WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Boilermakers upped their total of nationally televised matches to a record seven in 2016 as the Big Ten announced a pair of ESPN2 contests today. Both contests have been moved from Saturday evening time slots to Sunday afternoons to accommodate live broadcasts.
Purdue will face off with Minnesota, the 2015 Big Ten champion and an NCAA Final Four participant, at 1:30 p.m. ET Oct. 2 live from Belin Court. The match was originally slated for Oct. 1.
Just one week later, the Boilermakers will take on defending national champion Nebraska live on the network. The match will air live at 3 p.m. ET Oct. 9 from Lincoln, Nebraska. The match was originally set for Oct. 8.
Combined with five previously announced broadcasts on the Big Ten Network -- Sept. 21 vs. Illinois, Sept. 30 vs. Wisconsin, Oct. 14 vs. Penn State, Oct. 15 vs. Rutgers and Nov.2 vs. Maryland -- the Boilermakers will play a program record seven matches in front of a national television audience. Previously, Purdue played six nationally televised matches in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
The two ESPN2 airings will mark the 13th and 14th on the ESPN family of networks in program history, including ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPNU matches. The Boilermakers made their ESPN debut in 2006 with a pair of broadcasts, including a five-set win over No. 13 Ohio State on Sept. 29 from newly renovated Belin Court.
Purdue will debut a new court design in 2016 as well. The Boilermakers kick off the 2016 season on Aug. 26-27 when they play host to Wyoming, Washington State and Kentucky at the annual Mortar Board Premier tournament.
Purdue on TV in 2016
9/21 -- vs. Illinois, 7 p.m. on BTN
9/30 -- vs. Wisconsin, 8 p.m. on BTN
10/2 -- vs. Minnesota, 1:30 p.m. on ESPN2
10/9 -- at Nebraska, 3 p.m. on ESPN2
10/14 -- vs. Penn State, 8 p.m. on BTN
10/15 -- vs. Rutgers, 8:30 p.m. on BTN
11/2 -- vs. Maryland, 7 p.m. on BTN