1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Purdue-Indiana Rivlary
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.
10. 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, so join in on the singing of the Purdue fight song during your trip to Mackey Arena.
