On July 19th, 2025 the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin held its first concert in over three decades. Coldplay (the renowned pop star group composed of 4 men with lead vocalist Chris Martin) graced the stage on their Madison stop for the 2nd part of their “Music of the Spheres World Tour”. Known for songs such as Viva La Vida, Yellow, and Sky Full of Stars, their presence attracted 80,000 glowing fans, giving the stadium a larger-than-life, electrifying energy. 

Coldplay’s entire tour was aimed to be carbon-neutral and green. Durin the the openers and breaks they would ask for volunteers in the stands to participate in “dance parties” or “workouts” on trampolines that powered the floor and lights and maintained the stadium’s energy flow. 

Upon entering the concert, attendees were handed a light band to wear around their wrist and 3D goggles. When instructed to put them on, the goggles would illuminate all the light bulbs on the stage, making them reflect as star shapes. 

The concert started with the band’s hit record from their album Music of the Spheres – “Higher Power”. They then went on to perform other high-energy hits. “Adventure of a Lifetime” and “Hymn for the Weekend” were among the highlighted songs. Next, Chris Martin slowed the tempo of the show down by sitting down at the piano, playing ballads like “Clocks” and “The Scientist”. Afterward, he praised the audience for its enthusiasm and conveyed the band’s gratitude for the crowd’s participation. 

As per the long-standing tradition of Wisconsin stadium attire, many participants in the crowds came donning their cheesehead hats. During the improvisation segment of the show,  Chris Martin invited a group of young college students donning cheeseheads to get up on the stage and sing their favorite song, which in this case was “It’s Us Against the World”. Among the 80,000 attendees, these students exemplified the local pride and celebration of Madison and Wisconsin spirit. 

So, after more than 3 decades, with Coldplay’s concert echoing through Camp Randall, the stadium has shed its football-only reputation and has emerged as a proud and vibrant conduit of musical spirit and shared cultural pride.