Purdue Boilermakers Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Matt Painter

Team Mascot: Boilermaker Special and Purdue Pete

Year Opened: 1967

Capacity: 14876

City / State: West Lafayette / Indiana

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Purdue vs Indiana

Rival Team: Indiana Hoosiers

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.

Things to check out

Lobby Displays

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.

All-American Banners

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.

Boilermaker Statue

Near Mackey Arena you’ll find a statue of Purdue’s mascot the Boilermaker. Stop by and snap a picture with the statue to show off your Purdue pride.

Boilermaker Special

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.

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Purdue Pete

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.

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The Paint Crew

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.

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Pep Band

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.

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Cheer Team

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.

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Fight Songs

  1. Hail Purdue

    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!

  2. 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 

  3. IU Sucks!

    IU sucks!

    IU sucks!

    IU sucks!

  4. Boiler Up!

    Boiler up!

    Boiler up!

    Boiler up!

  5. Let’s Go Boilers!

    Let’s go Boilers! (clap, clap, clap)

    Let’s go Boilers! (clap, clap, clap)

    Let’s go Boilers! (clap, clap, clap)

Purdue Boilermakers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Where Else Bar

    Where Else Bar

    Excellent food, service, atmosphere, and company.

    135 S Chauncey Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA

    765-746-1122

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. The Pint

    The Pint

    With 17 revolving taps, THE PINT is West Lafayette's dedicated craft brew bar.

    111 S River Rd a, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA

    765-464-6917

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Neon Cactus

    Neon Cactus

    DJs spin dance tunes at this expansive night spot with a piano bar, pool tables & darts.

    360 Brown St, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA

    765-743-6081

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. O’Bryan’s Nine Irish Brothers

    OBryans Nine Irish Brothers

    Classic Irish pub with a sizable whiskey list offers hearty meals, bar bites & rollicking music.

    119 Howard Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA

    765-746-4782

    Bar website

    european - $$

  5. Harry’s Chocolate Shop

    Harrys Chocolate Shop

    Boisterous, campus-adjacent pub serving American bar fare in a vintage setting since 1919.

    329 W State St, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA

    765-743-1467

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Brothers Bar & Grill

    Brothers Bar Grill

    Outpost of a Midwestern sports-bar chain serving casual American eats in a party atmosphere.

    306 W State St, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA

    765-746-1090

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Mad Mushroom Pizza

    Mad Mushroom Pizza

    Makes their dough in store daily and all of their vegetables are hand cut so they are always fresh.

    320 W State St, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA

    765-743-5555

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  8. Bruno’s

    Brunos

    American, Italian & some German dishes, plus a full bar, in a Swiss chalet-type setting.

    212 Brown St, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA

    Bar website

    american - european - italian - $$

  9. Triple XXX

    breakfast

    Old-school institution for burgers, root beer & other soda-fountain treats, plus breakfast all day.

    2 N Salisbury St, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA

    765-743-5373

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. D&R BBQ

    DR BBQ

    D&R BBQ is your solution to having the great products that D&R Market has to offer without the time to cook.

    135 N Creasy Ln, Lafayette, IN 47905, USA

    765-449-4000

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  11. Blue Nile Restaurant

    Blue Nile Restaurant

    Outstanding middle eastern cuisine in Purdue.

    117 Northwestern Ave #2, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA

    765-269-9980

    Bar website

    asian - $