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Ross–Ade Stadium

"Home of the Boilermakers"
Aerial view of the stadium in June 2021
Ross–Ade StadiumLocation in IndianaShow map of IndianaRoss–Ade StadiumLocation in the United StatesShow map of the United States
Location	850 Steven Beering Drive West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
Coordinates	40°26′4″N 86°55′6″W / 40.43444°N 86.91833°W / 40.43444; -86.91833
Owner	Purdue University
Operator	Purdue University
Capacity	61,441 (2023–present)
Surface	Grass
Construction
Broke ground	June 2, 1924
Opened	November 22, 1924
Renovated	2002, 2023
Expanded	1930, 1949, 1955, 1964, 1969, 2023
Construction cost	$237,500 ($4.22 million in 2023 dollars) $70 million (2002 renovation) ($119 million in 2023 dollars) $45.4 million (2023 renovation)
Architect	Osborn Engineering Company (Original) HNTB (2002 Renovation)
General contractor	A.E. Kemmer (Original Construction)
Tenants
Purdue Boilermakers (NCAA) (1924–present)

Ross–Ade Stadium is a stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana, on the campus of Purdue University. It is the home field of Purdue Boilermakers football.

History

The stadium was built in 1924 to replace Stuart Field, which had been hosting Purdue football since 1892. It is named in honor of Purdue alumni David E. Ross and George Ade, the principal benefactors. In 1922 Ade and Ross bought 65 acres (26 ha) of land for the site of the new stadium. They also provided additional financial support for construction of the facility. Ross–Ade Stadium opened on November 22, 1924, with a seating capacity of 13,500—roughly corresponding to the lower portion of the current facility's west grandstand---and standing room for an additional 5,000 people. A series of additions and renovations pushed the seating capacity to almost 68,000 (70,000 with standing room). In 2001, Purdue University began a $70 million renovation, including widening both aisles and seats, which led to a reduced seating capacity of 62,500.

The first game and first win came in the 1924 Homecoming win over the Indiana Hoosiers.

The largest crowd ever to see a game in Ross-Ade is 71,629 against Indiana on November 22, 1980.

In summer 2017, Ross–Ade Stadium installed permanent stadium lights.

In March 2019 it was announced that a memorial for Superfan Tyler Trent, who died on January 1, 2019, at the age of 20 from osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, would be placed at Student Section Gate entrance in his honor.

On December 6, 2019, it was announced that due to a $15 million gift, the new name of the facility is Rohrman Field at Ross–Ade Stadium.

On September 4, 2021, the Boilermakers opened their 97th season in the 500th game at Ross-Ade with a 30–21 win over Oregon State.

Renovations

Early 2000s Renovations

In the spring of 2000, it was announced that Ross–Ade would undergo a three-phase renovation, beginning the following year. A breakdown of each phase is as follows:

Phase I (2001–2003)

• Replace the 50-year-old Woodworth Memorial Press Box, located on the west side of the stadium, with a four-story pavilion, housing the Shively Media Center, 34 luxury suites, and a 200-seat indoor club level
• Add outdoor club seats with exclusive access to the pavilion's suites
• Expand the main concourse
• Add new bathrooms and concession stands
• Add a new “grand staircase” to the south end of the stadium
• Replace all concrete and benches.

Phase II (TBA)

• Add an upper deck to the east side of stadium

Phase III (TBA)

• Add upper deck to north bend of stadium, connecting east upper deck and Pavilion

While originally thought that both Phases II and III would be solely dependent upon future ticket sales, former Athletic Director Morgan Burke indicated in early 2009 that the project may move forward in the near future, regardless of season ticket sales. Phase II and phase III were never completed.

Your Ross-Ade

In August 2022, the finalized plans and timeline for Phase I of renovations to Ross–Ade Stadium.

