University of Wisconsin–Madison
photo of the renovated East Fields

East Recreation Fields

620 Elm Drive, Madison WI 53706

The East Recreation Fields are the final completed project of the Master Plan.

The primary uses of the East Recreation Fields are intramural sports, sport club practices and events, and open recreation.

A photo of the East Recreation Fields from above that shows green grass and a residence hall in the background.

Hours of Operation

East Fields

Dates Hours
November 27 – March 3 CLOSED
March 4 - November 25 Sunrise to 9pm

FAQs

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As is the case for all Rec Well facilities and outdoor spaces, the turf field can be reserved for special events by student organizations, university departments or community groups. To rent space, fill out our Special Events Request Form online. On this site, you will also find policies, procedures, requirements, and pricing.

The main entrance to the facility is on Elm  Drive across from the Observatory Recreation Area

This site is the destination for several organized sports. Five small-sided soccer field have full permanent lines on the field. Lacrosse, field hockey and ultimate frisbee can be added with synthetic turf paint as necessary.

No, but you are welcome to bring your own equipment for use. Any equipment requiring stakes is not permitted on the turf.

Our smaller goals are locked up when they are not being used for scheduled activities. This decision is to protect the quality of the fields and ultimately provide a safe space for individuals to useWe have seen continued damage and unsafe playing conditions created from people incorrectly moving and placing goals across these fields.   

Bathrooms are located in the building by the main entrance. Bathrooms are open when there is scheduled programming on the fields.

Water fountains are located in the building by the main entrance.

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The lights are scheduled to remain on during scheduled programming such as Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, or special events. When these programs are not scheduled, the lights are on from sunset to 9pm. 

Tents or other equipment requiring stakes are not permitted on the turf. Tents that can be secured with water barrels or other approved weights are allowed.

Rubber or plastic cleats are permitted on the turf. Metal cleats are not allowed.

Water in sealable and shatterproof containers is permitted within the facility, but no other food or drink is allowed.

Due to the close proximity to the UW Hospital and the need to medevac patients, kites are not permitted.

In accordance with UW-Madison Policies and Guidelines and FAA requirements, drones are not allowed.

Service animals are permitted on the East Recreation Fields. No other pets are allowed on the fields.

Getting There

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  • Linden Drive Ramp (Lot 67) (1 minute walk): located at 2002 Linden Drive. Controlled at all times, limited visitor parking availability, pay at gated exit. 
  • Observatory Drive Ramp (Lot 36) (3 minute walk): located at 1645 Observatory Drive. Controlled at all times, limited visitor parking availability, pay at gated exit. 
  • Lot 12 (1 minute walk): 1850 Linden Drive. Controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday. Timed parking stalls may be available. 
  • Lot 37 (1 minute walk): 651 Elm Drive. Controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday. Timed parking stalls may be available. 
  • Lot 39 (2 minute walk): 1811 Linden Drive. Controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday. Timed parking stalls may be available. 
  • Lot 57 (1 minute walk): 632 Willow Drive. Controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday.

    Lot 58 (1 minute walk): 1975 Willow Drive. Controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday. Timed parking stalls may be available. 

For more information on campus parking, check out the parking website for maps, restricted parking times, and more. 

  • Convenient bus lines include route A, B, 80, 81, 82, 84

  • The Howard-Temin Lakeshore Path 
  • Bike and moped stalls are available in front of the West Rec gates and at Bakke 

  • Bike and moped stalls are available in front of Elm Drive