballpark while also swinging their clubs in rounds of simulated golf. After you finish teeing off (and don’t worry, the machine handles that for you, so there’s no need to bend over), you can relax in X-Golf’s comfortable recliner chairs while taking in views of the field. When you get hungry, treat yourself to a gigantic Bavarian pretzel served with delicious beer cheese, and pair it with one of the venue’s beers (the selection is excellent).

The best part of it all? All you need on game day is a general admission ticket to the Brewers game to get in on the fun. (American Family Field is home to MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers.)

X-Golf American Family Field: Left Field Corner Club Level, 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee, WI 53214

Broken Bat Brewery

Broken Bat Brewery is a must-stop while in the Bay View area of Milwaukee. While the beer list is extensive, Broken Bat is more than just a beer haven; it’s a hangout spot offering fun times and surprise beverage options like hard seltzers and even a limited-time, special-release Malört (a Swedish-inspired liquor that’s popular, albeit controversial, in Milwaukee).

Every drink branded with the Broken Bat name is meticulously crafted under the brewery’s roof — a testament to its dedication to quality and authenticity. At Broken Bat Brewery, you can unwind with a pint, but if you’re looking for an activity, there’s also an indoor wiffle ball field. Whether you’re joining a league or grabbing a bat for an impromptu game with friends, you’ll be transported back to the carefree days of childhood backyard games. Once you’ve knocked it out of the park, take a victory lap to admire Broken Bat’s epic bobblehead collection and the baseball card-covered wall.

Broken Bat Brewery: 135 E Pittsburgh Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204

The Baird Center

Be sure to visit the Baird Center, Milwaukee’s convention venue that completed a major renovation in 2024. This expansive center offers 1,300,000 square feet of space, making it an ideal location for events with the flexibility to tailor the space to various needs. The Baird Center is equipped to host a wide range of sporting events, providing ample room for 24 basketball courts or 54 volleyball courts. For special occasions, the center offers customizable food options that cater to guests’ preferences, such as swapping in carb-focused food items for basketball tournament weekends.

The center highlights a variety of local connections in its design. For example, the reclaimed wood was sourced from within 30 minutes of Milwaukee. In addition, local artists are prominently showcased, with each artwork accompanied by a QR code that allows visitors to learn more about the artists.

A key focal point of the Baird Center’s redesign is the floor-to-ceiling water panel display, with its five panels serving as a beautiful tribute to the Great Lakes. These panels are extra-special, changing colors for epic city events. During my visit, they glowed green, rooting for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA team’s playoff run.

The Baird Center: 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203

Blackwolf Run Golf Course

Sure, Wisconsin is home to several professional sports teams, but you might not know that it also has some of the nation’s finest golf courses, many of which welcome the public. Take, for example, Blackwolf Run in Kohler (a small enclave about halfway between Milwaukee and Green Bay). The glacier-shaped course and scenery make you feel like you’re golfing on a postcard. You may even see some deer prancing along the course.

It’s not just about golf, though. The luxurious log-cabin-style clubhouse at Blackwolf Run features rustic, farm-inspired cuisine. The menu includes a variety of dishes, from Wisconsin cheese and brat boards to prime rib, all with a strong emphasis on local ingredients. Plus, there’s the Kohler confectionery, so be sure to indulge in the original buttery terrapins, a delightful twist on chocolate turtles. And if the name Kohler rings a bell, yes, it’s the birthplace of the brand you may recognize from your shower faucet.

Blackwolf Run Golf Course: 1111 W Riverside Dr, Kohler, WI 53044

Where to eat in Wisconsin for sports fans

Stadium View Bar & Grille

This spot is the ultimate destination on Packers game days. Conveniently situated near Lambeau Field, it offers a lively tailgate atmosphere where the party rages. On game days, you can expect to enjoy live music and a variety of food trucks. Do yourself a favor and dive into the fried cheese curds — crunchy on the outside, melty magic on the inside — a Wisconsin classic you can’t miss. And while you’re savoring those cheese curds, don’t forget to wash them down with an ice-cold local brew. The Stadium View Bar & Grille is an experience that encapsulates the essence of Wisconsin hospitality and the unwavering passion of the Packers fanbase.

Stadium View Bar & Grille: 1963 Holmgren Wy, Green Bay, WI 54304

Mecca Sports Bar & Grill

In Milwaukee’s buzzing Deer District — just a hop, skip, and a jump shot from Fiserv Forum — Mecca Sports Bar & Grill is the ultimate hangout for Milwaukee Bucks fans on game days. Pop in for some pre-game sips, featuring Wisconsin classics like Spotted Cow beer, or stick around for the whole game and get ready to be blown away by the colossal 42-foot-wide, ultra-high-definition screen that makes you feel like you’re courtside. If that’s not enough, there are over 100 TVs scattered throughout the two-story establishment, ensuring you catch every thrilling play without a hitch. The menu is also a slam dunk, with game day specials and a plethora of shareables, handhelds, salads, and local favorites like the Johnsonville bratwurst and the original cluckery chicken sandwich.

Mecca Sports Bar & Grill: 1134 N Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203

The New Fashioned

Also located in the Deer District, The New Fashioned serves up fresh twists on Milwaukee classics. An always baller menu item is the Cheese Butter Burger, which is served on a Sheboygan hard roll with crispy flat fries. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with ordering a Drink Wisconsinbly Old Fashion frozen custard float (after all, Milwaukee is the frozen custard capital of the world).

When you’re feeling thirsty in Milwaukee, explore The New Fashioned’s massive self-pour tap wall featuring 50 taps (including 30 rotating local beers) alongside a selection of wine, cocktails, Old Fashioneds, non-alcoholic beverages, and seasonal specials. For a fun experience, try your hand at hyperbowling, where the goal is to roll your bowling ball into designated colors on the bumpers. Hyperbowling isn’t the only quirky game available; you’ll also find dartball (a darts-based game whose board weaves in baseball elements) and curling.

The New Fashioned: 1122 N Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203

Where to stay in Wisconsin for sports fans

Potawatomi Casino Hotel

Milwaukee’s Potawatomi Casino Hotel has it all: eat, play, sleep, and repeat. With a recent $190M makeover, it’s now the go-to hotspot for sports fanatics and casino enthusiasts alike. In addition to slot machines that stretch as far as the eye can see and a slew of table games, the whopping 90 self-service betting kiosks dispersed throughout the casino floor allow you to make quick sports bets at any time.

The Sportsbook serves as the ultimate hub for sports fans. While enjoying your favorite game-day snacks (think wings, sliders, and more), you can catch all your favorite sporting events (and even your sports bets unfold in real time) on a massive video wall that spans over 2,000 square feet. Then, as the night winds down, you can effortlessly retreat to your hotel room without needing to exit the building.

Potawatomi Casino Hotel: 1721 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53233