Permanent Stage and Back-of-House Buildings Proposed For Breese Stevens Field
Soccer. Music. Community. The next 100 years of Madison’s iconic ground.
MADISON, Wis. – Big Top Events, the operator of historic Breese Stevens Field, is proposing a privately funded renovation to transform the concert experience at the venue as part of a new, 21-year use agreement. The proposed plan includes a permanent stage and back-of-house buildings focused on maintaining Breese Stevens Field’s position as one of the most unique concert venues in the Midwest. Since 2015, Breese Stevens Field has hosted more than 50 national acts, including Brandi Carlile, Hozier, Willie Nelson, Weezer and Megan Moroney.
As Breese Stevens Field celebrates its 100th anniversary, these proposed investments set a clear path for the venue’s next 100 years, with a focus on professional soccer, national concerts and community events. The City of Madison approval process will begin with the introduction of the plan to the Board of Park Commissioners on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Big Top Events plans to conduct public forums to engage the neighborhood and the greater community. The approval process is expected to run throughout 2026, with anticipated construction starting in 2027.
“We are excited to enter the next 100 years of Breese Stevens Field with a major facility improvement,” said Big Top Events Chief Operating Officer and Partner, Conor Caloia. “These improvements will allow us to bring more national acts to Madison while enhancing the soccer match day atmosphere as part of a long-term commitment to the City of Madison.”
The proposed improvements include an overhaul of the Brearly Street end of the stadium, including a paved surface, a new concessions area, a locker room building and artist green rooms. On show days, trucks and buses supporting the artist will be able to move off the surrounding streets and into the facility, limiting the neighborhood disruption. For soccer matches, fans will be invited up onto the stage to form an intimidating wall of sound hovering directly over the top of the goal.
In addition to national acts, Big Top Events hopes to program the stage with a variety of other community events that could potentially include theater, ballet and symphonic music.
“We are really looking forward to the exciting new Breese Stevens Field update,” said Big Top Events Founder and Partner, Steve Schmitt. “It’s going to be a great step forward and an even better experience for our loyal fans.”
About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019, 2023 and 2024, and have made an international name for themselves as a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Rally Madison FC: Rally Madison FC completed its inaugural season in the USL W League in May of 2026, providing a professional training and competition atmosphere for rising Wisconsin talent. More information on the Club and USL W League can be found at www.rallymadisonfc.com.
About Breese Stevens Field: Breese Stevens Field heads into its 100th year in 2026, celebrating the long and vibrant history of sports and entertainment in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Head to www.BreeseStevensField.com, sign up for our email list, and follow Breese Stevens Field on all social media platforms for event updates and ticket purchases.
