Ross–Ade Stadium

Ross–Ade Stadium

Home of the Boilermakers
Location	850 Beering Drive[1] West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
Coordinates	40°26′4″N 86°55′6″W / 40.43444°N 86.91833°WCoordinates: 40°26′4″N 86°55′6″W / 40.43444°N 86.91833°W
Owner	Purdue University
Operator	Purdue University
Capacity	57,236 (2014–present) 62,500 (2003–2013) 66,295 (2002) 67,332 (1998–2001) 67,861 (1988–1997) 69,200 (1970–1987) 68,000 (1969) 60,000 (1964–1968) 55,500 (1955–1963) 51,295 (1949–1954) 23,074 (1930–1948) 13,500 (1924–1929)
Surface	grass
Construction
Broke ground	June 2, 1924
Opened	November 22, 1924
Renovated	2002
Expanded	1930, 1949, 1955, 1964, 1969
Construction cost	$237,500[2] ($3.28 million in 2016 dollars[3]) $70 million (Renovation) ($92.1 million in 2016 dollars[3])
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. It is the home of the Purdue University Boilermakers football team.

History

The stadium was built in 1924 to replace Stuart Field, which had been hosting Purdue football since 1892. It is named for David E. Ross and George Ade, the principal benefactors. Ross–Ade Stadium opened on November 22, 1924, with a seating capacity of 13,500 and standing room for an additional 5,000 people.^[4] 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, which led to a reduced seating capacity of 62,500.

The largest crowd ever to see a game in Ross-Ade is 71,629 against Indiana on Nov 22, 1980.^[5]

The stadium is one of three in the Big Ten which lacks permanent lights.^[6]The others are Michigan State and Northwestern.

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, Athletic Director Morgan Burke indicated in early 2009 that the project may move forward in the near future, regardless of season ticket sales.

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.^[7] Burke has proposed shaping the land into a landscaped hill, providing lush views of campus scenery.^[8]

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.^[9]
• 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-foot by 68-foot Daktronics video board, priced at $1.7 million, and sideline advertising panel.^[10] The new technology was installed in time for the start of the 2007 season.^[11]
• 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.^[12]

References

1. Find Campus Address, Materials Distribution Services, April 1, 2009.
2. Topping, Robert W. 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. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
4. Ross-Ade Stadium, Purdue Official Athletic Site.
5. Ross-Ade Stadium, Purdue Official Athletic Site.
6. , 10 items of note in the Ross-Ade Stadium upgrade. Indianapolis Star, April 15, 2014
7. "2009 Purdue Master Plan Artist's Rendering", Purdue University News Service, February 19, 2009
8. "Purdue A.D.: Football stadium needs upper deck", Rivals.com College Football, February 24, 2009
9. Bigelow, Cale. "Timing and research result in new surface for Purdue football field", Purdue News Service, May 19, 2006.
10. Ross-Ade Stadium, Purdue Official Athletic Site.
11. "Football program to benefit from facility upgrades", Purdue Official Athletic Site, July 25, 2006.
12. http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/060714aaa.html

External links

• Purdue Athletics Ross–Ade Stadium page
• Playing Surface Replacement
• Purdue e-archives 1925 Debris
• Images of 1949 stadium expansion