WEST LAFAYETTE - In time for the kickoff of Ross-Ade Stadium's 100th season, Phase 1 of the renovations and improvements to the home of Boilermaker Football has been completed, Purdue Athletics announced on Friday. Originally unveiled on April 8, 2022, the $45.4 million initial phase brings enhancements to several areas of the student-athlete and fan experience that will improve the game day atmosphere at Ross-Ade Stadium.
Purdue Athletics worked in conjunction with Populous, the architecture firm that orchestrated the design efforts, to complete Phase 1 of the multi-phase project.
"We are thrilled that a new era of Purdue Football under the leadership of Coach Ryan Walters will coincide with the unveiling of Phase I of our Ross-Ade Stadium renovations and improvements," said Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Bobinski. "Populous has been pivotal in helping refine and execute our vision, which was to enhance the in-venue game day experience for our students, fans and student-athletes."
A primary aspect of the opening phase of renovations, the brand-new south end zone structure, houses the majority of Purdue University's student section, which features safe standing seats, rail seating, patio and deck areas, as well as enhanced concessions. Purdue students that prefer traditional bleacher seating may also utilize sections 101-104 along the southeast sideline. The "All-American" Marching Band will also now call the south end zone its home from dedicated seating adjacent to the field.
"We are excited to continue our tradition of providing an outstanding game atmosphere and believe it will be even better with these additions to Ross-Ade," said Bobinski. "Also, we are very grateful for the focused and conscientious work of AECOM Hunt and its many subcontractors to keep this project on track throughout this past year. We can't wait to get the season started on Saturday."
Additionally, Ross-Ade Stadium now features new premium viewing areas in the northeast and southwest corners: Junction Terrace, The Rail Yard, and The Station. In one of the most exciting and unique new traditions in all of college football, fans will be able to board the Boilermaker Special at Slayter Hill one hour before kickoff and ride Purdue's official mascot into the stadium, where they can watch the game from atop the locomotive at its parking spot above Tiller Tunnel.
Tiller Tunnel, named in honor of the late Purdue icon Joe Tiller, will serve as the team's grand entryway that seamlessly connects the team's locker room in the Kozuch Football Performance Complex to Rohrman Field.
"Every facet of the Ross-Ade Stadium transformation was designed to create new fan connections and give the students the best seats in the house," said Sherri Privitera, Senior Principal at Populous. "For the first time ever, fans will now be able to circulate the stadium on a 360-degree concourse. We are proud to continue our work with Purdue, crafting rare, safe standing sections and multiple platforms for social engagement where students will experience Ross-Ade in captivating new ways."
The completion of Phase 1 marks the first major milestone in the planned large-scale renovation to Ross-Ade Stadium. The Old Gold and Black will take the field of the new-look Ross-Ade Stadium for the first time on Saturday, September 2, against Fresno State.
Fans will take notice of certain final aesthetic elements of the Phase 1 renovation that will be solidified in the coming weeks as time allows for the construction and maintenance crews to return to Ross-Ade Stadium. The athletics department wants to urge fans to provide feedback as opportunities allow. Ross-Ade Stadium is home to all Boilermakers.
Purdue Athletics worked in conjunction with Populous, the architecture firm that orchestrated the design efforts, to complete Phase 1 of the multi-phase project.
"We are thrilled that a new era of Purdue Football under the leadership of Coach Ryan Walters will coincide with the unveiling of Phase I of our Ross-Ade Stadium renovations and improvements," said Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Bobinski. "Populous has been pivotal in helping refine and execute our vision, which was to enhance the in-venue game day experience for our students, fans and student-athletes."
A primary aspect of the opening phase of renovations, the brand-new south end zone structure, houses the majority of Purdue University's student section, which features safe standing seats, rail seating, patio and deck areas, as well as enhanced concessions. Purdue students that prefer traditional bleacher seating may also utilize sections 101-104 along the southeast sideline. The "All-American" Marching Band will also now call the south end zone its home from dedicated seating adjacent to the field.
"We are excited to continue our tradition of providing an outstanding game atmosphere and believe it will be even better with these additions to Ross-Ade," said Bobinski. "Also, we are very grateful for the focused and conscientious work of AECOM Hunt and its many subcontractors to keep this project on track throughout this past year. We can't wait to get the season started on Saturday."
Additionally, Ross-Ade Stadium now features new premium viewing areas in the northeast and southwest corners: Junction Terrace, The Rail Yard, and The Station. In one of the most exciting and unique new traditions in all of college football, fans will be able to board the Boilermaker Special at Slayter Hill one hour before kickoff and ride Purdue's official mascot into the stadium, where they can watch the game from atop the locomotive at its parking spot above Tiller Tunnel.
Tiller Tunnel, named in honor of the late Purdue icon Joe Tiller, will serve as the team's grand entryway that seamlessly connects the team's locker room in the Kozuch Football Performance Complex to Rohrman Field.
"Every facet of the Ross-Ade Stadium transformation was designed to create new fan connections and give the students the best seats in the house," said Sherri Privitera, Senior Principal at Populous. "For the first time ever, fans will now be able to circulate the stadium on a 360-degree concourse. We are proud to continue our work with Purdue, crafting rare, safe standing sections and multiple platforms for social engagement where students will experience Ross-Ade in captivating new ways."
The completion of Phase 1 marks the first major milestone in the planned large-scale renovation to Ross-Ade Stadium. The Old Gold and Black will take the field of the new-look Ross-Ade Stadium for the first time on Saturday, September 2, against Fresno State.
Fans will take notice of certain final aesthetic elements of the Phase 1 renovation that will be solidified in the coming weeks as time allows for the construction and maintenance crews to return to Ross-Ade Stadium. The athletics department wants to urge fans to provide feedback as opportunities allow. Ross-Ade Stadium is home to all Boilermakers.