Beams parked his 33-seat school bus, which he and friends converted into an RV tailgate machine, near the south side of the stadium. The green, gold and white vehicle is equipped with a bathroom and futons with three 50-inch televisions mounted on the outside. The menu included 90 hamburgers, 48 brats, nine racks of ribs, a keg of Spotted Cow and, for Saturday’s game only, alligator, frog legs and snapping turtle, all of which was scheduled to be grilled.

“It’s a great group of people,” Beams said. “We get together and just have a really good time. Some go into the game, others stay here and watch the game but we’re all fans.”

The excitement level extended to vendors and those selling parking spots in their driveways and on their lawns. Spots that normally sell for $15 to $20 were being offered for $30 to $40. Roger Badora, of Oconto, had a tent selling beads, foam cheese hats and other memorabilia at Kroll’s West. Badora, who has had the spot for over 10 years, expected his sales to be up 50 percent compared to a Packers game.

“I thought it would be even to a Packers/Bears game or Vikings game but it’s beyond that,” Badora said. “It’s really something. I hope it’s one of those deals they do every year.”

Barry Adams covers regional news for the Wisconsin State Journal. Send him ideas for On Wisconsin at 608-252-6148 or by email at badams@madison.com.

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