The Purdue-Indiana rivalry is one of the biggest rivalries in the Big 10. Although the may be most intense in basketball, you’ll still find a good matchup on the gridiron. When these two Indiana-based teams face, fans know that there’s nothing else left to do but also put their game face on. Each game always gives that “now or never” feeling, and it’s something a real fan can never miss!!
The winner of the annual Purdue-Illinois matchup takes home the Purdue Cannon. The two Big Ten West schools have an intense rivalry on the gridiron, so don’t miss it when the Illini come to West Lafayette.
Boilermakers Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Every time you walk in or around the Ross-Ade Stadium, it is no doubt that you will always get that unmistakable vibe of that only the Purdue Boilermakers can make you feel. The surroundings and the fans you meet during a Purdue game day are all part of the elements that make the Ross-Ade Stadium a great place to be.
If you’re a first-time tailgater in this stadium, it’s important to know the activities and traditions that the Purdue fans celebrate to pump themselves up even more. One of the activities to take note is the Boilermaker street fest. This is where fans can go and play with their friends and families with other fans through fun and games and also have the chance to meet the team which is one of the activities that fans never want to miss as this activity is vital to being a real fan. Another significant event or tradition that fans look out for is the Boiler Bridge Walk. This where the fans cheer their hearts out as they watch the Boilermakers team walk from the Purdue Memorial Union to the stadium. From an outsider’s point of view, one cannot deny that this is one of the best ways passion and dedication are displayed.
You can never really go wrong when partying with such a dedicated crowd!
Join the student body at the bars as they start filling in at the crack of dawn. Costumes and school attire are most welcome. On game day the bars can have a Halloween vibe, one of the best times of the year every Saturday during football season
This pep rally goes down before kickoff in Mackey Arena which is home to the Boilermaker basketball team. The football team passes through the event before games to get a sense of energy from the pep rally. You’ll love 211 Session as it puts you in the game day mood.
Located just over a mile from Ross-Ade Stadium, Chauncey Hill is the perfect spot to get the college atmosphere that fans are looking for. Loaded with plenty of bars and restaurants, Chauncey Hill is the perfect place to grab some drinks or a bite to eat before the game.
Where to tailgate
First-Come-First Served LotsRoss-Ade Stadium is generous when it comes to providing parking slots for its students and fans to tailgate. But before anything else, it’s important to note that reserving or saving of parking slots is not allowed because the Ross-Ade Stadium follows the first-come-first-serve system. Therefore, if you want to be beside your friends and family when you tailgate, make sure you come together.
Triple XXXAnyone from Purdue University would know that Triple XXX is a classic place to stay for great and juicy burgers and fries. This restaurant will surely keep your full before the game!
Harry's Chocolate Shop Don’t be deceived with the “Chocolate” on its name, because this place is a bar. Purdue fans and alumni know that this bar is the go-to place to chill for regular days or to party during the game day. The wide selections of drinks from this bar is delicious!! In addition to that, the atmosphere also gives you that feeling that you are part of the Purdue culture.
Neon CactusThis is another popular bar where Purdue students frequent. The ambiance is casual and comfortable, which is no wonder why students always go here before and after the game. The selection of drinks and food is fantastic and cheaper as compared to Harry’s Chocolate Shop. Interesting note: this is also where a lot of students go to celebrate a Purdue Tradition called the Breakfast Club. Although the breakfast club is a graduation tradition, this tradition is usually seen every football season.
Bruno'sBruno’s is one of those places that makes sure that they let people know they are in Purdue University territory. This is because the restaurant has Purdue Boilermakers memorabilia all over it. The place is extra busy when it’s game day. So, if you want to give it a try, make sure you strategize your visit on a game day!
Boilermakers Stadium Guide
In Game
There isn’t a bad seat in the house at Ross-Ade Stadium ensuring you’ll have a great time attending a Boilermakers football game. Recent renovations have also greatly improved the amenities offered at Ross-Ade Stadium giving you no excuse not to make the trip to West Lafayette.
If you’re looking to get something to drink during the game, then stop by The Beer Garden Pavilion. Located near the south end zone is a patio set up to be a party atmosphere for anyone attending the game. A tent filled with good eats and modern concessions is anchored in the middle of the patio. Here you’ll be able to take in all of the action while also enjoying some food and beverages perfect for who want to eat and drink while enjoying the game.
The student section at Purdue packs quite the punch for a school whose football team leaves a bit to be desired at times. The student section is large and located in the northeast corner of the stadium although you can hear their cheers all throughout the stadium. Students make their presence known throughout the game as they are always shouting during opponent’s third downs and sing the fight song after Purdue scores. The fans at Purdue, particularly the students, provide a great atmosphere that will leave you wanting to come back for more.
In 2004, Purdue added a tunnel to their stadium in memory of the football players, coaches, alumni, and fans who died in the tragic Purdue Wreck of 1903. You can pay your respects here for the fallen.
The only field in the Big Ten to install bermudagrass, check out the field up close and take some clippings home to transplant on your lawn! An irrigation system keeps the field in perfect condition and virtually divot free. Bounce around and step foot on the field that so many legends have before you.
A state of the art scoreboard and sound system have been installed to give every fan a great view of the action, no matter what side of the field. It’s perfect for replays on close calls, big plays you missed, or great plays you want to see again. The music pumping out the sound system rallies the entire school.
The Patio is your first chance to purchase alcohol while attending the game. Fill up on modern concessions and chow down at one of the plethoras of tables. It’s right next to the action so you won’t have to miss the game.
Held together by its original frame, the bass drum is 10 feet tall and used to rally the crowd. Make sure to get a picture or video of the Big Bass Drum during your trip to get the full Purdue game day experience.
Before every kickoff, students take out their keys and begin to jingle them above their heads. Those who do not have keys must take their shoes and jingle them as if they were keys.
Fight Songs
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.
First Verse: To Your Call Once More We Rally; Alma Mater Hear Our Praise. Where The Wabash Spreads Its Valley; Filled With Joy Our Voices Raise. From The Skies In Swelling Echoes Come The Cheers That Tell The Tale Of Your Vict’ries And Your Heros, 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!
Second Verse: When In After Years We’re Turning, Alma Mater, Back To You. May Our Hearts With Love Be Yearning For The Scenes Of Old Purdue. Back Among Your Pathways Winding Let Us Seek What Lies Before; Fondest Hopes And Aims E’er Finding, While We Sing Of Days Of Yore.
Third Verse: Sung only by the band at special events In the Band we March and Swagger As we Play for Old Purdue At the Halftime we do Shows No other Band on Earth Could do When we Cheer the Earth Will Tremble For We’re Known Throughout the Land As the Best in Marching Music, We’re the Boilermaker Band.
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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