The University of Wisconsin-Madison cross country and track and field programs have a history of excellence, with a combined 140 B1G Ten team titles, 88 individual NCAA titles, and 30 Olympians. These programs are the winningest at Wisconsin, and they develop a diverse community of student-athletes into hard-working leaders and change-makers.

Since 1956, these Wisconsin athletes have practiced on a 200-meter indoor track known as "The Shell." In August of 2024, Wisconsin Athletics demolished the Shell to make way for a new indoor football facility as part of the $285 Million Camp Randall Sports Center Redevelopment Project. In their Letter of Intent, Wisconsin Athletics promised that this redevelopment would provide a space for the success of the Wisconsin Track and Field programs that is on par with fellow institutions.

In a state like Wisconsin, where temperatures regularly drop below 0 in the winter, an indoor track competition facility is crucial to ensure quality training and development. The proposed jogging track does not offer adequate space for all event groups, is not intended to hold competitions, and exposes a profound misunderstanding of the nature of track and field. It falls drastically behind fellow B1G Ten schools like Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa, who have designated spaces for indoor competition. Furthermore, this sidelining of track may exacerbate existing Title IX issues within Wisconsin Athletics, as the proposed facility does not offer equal benefits across men's and women's sports at Wisconsin.

The proposed facilities will fail to sustain Wisconsin Track and Field's winning tradition and jeopardize progress for women athletes made under Title IX. By signing this petition, you are calling for better treatment and facilities for Wisconsin Track and Field.

To voice your concerns with the Wisconsin Athletics department, please email contactus@uwbadgers.com.

To voice your concerns with elected officials, please refer to Governor Tony Evers, State Senator Kelda Roys, and State Represenative Francesca Hong.

To support the VOICEINSPORT UW chapter working to promote Title IX and empower Wisconsin's women athletes, please consider making a tax-exempt donation to the Voice In Sport Foundation 501(c)(3) nonprofit.