Phase I (2022)

At a cost of $45.4 million raised by donors, Ross-Ade stadium will be getting a south end zone renovation that will add approximately 4,500 seats bringing the total stadium capacity to 61,441. The student section, which will be growing by 5%, will be moved to the south end zone and the area to the east of it, and the band will sit in the front of the south end zone. There will be safe standing seats, patio and deck areas, and rail seating. The Tyler Trent Student Gate will be moved. Additionally, Tiller Tunnel, named after the late Joe Tiller, will be constructed connecting the Kozuch Football Performance Center to the stadium in the northeast corner of the stadium. Finally, the team shop located outside the north of the stadium will be converted into a student-athlete dining facility. The construction began at the completion of the 2022 football season and the south end zone and tunnel will be completed by the beginning of the 2023 season. The dining facility will not be ready until at least January 2024 per Mike Bobinski on December 22, 2022.

Phase II (TBA)

While it is unclear what renovations will come with Phase II, it has been said that "additional phase construction timelines will be determined by philanthropic support."

Additional proposals

There has been a desire expressed by both former head coach Joe Tiller and Burke to remove seating in the south end zone to use the land for alternative purposes. Tiller and subsequently the school's architectural department, has proposed using the land for football administrative offices and locker rooms. Burke has proposed shaping the land into a landscaped hill, providing lush views of campus scenery. Ultimately, these bleachers were removed in the summer of 2014, with restorative work performed on the concrete foundation on which the bleachers sat.

Other renovations

• In 2004, a limestone and brick tunnel was dedicated to the memory of the 17 football players, coaches, alumni, and fans who died in the 1903 Purdue Wreck in Indianapolis.
• In June 2006, the Kentucky bluegrass was replaced by Bermuda grass. The Prescription Athletic Turf system is still in use.
• In July 2006, Action Sports Media announced a ten-year partnership with Purdue, helping finance the installation of a new state-of-the-art 31-by-68-foot (9.4 by 20.7 m) Daktronics video board, priced at $1.7 million, and sideline advertising panel. The new technology was installed in time for the start of the 2007 season.
• In June 2014, the south end-zone bleachers, which seated 6,100 spectators, were removed to avoid necessary safety upgrades and in preparation for proposed renovations. The area was converted to a patio area for fans to enjoy a more party like atmosphere. There were several tables set up with a large concessions tent anchor the middle of the area. This is the first time a regular game attendee could purchase alcohol.
• In 2017, permanent lighting was installed at a cost of $5.6 million so that games could be played at night without needing to rent lighting.
• In 2019, a ribbon board was installed above the north end zone seating. This Daktronics board measures 575 by 10 feet (175.3 by 3.0 m). Additionally, the Tyler Trent Student Gate was installed on the east side of the stadium.
• In 2020, a new Daktronics board was installed in the south end zone. This is the first HDR display in college football and measures 150.33 by 56.75 feet (45.82 by 17.30 m). It is four times larger than the previous board, the second largest in college football (behind Jordan-Hare Stadium's), and among the largest video screens in the world. This was a $10 million project.

Night games at Ross-Ade Stadium

Temporary lights (1–7)

• October 18, 1986: Ohio State L 11–39
• September 10, 1994: Toledo W 51–17
• September 21, 1996: West Virginia L 6–20
• October 1, 2005: Notre Dame L 28–49
• October 6, 2007: Ohio State L 7–23
• September 26, 2009: Notre Dame L 21–24
• October 1, 2011: Notre Dame L 10–38
• September 14, 2013: (21) Notre Dame L 24–31

Under permanent lights (5–6)

• September 8, 2017: Ohio W 44-21
• October 28, 2017: Nebraska L 24-25
• August 30, 2018: Northwestern L 27-31
• September 15, 2018: Missouri L 37-40
• October 20, 2018: (2) Ohio State W 49-20
• September 14, 2019: TCU L 13-34
• September 4, 2021: Oregon State W 30-21
• September 1, 2022: Penn State L 31-35
• September 24, 2022: Florida Atlantic W 28-26
• October 15, 2022: Nebraska W 43-37
• September 16, 2023: Syracuse L 20-35

