Wisconsin is represented by major league teams in the three most popular spectator sports in the United States: American football, baseball, and basketball. Lambeau Field, located in Green Bay, Wisconsin is home to the National Football League’s Green Bay Packers. The Packers have been part of the NFL since the league’s second season in 1921 and currently hold the record for the most NFL titles, earning the city of Green Bay the nickname “Titletown”. The Green Bay Packers are one of the most successful small-market professional sports franchises in the world and have won 12 NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowl games and Super Bowl XXXI. The city fully supports their team, as evidenced by the 60,000 person waiting list for season tickets to Lambeau Field, which is referred to as the “frozen tundra” and is considered by many football enthusiasts to be “hallowed ground.” Such a strong fan following brings strong ratings during national Monday Night Football. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Badgers football program, playing at Camp Randall Stadium, enjoys similar loyalty; both teams are known to sell out their entire schedules far in advance. The Milwaukee Brewers, the state’s only major league baseball team, are based out of Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Before Miller Park was opened in the year 2001, the Brewers played their home games at County Stadium. In 1982, the Brewers won the American League Championship, marking their most successful season. The Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association play home games at the Bradley Center. The Bucks won the NBA Championship in 1971. The state also has minor league teams in hockey (Milwaukee Admirals) and baseball (the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, based in Appleton.)

In addition to professional teams, Wisconsin is home to many successful college sports programs. The Wisconsin Badgers, teams based out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, hold many NCAA division championship titles in their respective sports. This includes a historic dual-championship in 2006 when both the women’s and men’s hockey teams won national titles. The Wisconsin football team has also seen much success after the hiring of Barry Alvarez as head coach. Alvarez lead the Badgers to three Rose Bowl victories, including back to back victories in the years 1999 and 2000.

The Marquette Golden Eagles of the Big East Conference are the state’s other major collegiate program. They are known nationally for their Men’s Basketball team which, under the direction of Al McGuire, won the NCAA National Championship in 1977. The team, led by Dwyane Wade, returned to the Final Four in 2003.