These two schools are the largest in Indiana creating an intense intra-state rivalry. Purdue and Indiana have been competing on the hardcourt since 1901, and the rivalry has produced many memorable moments over the years. One of the most famous moments in the rivalry occurred on February 23, 1985, when Hoosiers head coach Bob Knight famously threw a chair across the court after receiving a technical foul. You’ll always be in for a good show when these two meet, so don’t miss your chance to see this intense rivalry in person.
Purdue Boilermakers Stadium Guide
In Game
Mackey Arena’s aluminum domed roof and quaint size make it one of the most intimidating places in the Big Ten for opponents to play. The fans feel like they’re right on top of the action and work themselves into a frenzy during key moments in the game creating an incredible atmosphere.
Purdue Pete, the pep band, and the cheer squad also add to the fun college basketball atmosphere found inside Mackey Arena. These three groups put on an excellent show and provide the bulk of the non-basketball in-game entertainment, as you won’t find too many gimmicks here in West Lafayette.
Outside of Mackey Arena, you’ll also find plenty to do in West Lafayette. When attending a sporting event at Purdue, you’ll want to check out Chauncey Hill, which is home to the majority of the bars and restaurants near campus. Some local favorites include Harry’s Chocolate Shop, Triple XXX, and Jack’s Roadhouse, so make a night of it before returning to the hotel.
You’ll have an excellent time attending a Boilermakers basketball game where you’ll experience an electric in-game atmosphere and be able to enjoy plenty of postgame drinks.
Inside the Lobby of Mackey Arena, you’ll find several displays showcasing the history of Purdue athletics. Make sure to check them out to learn about all the best athletes and coaches in Boilermakers history.
Celebrate all of the All-Americans in Boilermakers history by taking a minute to view the All-American banners hanging from the ceiling of Mackey Arena. Purdue has had 17 consensus All-American including John Wooden, Rick Mount, and Glen Robinson.
The official mascots of the Purdue Boilermakers is a steam engine known as the Boilermaker Special. The Boilermaker Special is maintained by the Reamer Club and can be found at sporting events all throughout the year, so don’t miss it when attending a Purdue game.
You can spot Purdue Pete at every Boilermakers home basketball game. Purdue Pete pumps up the crowd by leading cheers and also performs several skits throughout the game, so keep your eyes out for him during your trip to Mackey Arena.
Indiana is a basketball-mad state, and Purdue students are no different as they go all out to support their team. The Paint Crew is home to the loudest and most vocal fans in Mackey Arena meaning, so won’t be able to ignore them during your trip to Mackey Arena. If you’re cheering on Purdue, make sure to join in the Paint Crew’s chants to pump up your Boilermakers.
The pep band plays everyone’s favorite Purdue songs including the school’s fight song “Hail Purdue” and does an excellent job of keeping a high tempo during games. They add a lot to the in-game atmosphere so enjoy the sounds of the Purdue pep band during your visit to West Lafayette.
The cheer team works alongside Purdue Pete to keep everyone involved in the action. Join in the cheers and chants directed by the cheer team to give the Boilermakers as much of a home court advantage as possible.
The original fight song of Purdue, “Hail Purdue” is sung masterfully by the crowd. It’s commonplace to pump your fist in the air and cheer, “Boiler up” at the end of the song.
To Your Call Once More We Rally;
Alma Mater Hear Our Praise;
Where The Wabash Spreads Its Valley;
Filled With Joy Our Voices Raise.
Form The Skies In Swelling Echoes
Come The Cheers That Tell The Tale
Of Your Vict’ries And Your Heroes,
Hail Purdue! We Sing All Hail!
Chorus:
Hail, Hail To Old Purdue!
All Hail To Our Old Gold And Black!
Hail, Hail To Old Purdue!
Our Friendship May She Never Lack.
Ever Grateful, Ever True,
Thus We Raise Our Song Anew
Of The Days We’ve Spent With You,
All Hail Our Own Purdue!
Purdue Hymn
Considered Purdue’s anthem, this song has a long tradition at home games. Fans know all the words and sing it perfectly.
Close by the Wabash
In famed Hoosier land
Stands old Purdue
Serene and Grand
Cherished in Memory
By all her sons and daughters true
Fair Alma Mater
All Hail Purdue
Fairest in all the land
Our own Purdue
Fairest in all the land
Our own Purdue
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