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Ross–Ade Stadium - home of Purdue in West Lafayette, IN
NCAA FBS

Ross–Ade StadiumWest Lafayette, Indiana

Purdue

👥
Capacity
61,441
🏆
Conference
Big Ten
📅
Opened
1924
🌱
Surface
Grass

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📖About Ross–Ade Stadium

Ross-Ade Stadium holds 57,236 and is the home of the Purdue Boilermakers and the "Cradle of Quarterbacks"—producing more NFL starting QBs than any program in history. Named for benefactors David Ross and George Ade, it hosted Neil Armstrong's first public words after returning from the Moon in 1969.

🏛️History

Origins

Opened November 22, 1924 for a game against Indiana with 13,500 seats. Named for David Edward Ross (university trustee who donated $100,000) and George Ade (Purdue alum and humorist who gave land for the stadium). Cost was $1.7 million.

Major Renovations

1950First major expansion to 51,000 capacity
2003$70M renovation: new luxury boxes, press box, and club seating
2024$60M renovation: synthetic turf, improved facilities, capacity to 57,236

Notable Moments

Sep 13, 1969Neil Armstrong spoke first public words after Apollo 11 Moon landing
Oct 6, 2018Purdue upset #2 Ohio State 49-20—"Purdue Pete" game
1984Hosted President Ronald Reagan for World Agricultural Fair speech

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Sections 101-108 offer midfield views. The Molly Club and Mortar Club provide premium hospitality. West side has shade for afternoon games. Student section is in the south end zone.

Parking Tips

Purple Pass lots closest to stadium require season permits. General parking in Gold lots. Free parking at Mackey Arena and Ross-Ade Pavilion with shuttle service. Arrive 3 hours early—traffic on Northwestern Avenue is heavy.

Game Day

Boilermaker Special (world's largest drum) leads the team to the stadium. Watch for Purdue Pete—the creepily intense mascot beloved by fans. "Shout" is played after touchdowns. I Wanna Go Back to West Lafayette" is the postgame tradition. Clear bag policy enforced.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Harry's Chocolate Shop

$$

Legendary Purdue bar. Despite the name, it's a classic campus tavern with deep tradition.

📍 0.8 miles329 W State St

💡 The "Go Ugly Early" tradition is real. Expect a line all gameday.

Nine Irish Brothers

$$

Authentic Irish pub with live music, great Guinness, and traditional fare.

📍 1.2 miles119 Howard Ave

💡 Excellent spot for a post-game pint and a hearty meal.

Brothers Bar & Grill

$

Spacious sports bar with a huge patio and plenty of screens.

📍 0.8 miles306 W State St

💡 Great for watching other Big Ten games before the Boilermakers kick off.

🍽️Restaurants

Triple XXX Family Restaurant

$

Indiana’s oldest drive-in. Famous for the Duane Purvis Burger (with peanut butter).

📍 0.9 miles2 N Salisbury St

💡 The Duane Purvis Burger is a must-try for any first-time visitor.

Bruno's Pizza and Big O's Sports Room

$$

Local favorite known for its "Bruno Dough" and deep-rooted Purdue connections.

📍 1.5 miles212 Brown St

💡 Order the Bruno Dough as an appetizer—you won't regret it.

Von's Dough Shack

$

Custom calzones made to order. Popular late-night and gameday spot.

📍 0.8 miles315 W State St

💡 Perfect for a quick, filling meal on the way to the stadium.

🏨Hotels

Union Club Hotel at Purdue University, Autograph Collection

$$$$

Located directly on campus within the Purdue Memorial Union.

📍 0.6 miles201 S Grant St

💡 The most convenient stay for alumni and visiting fans.

Hilton Garden Inn West Lafayette Wabash Landing

$$$

Modern hotel located near the Wabash River and campus dining.

📍 1.3 miles356 E State St

💡 Easy walk to campus and downtown West Lafayette.

🎭Attractions

Neil Armstrong Statue

$

Commemorating Purdue's most famous alumnus outside the Armstrong Hall of Engineering.

📍 0.3 miles701 W Stadium Ave

💡 A patriotic stop just a few minutes walk from the stadium.

Engineering Fountain

$

Large, modern fountain in the center of the engineering mall.

📍 0.5 milesPurdue Campus Mall

💡 A popular meeting spot and "fountain run" tradition for students.

🅿️Parking Options

🏢

Grant Street Garage

$20-30
Garage📍 0.6 miles

💡 The most reliable public garage for gamedays.

🏢

Northwestern Avenue Garage

$25
Garage📍 0.4 miles

💡 Closest public garage to the stadium; fills early.

🅿️

Ross-Ade Pavilion Lot

$50+
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Requires a donor pass for most games; limited public availability.

Suggest a Tip

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.