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Sunburst chairs to return to Memorial Union Terrace April 13

Posted: 04/10/17

Sunburst chairs to return to Memorial Union Terrace April 13

The Wisconsin Union invites UW-Madison students and the campus community to ring in the opening of the Memorial Union Terrace by bringing the iconic orange, yellow and green sunburst chairs back onto the Terrace on April 13 at 3 p.m.

This annual tradition of bringing out the chairs marks the first day of Terrace season, an important milestone in the spring calendar for many on campus and in the community.

terrace chair return 2016

Bucky, members of the UW Marching Band and campus all-stars, including Deshawn McKinney, Wisconsin Union president, will officially kick off the 2017 Terrace season festivities. Each person in line will pick up a chair to take onto the Terrace, where tables will be pre-set, making it easy to stake a claim on the Terrace.

The line for the chairs will begin at the N. Park Street entrance to the Terrace. The Wisconsin Union team encourages people to begin lining up after 2 p.m.

“The Terrace is a place for the entire community, so it makes sense that we invite the whole campus to be part its opening,” McKinney said. “We’re excited to celebrate Terrace season with everyone.”

Food and beverage options will be available on the first floor of Memorial Union. The Terrace’s Brat Stand and new BBQ Stand will open later this spring.

The 2017 Terrace season will include the return of the highly-anticipated Terrace After Dark music and film series, which will feature films on Mondays and five Sundays, a tribute to Clyde Stubblefield on graduation night, performances by Red Baraat, the Revelers, Phun, and the Handphibians, and more.  

In addition to films, live music, socializing and dining, the Terrace is a destination for arts and recreation. Outdoor UW will offer kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard rentals – including a new eight-person mega paddleboard. The Outdoor UW team will also once again hold morning yoga classes on the Terrace and on the lake.

Plus, board games and playing cards will be available to check out for free. Additional activities will include a variety of free, drop-in art projects; paint to music nights; and instructor-led art sessions. 

The Memorial Union’s first floor will be open throughout the season, including the Daily Scoop, der Rathskeller, salad and sandwich shop Carte, Italian eatery Strada, Peet’s Coffee & Tea and Badger Market.

In May, the new Lakeview Lounge service counter will open and offer family-style pizza, appetizers and cold beverages. In addition, Memorial Union’s Sunset Lounge will offer tapas and beverages.

Click here for additional details about being part of the chair return. Those interested in learning more about the 2017 Terrace season may visit TerraceSummer.com. 

[Note: Contact Shauna Breneman, communications director, at sbreneman@wisc.edu for access to a 2017 Terrace season media kit, including high-resolution photos, the Wisconsin Union logo and more.]

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