HI Tony,
The guys I came with last year (Gene and Dave) are hoping to return for Friday also. I like coming up on Thursday, so that we can visit the stores/events, have a meal down by the river at the Match or whatever the name is, then get up to Split Rock in time for the evening events. Last year after enjoying the tailgate, we went back to the hotel, hoping to warm up and rest, in order to return for the concert. After warming up, just really didn't have the gas in the tank to return for the concert. Nice breakfast in the morning and hit up the Hamburg store on the way home. Great trip.