Wisconsin Badgers Athletic Hall of Fame finds new home on Kohl Center footprint

The new location will sit outside of the Kohl Center on Frances Street, providing year-round access for Badger fans.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department announced that the new home of the UW Athletic Hall of Fame will be located on the Kohl Center footprint. The new location will sit outside of the Kohl Center on Frances Street, providing year-round access for Badger fans and allowing for decades of future Hall enshrinements.

Why it matters

The Athletic Hall of Fame is an important tradition that honors the remarkable achievements of Wisconsin's top athletes and contributors. The new permanent location will ensure the Hall of Fame remains a prominent part of the Badgers' legacy for years to come.

The details

Construction on the new Hall of Fame will commence in the early spring and be completed in the early fall, in time for the 2026 Hall class. The Hall of Fame was established in 1991 and has inducted over 300 members since then.

  • Construction on the new Hall of Fame will begin in early spring 2026.
  • The new Hall of Fame location will open in early fall 2026.

The players

Chris McIntosh

Wisconsin Director of Athletics.

Joe Thomas

Wisconsin Hall of Famer, football and track and field, class of 2019.

Tamara Moore

Wisconsin Hall of Famer, women's basketball, class of 2017.

Frank Kaminsky

Wisconsin Hall of Famer, men's basketball, class of 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Our Athletic Hall of Fame is rooted in tradition, excellence and honoring remarkable achievement, all while striving for more. I'm thrilled to continue that legacy in a special location outside the Kohl Center, where Badger Hall of Famers will continue to be honored for years to come.”

— Chris McIntosh, Wisconsin Director of Athletics (si.com)

What’s next

The new Hall of Fame location is scheduled to open in early fall 2026, in time for the induction of the 2026 Hall of Fame class.

The takeaway

The relocation of the Wisconsin Badgers Athletic Hall of Fame to a prominent location outside the Kohl Center demonstrates the university's commitment to honoring its rich athletic history and ensuring that the achievements of its greatest athletes and contributors remain a central part of the Badgers' legacy for decades to come.