Attendees list grows for CircleUp! tailgate; Mitch Daniels to deliver State of Purdue address prior to event

Purdue fans are invited to put on their gold and black and kick off the 2017 football season in style at the Circle Up! Boiler Tailgate 2.0 on Indianapolis’ Monument Circle on Friday, September 1. (Submitted graphic) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Boiler Business Exchange of Indianapolis have a limited number of tickets remaining for President Mitch Daniels’ State of Purdue address at the Columbia Club on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis on Sept. 1.

Daniels is expected to update attendees on projects and development affecting the university, the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana.

“We at the Boiler Business Exchange are really excited about the direction of our great university,” said Matt Folk, president of BBE Indianapolis. “Purdue is a major leader in U.S. higher education, recently ranked No. 1 in the state of Indiana by Time, so we are thrilled to hear first-hand from Purdue's leaders on the direction, affordability and quality that will be provided to current and future students." 

The event, which will also feature an update from athletics director Mike Bobinski, runs from 10:30-11:45 a.m. and immediately precedes the CircleUp! Boiler Tailgate 2.0 on Monument Circle. Organizers hope to draw 10,000 Purdue faithful to the tailgate which will feature food trucks, beer for purchase and appearances by Purdue Pete, the university pep band and cheerleaders.

Several Purdue sports greats, including Leroy Keyes, Brian Cardinal, John Standeford, Matt Mitrione, Rosevelt Colvin, Vinny Sutherland and Seth Morales are expected to attend, along with members of the university Board of Trustees. Former Boilermaker football stars currently playing in the NFL unable to attend will deliver video messages to fans at the rally.

“There are a lot of Boilers that are in the NFL and will be finishing up their preseason games.  Guys like Drew Brees, Ryan Kerrigan, Kawann Short, Ricardo Allen and several others are doing a great job of representing Purdue.” said Pete Quinn, chairman of BBE Indy. “Even though they won’t be there in person, they’re still going to be able to thank fans and show support for this year’s team with messages that will play on a video screen on the circle, along with some memorable Boilermaker moments from the past.”

The free program begins at noon and is hosted by a pair of Purdue graduates: Indianapolis TV personalities Angela Buchman from WTHR and Kevin Gregory from WRTV. Daniels, Bobinski and football coach Jeff Brohm will speak on stage as the football team arrives to the sound of Hail Purdue.

Media are encouraged to attend the tailgate to speak with Daniels or any of the Purdue greats. Any media wishing to do preview stories on CircleUp! 2.0 may contact Matt Folk or Pete Quinn directly. If TV stations would like to do morning or noon show live shots, please contact Tim Doty.   

Writer: Tim Doty, 765-496-2571, doty2@purdue.edu

Sources: Matt Folk, mfolk@tmcc.com

Pete Quinn, pete.quinn@colliers.com