Reminder: Football weekend brings special events for military appreciation, fireworks, traffic

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — It’s Military Appreciation Day as Purdue takes on Missouri on Saturday in another night football game in Ross-Ade Stadium.

The 7:30 p.m. Big Ten-Southeastern Conference matchup will bring increased traffic to campus on Saturday. Those arriving for the game for pay lots should take U.S. 231 to State Street.

The following are for permit lots:

• Take Northwestern Avenue to Cherry Lane or Stadium Avenue.

• Take U.S. 231 to Lindberg Road to McCormick Road and then either to Cherry Lane or Stadium Avenue, depending upon the permit. 

Military Appreciation Day will consist of several ways to recognize those who are currently serving or have served:

• Purdue football will honor the military by wearing branch stickers on the back of their helmets, personally selected by each player.

• Various military and service vehicles will be on display around Ross-Ade Stadium.

 • Active military service, ROTC members and future soldiers will form the pregame fan tunnel.

• Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher P. Azzano, a 1987 Purdue graduate in aeronautical and astronautical engineering, will participate in the coin toss as the honorary captain.

• National Guard Brig. Gen. Tim Thombleson will conduct a halftime enlistment ceremony of all branches in the south end zone.

• Vietnam veterans will be recognized during the second media timeout of the second quarter.

Military veterans can receive free tickets through VetTix.org. All service members, including police, fire, first responders and hospital staff also can receive discounts. Call 765.494.3325 for more information.

After the game, fans are encouraged to remain in their seats for a short fireworks show.

Contact: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu