WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - During the Lafayette Aviators' final night at Historic Loeb Stadium on Tuesday, in front of a record crowd of 1,854, the team made a highly anticipated announcement as to where it will play next season. With New Loeb Stadium set to open in 2021, the Aviators will play the 2020 campaign at Alexander Field, home of the Purdue Boilermakers.
"We are very excited to play the 2020 season at a familiar venue on the campus of Purdue University," Aviators general manager Zach Chartrand said. "We have had a wonderful partnership with Purdue and their athletics program over the years, and the organization couldn't be happier about growing that relationship by playing at Alexander Field while our new home is constructed."
How did this partnership come together, you ask? Ace the Aviator and Purdue Pete rode in a helicopter prior to Loeb Stadium's final game to help deliver the game ball. Ace mentioned to Purdue Pete that the Aviators were looking for a place to play in 2020, and Pete offered up Alexander Field. Needless to say, Ace was speechless, but the two quickly shook hands on the deal and finalized the terms shortly after the game.
"We couldn't have gotten this deal done if it weren't for the efforts of Ace and Pete," Chartrand said. "Their enthusiasm for the deal really got things moving quickly and helped us put the ink to paper with Purdue."
Alexander Field held its first game in the spring of 2013 after replacing Lambert Field. The ballpark is named in honor Purdue alumni John and Anna Margaret Ross Alexander, who are also the parents of former Purdue Baseball Coach Dave Alexander.
Those interested in ticketing and corporate partnership opportunities for the Aviators' 2020 season at Purdue, email tickets@lafayettebaseball.com or call 765.464.6810.