Bubba’s Youth Day
presented by Bubba’s Fund
January 10, 2026 · Mitchell Hall Gymnasium · University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
For Charlie. For Children. For Our Community.
hosted by
UWL Athletics & UWL Women’s Basketball
Bubba’s Youth Night is our next big chapter — a full day built to celebrate kids, thank our childcare and community partners, and pack Mitchell Hall with families, fans, and future leaders. At the heart of it all is Charlie’s Kids Fest, a free, indoor festival that turns game day into an unforgettable experience for children of all ages.
A Free, Kid-Centered Festival—For Every Family
Charlie’s Kids Fest is a free, indoor, family-first experience hosted at Mitchell Hall in partnership with UWL Athletics and local youth-serving organizations. Our goal is simple: create a safe, joyful space where kids can play, try new things, meet role models, and feel like they belong.
Planned features include:
Skills stations with UWL student-athletes from multiple sports
Partner-led activities from:
La Crosse Area Family Y
La Crosse Public Library
The Parenting Place
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse
Inflatable Bounce House for younger children
A dedicated game zone / inflatable option for middle schoolers
Arts & crafts and creativity stations
Storytime & reading nook with the library
Photo booth & memory wall
Dance party area for music and movement
A simple “Leadership Lab” for older kids to learn about kindness, service, and looking out for others
Each child can receive a Charlie’s Kids Fest Passport at check-in, with waivers covered in one simple process. Kids collect stamps at each station—encouraging movement, curiosity, and fun.
What is Charlie’s Kids Fest?
Pack Mitchell Hall. Honor the Work. Celebrate Kids.
On January 10, 2026, we aim to fill Mitchell Hall with 2,300 fans for a special matchup between the:
UWL Eagles vs. UW–Platteville Pioneers · Women’s Basketball
Highlights:
Free admission community game (details TBD) to reduce barriers for families.
Recognition of La Crosse’s state-licensed childcare centers and partners who helped bring AEDs to their facilities.
A program moment honoring Charlie’s legacy and the growing impact of Bubba’s Fund.
One lucky fan will be selected for a $25,000 half-court shot, made possible by a dedicated event sponsor.
Bubba’s Youth Night Game
Sponsorship Opportunity
Power our event. Invest in kids.
Bubba’s Youth Night and Charlie’s Kids Fest are built to be high-impact and accessible—and we need partners to help make it happen.
Featured opportunities include:
$25,000 Shot Sponsor
Covers the contest policy/fee (approx. $1,200) and underwrites a marquee moment.Inflatables & Charlie’s Kids Fest Sponsor
Court & Game Day Experience Sponsor
Community Partner Row Sponsor (supporting our youth org collaborators)
Media, Production & Storytelling Sponsor
Sponsors receive options for recognition on:
Event signage and screens
Social media and website
In-game announcements
Kids Fest passports and materials
Help Us Spread the Word
You Can Help Us Fill Mitchell Hall
Our biggest need is simple: we want families, teams, schools, churches, businesses, and community groups to show up.
Ways people can help:
Invite your people.
Share the event with your school, daycare, church, workplace, or team.Bring a group.
Organize a van, a team outing, or a family section.Share online.
Repost Bubba’s Fund content on Facebook and Instagram, or use our graphics and language from the Media Kit.Partner on promotion.
Local businesses, teams, and organizations can feature event info in newsletters, posters, and social channels.