Trustees OK first steps toward Ross-Ade Stadium improvements, approve other campus projects

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Trustees on Friday (Aug. 2) gave approval to plan for a renovation to Ross-Ade Stadium. They also approved the planning, financing, constructing and awarding of a construction contract for a new video board in the south end zone and signed off on several other campus construction projects.

The board delegated to Bill Sullivan, Purdue treasurer and chief financial officer, the authority to select, retain and contract with an architectural/engineering firm to provide planning services for the Ross-Ade renovation project, which would enhance the stadium appearance and the game-day experience for fans. Highlighted by an open concourse and more diverse seating options, the potential project could encompass three main components — replacement of the upper bowl, upgrades to the pavilion and construction of an additional south end zone building — and would be completed in phases as gift funding and final trustees approval allow.

The new south end zone video board, which will be larger and provide a clearer picture, will replace the current smaller, aging video board. Demolition of the current board is expected to begin in December 2019 following the 2019 regular football season, with the new video board in place by summer 2020.

In other business, trustees approved various repair and rehabilitation projects on the West Lafayette campus, including bathroom renovations in Shreve Residence Hall; sewer replacement and bathroom repairs in Hillenbrand Residence Hall; chilled water line replacement in the southeast area of campus east of Lynn Hall; heating, ventilation and air conditioning replacement, window replacement and overhead door repairs at the Purdue University Airport; window and stage lift replacements and elevator repairs in Stewart Center; classroom renovations in the Steven C. Beering Hall of Liberal Arts and Education, the Biochemistry Building, Electrical Engineering Building and Veterinary Pathology Building; and restroom renovations in the Electrical Engineering Building.

Source: Michael B. Cline, senior vice president for administrative operations, 765-494-8000