Intercollegiate Athletics
Athletic Ticket Office
(765) 494-3194
(800) 49-SPORT
From August to May, Intercollegiate Athletics offers fun, thrilling events that will provide lasting memories of college days. From football Saturdays in the fall to Sunday afternoon softball and baseball games in the spring, cheer the Boilermakers on to victory within walking distance of your residence hall or off-campus housing.
Following the Boilermakers means following winners:
- The football team has gone to nine bowl games in Coach Tiller’s 10 years at the helm
- The volleyball team is coming off a “Sweet 16� NCAA tournament season
- Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams received invitations to the 2007 NCAA tournaments and the 2007–2008 season promises to be even more exciting
- From soccer to wrestling to swimming and diving — there’s something for every season and every fan
2007 Football Home Schedule
09.08 Eastern Illinois
09.15 Central Michigan, Band and Family Day
09.29 Notre Dame
10.06 Ohio State
10.20 Iowa
10.27 Northwestern, Homecoming
11.10 Michigan State, Hall of Fame Weekend
If you have not received ticket information, contact the Athletic Ticket Office at 494-3194 or (800) 49-SPORT. The office is located in the Intercollegiate Athletic Facility north of Mackey Arena and is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The VIP “All-Access� Package
Your season ticket to all home games, matches, and meets for all eighteen of Purdue’s varsity sports. VIP Card holders also receive seating priority at Purdue’s assigned-seating sports (football, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball). Nearly 400 varsity sporting events for just $200!
History of the Big Ten
In 1895, Purdue President James Smart called a meeting of presidents of seven major universities in the Midwest to consider regulations and control of athletics. In 1896, the Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives was organized. The original members were Purdue University, the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois, the University of Iowa, the University of Michigan, Northwestern University, and the University of Wisconsin. The organization today consists of Purdue University, the University of Illinois,
Indiana University, the University of Iowa,
the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, the University of Minnesota, Northwestern University, the Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Wisconsin. Even though there are 11 members, this organization is referred to as the “Big Ten.�
Athletic Traditions
Mackey Arena
Construction of Mackey Arena began in 1965. The building was dedicated on December 2, 1967, during the Purdue–UCLA game. The arena, which has a seating capacity of 14,123, is the home court for Purdue men’s and women’s basketball games. The basketball court was officially named Keady Court in 1997, honoring Gene Keady, who would serve as men’s head basketball coach for 25 seasons. Mackey houses locker rooms, training rooms, and some administration and coaching staff offices. Six main gates service 18 sections within the arena. It was named in 1972 for the late Guy “Red� Mackey, director of Intercollegiate Athletics for 29 years.
The Monon Spike
The Monon Spike, a traveling trophy created in 1981, symbolizes the volleyball rivalry between Purdue and Indiana that began in 1975. A bronze “I� or “P� is added to the chain to signify the winner of the match. The trophy was a gift from Purdue’s senior volleyball class of 1981–82.
Purdue “All-American� Marching Band
The Purdue Marching Band first appeared in 1886. Since then, the band has been credited with a number of firsts, which include: first to carry flags of the Big Ten schools, first to use a giant bass drum (8 feet in diameter and 4 feet in width) nicknamed “monster,� first to play the opponent’s fight song, first to perform at the Indianapolis 500 (a tradition that continues today), and first to be called the “All-American Marching Band.� This title resulted from performing at the Purdue–Northwestern football game in 1935. After the band’s half-time presentation, Ted Husing, who was broadcasting the half-time show, concluded by saying, “Certainly this Purdue Marching Band has been known as the ‘All-American Band.’�
Old Oaken Bucket
The Old Oaken Bucket is a trophy awarded to the victor of the Purdue–Indiana football game. At the end of the annual tangle, the winning team carries off the bucket, and another bronze initial link is added to the chain dangling from the handle. The bucket appeared in 1925 when alumni of both schools decided there should be some tangible relic of the rivalry between the two schools. Today the Old Oaken Bucket displays 54 Purdue links, 25 Indiana links, and two Purdue–Indiana links to denote ties.
Purdue Pete
Purdue Pete appeared in 1956 as the athletics mascot of Purdue and represents the University at games and pep rallies. Typically, four students are selected to serve as Purdue Pete each year.
Ross-Ade Stadium
In 1922, David Ross and George Ade purchased 65 acres adjoining campus to be used for recreational purposes. This area includes the present stadium, fieldhouse, and practice field. The stadium was dedicated on November 22, 1924. It originally seated 13,500 fans, but after additions and renovations, the current capacity is 62,500. The stadium underwent renovation from 2001 to 2003, making it one of the most fan-friendly football stadiums in the nation.
Rowdy
Rowdy, a Purdue mascot and sidekick to Purdue Pete, was introduced in 1997. Standing nearly 10 feet tall, Rowdy resembles a young boy who hopes to become a Purdue Boilermaker. Rowdy is made of parachute material, and is kept inflated by a student wearing a power pack. Rowdy appears at all home events with Pete.
World’s Largest Drum
The Purdue “All-American� Marching Band’s “World’s Largest Drum� is over eight feet tall (more than 10 feet tall on its cart) and weighs 600 pounds. The Leedy Company of Indianapolis made it in 1921. There are four drum handlers, selected particularly for their strength and agility, and two drumbeaters. The drumheads have been autographed by presidents, governors, astronauts, and other dignitaries.
“Hail Purdue�
Students and staff alike know the words to our great fight song. Once you hear the music start, get ready to stand, clap, and sing this song proudly. You are now a true Boilermaker!
Verse 1
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 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
(Boiler Up!)
Of the days we’ve spent with you;
All hail our own Purdue!
Verse 2
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 see what lies before,
Fondest hopes and aims e’er finding,
While we sing of days of yore.
Chorus