See also

• List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums

References

1. Find Campus Address, Materials Distribution Services, April 1, 2009.
2. Topping, Robert W. (1988). A Century And Beyond: The History of Purdue University. West Lafayette: Purdue Research Foundation. p. 213. ISBN 0-911198-95-4. Retrieved September 28, 2011.
3. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
4. ^ Ross-Ade Stadium Archived February 22, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Purdue Official Athletic Site.
5. Gugin, Linda C.; St. Clair, James E. (2015). Indiana's 200: The People Who Shaped the Hoosier State. Indianapolis: Indiana Historical Society Press. pp. 3–4. ISBN 978-0-87195-387-2.
6. Purdue will add permanent lights at Ross-Ade Stadium, ESPN
7. "Brees Family Leading Effort to Honor the Legacy of Legendary Coach Joe Tiller". Purdue Boilermakers. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
8. "Your Ross-Ade". www.yourrossade.com. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
9. "2009 Purdue Master Plan Artist's Rendering", Purdue University News Service, February 19, 2009
10. "Purdue A.D.: Football stadium needs upper deck", Rivals.com College Football, February 24, 2009
11. Bigelow, Cale. "Timing and research result in new surface for Purdue football field", Purdue News Service, May 19, 2006.
12. "Football program to benefit from facility upgrades", Purdue Official Athletic Site, July 25, 2006.
13. "Ross-Ade Stadium South End Zone Bleachers to be Removed - PURDUESPORTS.COM - Purdue Official Athletic Site". www.purduesports.com. Archived from the original on August 15, 2014.
14. "Purdue University, Ross-Ade Stadium – Anthony James Partners (AJP)". Retrieved April 24, 2023.
15. "Purdue University, Ross-Ade Stadium". Anthony James Partners. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
16. "Ross-Ade Lights Installation Underway". PurdueSports.com. West Lafayette, Indiana. April 21, 2017. Retrieved November 28, 2022.

External links

• Official website
• Purdue e-archives 1925 Debris
• Images of 1949 stadium expansion

v t e Purdue University
Located in: West Lafayette, Indiana
System	West Lafayette Fort Wayne IPFW, dissolved 2018 Northwest Purdue University in Indianapolis IUPUI, dissolved 2024 IUPUC, transferred to the IU system in 2024 Global (Law School)
Academics	College of Agriculture College of Education College of Engineering College of Health and Human Sciences College of Liberal Arts Krannert School of Management College of Pharmacy Polytechnic Institute College of Science College of Veterinary Medicine
Athletics	Teams Purdue Boilermakers Baseball Men's basketball Women's basketball Football Men's golf Softball Women's volleyball Indiana rivalry Men's basketball Governor's Cup (Multi-sport) Old Oaken Bucket (Football) Barn Burner Trophy (Women's basketball) Monon Spike (Women's volleyball) Golden Boot (Women's soccer) Other rivalries Illinois (Purdue Cannon) Notre Dame (Shillelagh Trophy) Chicago Facilities Ross–Ade Stadium Mackey Arena Alexander Field Lambert Field Lambert Fieldhouse Other All-American Marching Band Big Bass Drum Big Ten Conference Glee Club Hail Purdue! Boilermaker Special Purdue Pete
Campus	Purdue Aeronautics Corporation Purdue Airlines Purdue Airport Purdue Bell Tower The Boilermaker Discovery Park Elliott Hall of Music Engineering Fountain Horticulture Gardens Nuclear reactor Purdue Memorial Union Purdue Research Park Rawls Hall Slayter Center West Lafayette
Student life	The Exponent WBAA WBAA-FM Purdue Grand Prix Electric Vehicle Grand Prix Purdue OWL Rube Goldberg Machine Contest Purdue Reamer Club
People	Alumni Faculty Presidents John Purdue
Founded: 1869 Students: 49,639 (2021) Endowment: US $2.59 billion (2020)

• College football venues in Indiana
• Purdue Boilermakers football
• Purdue University campus
• 1924 establishments in Indiana
• Sports venues completed in 1924