Purdue to honor veterans, active duty personnel at Military Appreciation Day

Purdue will salute veterans and active duty military personnel Saturday (Nov. 8) as part of Military Appreciation Day, being held in conjunction with the football game against Wisconsin and the upcoming Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

More than 100 current and former members of the military will form a tunnel as the Boilermakers take the field before the game. Members of the Entrepreneurial Business Veterans group also will be on the field pregame. During the game, those men and women who are serving or have served in each branch of the United States armed forces will be recognized.

During halftime, an enlistment ceremony will take place for 52 individuals who have made the commitment to serve our country. More details about Military Appreciation Day are here.

TODAY

Ride the Boilermaker Special: The Purdue Reamer Club will offer the Purdue community free rides on the Boilermaker Special. Pickup and drop-off are on the west side of Stewart Center about every 15 minutes. All rides are weather-permitting. Rides typically take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but times can vary based on pilot availability.

Swimming and diving (men): The Purdue men will host Western Kentucky at 5 p.m. at the Boilermaker Aquatic Center. Admission is free. Details are here.

Men's basketball exhibition game: The Purdue men's basketball team will close out its exhibition slate with a matchup against Carroll College (Mont.) at 7 p.m. at Mackey Arena. Details are here.

SATURDAY

Boilermaker Crossing: Purdue fans can meet the teams, play on inflatable games, get prizes, listen to live music and more at the family-friendly Boilermaker Crossing at 9-11:30 a.m. at Sally and Bob Weist Plaza between Mackey Arena and the Brees Academic Center (IAF). The event is free.

211° Session: The 211° Session pregame pep rally will feature the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band, football head coach Darrell Hazell and the Boilermaker football players. The event starts at 9:49 a.m. in Mackey Arena.

Purdue football vs. Wisconsin: The game starts at noon at Ross-Ade Stadium. Ticket information is available here.

Purdue wrestling Gold & Black Matches: The Purdue wrestling team will hold its annual Gold & Black Matches at 3:30 p.m. in Holloway Gymnasium in the IAF. All 10 weights will be contested as the Boilermakers prepare for their season opener at Cal Poly on Nov. 14. The Gold & Black Matches are free and open to the public. Details are here.

Postgame concert: The Purdue "All-American" Marching Band will perform at approximately 4 p.m. at Slayter Center.

SUNDAY

Women's basketball exhibition game: The Purdue women's basketball team opens its 2014-15 season hosting Findlay University at 2 p.m. at Mackey Arena. Ticket information is here.

ADDITIONAL GAME-DAY RESOURCES

* Boilermaker Depot: Game-week activities and spirit initiatives
* Guide to 2014 Purdue Football

* 2014 GameDay Central
* Game notes for Purdue vs. Wisconsin

NEXT UP AT ROSS-ADE

Purdue vs. Northwestern: Purdue football takes on Northwestern on Nov. 22 at Ross-Ade Stadium. Time TBA. Ticket information is available here.

Boilermaker Butcher Block tailgating orders: Boilermaker fans who enjoy grilling burgers and brats at tailgates can now pre-order their meat from the Boilermaker Butcher Block and pick it up on game day. Orders for the Nov. 22 home game are due by 5 p.m. Nov. 19. More information about program and how to order is here.

PURDUE SPORTS

For more on Purdue sports, including schedules, ticket information and player profiles, go to www.purduesports.com.