Fans gather for Rose Bowl watch parties in Milwaukee's Deer District

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Large crowds turned out at Mecca in Milwaukee to watch the Badgers take on Oregon in the Rose Bowl Wednesday, Jan. 1.

The Badgers fell short, but even the chance that Bucky could get Rose Bowl revenge on the Ducks brought out loyal fans.

Through ups and downs, fans held out hope Wednesday night at the Mecca Rose Bowl watch party.

“It’s Wisconsin, it’s great,” said Badgers fan Fred Braby.

Braby and his friend Bud D’Amato had a front row table for the game.

“To make it to the Rose Bowl, it’s exciting, not only for them its super exciting but for their fans,” said D’Amato.

These fans know this game means a little more to the Badgers, having lost to Oregon in the 2012 Rose Bowl. “A little payback,” said D’Amato.”It would mean a lot, and we owe Oregon,” said Braby. “They beat us last time.”

It was family night for the Laszewski’s. Their red pride goes back generations. “My wife and I graduated from UW, I won’t say how long ago,” said Todd Laszewski, “And now our daughters are going there now.”

“I never had a Rose Bowl when I was a student, so it’s really exciting,” said Krista Laszewski.

“It’s a good way to end my fifth year senior year,” said her sister Sarah.

Although the Badgers did well early, they fell short. But fans say it was still a special season.