Badger Talks Happy Hour with UW Athletics

media release: The University of Wisconsin - Madison's Badger Talks is partnering with The Madison Club to present a series of behind the scenes talks about the famous Badgers sports programs.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison was built on the Wisconsin Idea that education should influence people's lives beyond the boundaries of campus. Badger Talks, the official speakers bureau for the UW-Madison community, is partnering with the iconic Madison Club in Wisconsin's beautiful downtown Capitol City to present a series of behind-the-scenes talks with key UW athletics staff on timely and important topics. Enjoy cocktails, appetizers and lively conversation with Jason King and Sarah Minkoff. They will share information on the projects and facilities currently being overseen by UW Athletics, including the South End Zone project. The price includes entry to the event and light hors d’oeuvres. Wine and beer will also be available for purchase. The cost for pre-registered guests is $18.

Jason King was named Wisconsin's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Capital Projects and Operations in 2015, after spending the previous three years as Associate Athletic Director. King is the lead administrator on all major and annual capital projects as well as the facilities master plan. He also serves as the athletic department's liaison to Facilities Planning and Management on campus. King oversees the following athletic department staffs: food and beverage, facilities and custodial, event management, guest services and University Ridge golf course. He is also the administrator in charge of men's and women's ice hockey.

During his tenure at Wisconsin, King has overseen over $300 million in capital projects including LaBahn Arena, a 2273 seat game and practice facility for the women's hockey team and a practice facility for the men's hockey team, completed in October of 2012, an all-season golf training center at University Ridge Golf Course was completed in November of 2012, the Goodman Softball Training Center which opened in September of 2013, the $86 million Student-Athlete Performance Center completed in 2014 and the Soderholm Family Aquatics Center which opened in 2020. More recently King led the Camp Randall South Endzone and press-box renovation, a $70 million five level multipurpose premium seating and hospitality space completed in August 2022. King is also currently overseeing the $48 million Kohl Center Expansion which includes locker rooms, strength and conditioning center, academic center, team dining, nutrition, offices and a premium courtside club scheduled to be completed in 2024.

Sarah Minkoff was named Wisconsin’s Assistant Athletic Director for Revenue Strategy in October 2022 after spending the previous 3 ½ years overseeing Wisconsin’s partnership with Legends. Prior to her roles at Wisconsin, Sarah spent 5 years directing all marketing and public relations efforts for a sports network in Chicago.

In her current role, Sarah oversees all department-wide strategies focused on maximizing revenue. Sarah works in collaboration with the Athletic Ticket Office, Development and Marketing to focus on revenue generating opportunities including ticket pricing, on-sale dates, product offerings, premium seating opportunities, fundraising and marketing strategies. Sarah focuses on leveraging data and insights to improve consumer marketing tactics and improve overall sales processes and customer service. Additionally, Sarah oversees Wisconsin Athletics’ newly extended partnership with Legends which includes an outbound ticket and premium sales team, development officers and marketing staff.

In her time as the lead of the Legends partnership at Wisconsin, Sarah oversaw the sales and marketing strategy that drove 100% sell-out of the renovation of Camp Randall’s South Endzone, which includes 2,500 new premium seats through 10 unique premium products.