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!
Traditions
"Breakfast Club"
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
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211 Session
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.
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Chauncey Hill
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
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
