Wisconsin Basketball Capacity
Situated in Madison, Wisconsin, the Kohl Center is a central hub for a variety of athletic events. It notably serves as the home of the University of Wisconsin’s esteemed basketball team. With a significant seating capacity of 17,230, the arena has been specifically designed to host major NCAA basketball games.
Beyond basketball, the Kohl Center also opens its doors to other Wisconsin sports teams, such as the men’s and women’s hockey. When it comes to hockey games, the seating arrangement is slightly modified to accommodate the rink and safety protocols, reducing the capacity to 15,359.
Kohl Center Tickets
Getting tickets for events at the Kohl Center is a straightforward process. You can purchase tickets directly from the Kohl Center’s official website or from the venue’s box office. Additionally, authorized third-party vendors such as SeatGeek or Ticketmaster offer tickets for various events.
Kohl Center Address
601 West Dayton St, Madison, WI 53715
Kohl Center Parking
There are ample parking lots available for University of Wisconsin basketball and hockey games. Parking is available in the following lots:
Lots 7, 29, 44, 46, 48, 87, 91, 94. Check out the campus parking map for more details.
Prices may vary based on the event with prices starting around $15.00.
Kohl Center Bag Policy
The Kohl Center adheres to a clear bag policy to ensure the safety of all attendees. This policy allows only clear tote bags that are smaller than 12″x6″x12″, or small clutch bags approximately the size of a hand. It’s crucial to check the Kohl Center bag policy prior to your arrival to the arena.
Kohl Center Concert Capacity
The Kohl Center holds between 15,000 and 17,000 attendees for concerts, depending on the stage configuration and floor setup used for each show.
Concert seating charts at the Kohl Center vary by performance. As noted by RateYourSeats, the most common setup is an end-stage configuration, but some sections may be removed or altered for individual shows. This flexibility allows the venue to adapt its layout to suit the specific production needs of touring acts.
The Kohl Center has a strong track record as a major concert venue. It has hosted a wide range of major artists over the years, including Metallica, who kicked off their North American WorldWired Arena Tour there on September 2, 2018. The venue’s modern sound and lighting systems, along with wide concourses, make it a practical choice for large touring productions. Doors for concerts and special events typically open 60 to 90 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Kohl Center Seating Chart Overview
The Kohl Center is organized across multiple levels, with 100-level lower bowl sections, 200- and 300-level mid and upper tiers, and a dedicated student section spanning three decks.
For basketball, the best seats are generally found in sections 107–109 and sections 121–123, which place fans closest to mid-court. The student section, known as AreaRED, holds 2,100 students and is located in sections 114–117, 214–216, and 314–316, with some rows extending into sections 313 and 317. The section spans from the floor to the roof of the arena across three decks.
The upper reaches of the arena include sections 301–330, which offer a wider view of the action and are a more budget-friendly option. Sections 401–405 represent the highest and most affordable seats in the building, and are typically available to university students at lower price points. The venue also features private luxury suites positioned around the bowl, offering VIP service and exclusive amenities for corporate events or group outings.
Accessible seating is available throughout the venue, with accommodations on all platforms at the 100 level. The arena’s two cantilevered balconies are a defining design feature, ensuring strong sightlines from virtually every seat in the house.
Kohl Center History and Renovations
The Kohl Center opened in January 1998 as a $76.4 million arena on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, replacing the Wisconsin Field House for basketball and the Dane County Coliseum for hockey.
The arena is named after former U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, a UW-Madison alumnus and former Milwaukee Bucks owner, who donated $25 million toward construction — at the time the largest single private donation in University of Wisconsin System history. Construction began with excavation in May 1996, with approximately 200,000 cubic yards of dirt removed from the site before building could begin. The roof alone required 1,100 tons of structural steel across eight trusses, each 265 feet long.
The arena has seen several notable upgrades since opening. A new center-hung scoreboard was installed before the 2004–2005 season, replacing the original scoreboard transferred from the old Field House. In 2006, 48 courtside premium seats were added, and prior to the 2008–2009 season, upper deck seating was reconfigured to bring basketball capacity to its current level. In 2012, LaBahn Arena opened adjacent to the Kohl Center — connected via an underground hallway — and the Kohl Center received newly remodeled locker rooms for men’s and women’s basketball as part of that $27.9 million project. A new state-of-the-art center-hung videoboard, nearly 35 feet wide and 22 feet tall, was added in 2017.
The most recent and significant project is a $42 million addition and renovation that added a 40,000-square-foot, three-story structure over the southwest loading dock, featuring a new weight room, academic center, team offices, sports medicine facilities, and a student-athlete nutrition hub. Renovations to existing interior spaces included expanded locker rooms, a media room, team dining areas, and a new courtside club space. The final phase of the project was completed in early 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kohl Center's capacity for concerts?
The Kohl Center holds between 15,000 and 17,000 fans for concerts, depending on the stage configuration. Capacity varies by show, as sections may be added or removed based on the production setup.
What is the Kohl Center's seating capacity for basketball?
The Kohl Center holds 17,230 fans for men's basketball games, making it one of the largest arenas in the Big Ten Conference.
What is the Kohl Center's seating capacity for hockey?
The Kohl Center seats 15,359 fans for hockey games, with the reduced capacity accounting for the ice rink and safety requirements.
What are the best seats at the Kohl Center?
The best seats for basketball are in sections 107u2013109 and 121u2013123, which are closest to mid-court. For any event, lower bowl sections closest to the court or stage offer the most premium viewing experience.
Where is the student section at the Kohl Center?
The student section, called AreaRED, is located in sections 114u2013117, 214u2013216, and 314u2013316, spanning three decks from floor to roof and holding approximately 2,100 students.
When did the Kohl Center open?
The Kohl Center opened in January 1998. It was built at a cost of $76.4 million and was named after former U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, who donated $25 million toward construction.
Has the Kohl Center been renovated?
Yes. The most recent renovation was a $42 million addition completed in early 2025, which added a weight room, academic center, team offices, sports medicine facilities, and expanded locker rooms and dining areas.
What time do doors open at the Kohl Center for concerts?
Doors at the Kohl Center typically open between 60 and 90 minutes before the scheduled start time. It's recommended to check the specific event details before attending.
