Kohl Center

NCAA
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Kohl Center, known as “Herb Garden”, is a hockey rink in Madison, Wisconsin, home of the Wisconsin Badgers (Big Ten, NCAA Division I). It opened in 1998, making it 28 years old in 2026 and seats 15,325 for hockey. That makes it the 2nd-largest rink in NCAA.

The closest NHL rink is United Center in Chicago, about 122 miles away.

Rink facts

Location
Madison, Wisconsin
Home of
Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)
School
University of Wisconsin–Madison
League
Big Ten
Opened
1998
Capacity
15,325
Nickname
Herb Garden
Size rank in NCAA
2nd of 60

Famous moments at Kohl Center

Game night

Tradition. Student section 'Grateful Red' (2002), renamed 'AreaRED' in 2018. Article says it leads the nation in men's and women's college hockey attendance.

Plan your trip to Kohl Center

Hotels near Kohl CenterBook a stay for game night on ExpediaWisconsin Badgers ticketsFind seats for home gamesParkingLots and garages near the rinkDirectionsMap to Kohl CenterTours & things to do in MadisonArena tours, sightseeing and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbyPregame spots near the rink

Rinks near Kohl Center10

  1. 1USHL/NAHLLEGACY20 Arena at DeForest Yards — Madison Capitols (DeForest, Wisconsin)12 mi
  2. 2USHL/NAHLWoodman's Sports & Convention Center — Janesville Jets (Janesville, Wisconsin)31 mi
  3. 3AHLBMO Center — Rockford IceHogs (Rockford, Illinois)57 mi
  4. 4USHL/NAHLThe Ponds of Brookfield — Wisconsin Windigo (Brookfield, Wisconsin)65 mi
  5. 5AHLUW–Milwaukee Panther Arena — Milwaukee Admirals (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)73 mi
  6. 6USHL/NAHLImOn Arena — Dubuque Fighting Saints (Dubuque, Iowa)76 mi
  7. 7AHLAllstate Arena — Chicago Wolves (Rosemont, Illinois)106 mi
  8. 8USHL/NAHLResch Center — Green Bay Gamblers (Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin)120 mi
  9. 9NHLUnited Center — Chicago Blackhawks (Chicago, Illinois)122 mi
  10. 10USHL/NAHLUSG Arena at Blackhawks Ice Center — Chicago Steel (Chicago, Illinois)122 mi

Questions about Kohl Center

Where do the Wisconsin Badgers play home games?

The Wisconsin Badgers play at Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

How many people does Kohl Center hold?

Kohl Center seats 15,325 for hockey.

When did Kohl Center open?

Kohl Center opened in 1998.

What is Kohl Center’s nickname?

Kohl Center is known as “Herb Garden.”

What other rinks are near Kohl Center?

LEGACY20 Arena at DeForest Yards in DeForest is about 12 miles away. See the full list of nearby rinks on this page.

Facts are for the 2026–27 season. Distances are straight-line miles between city centers. Capacity figures vary by source. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your rink? Get the “Listed on RinkGuide.com” badge for your website.