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Purdue in Review

Official Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder

It's a perfect early autumn day, as you enter the town of West Lafayette, with the Wabash River running by your side. As you drive past the iconic Harry's Chocolate Shop, you see students dressed in Purdue gear, or odd costumes lined up around the block. It's 9am.

Next you'll drive past the lovely Purdue campus, turning north on University Street, on your way to a parking garage or the tailgating spot of your choice. You just know it is going to be a great day.

Food & Beverage    3

Classic stadium food including hot dogs ($4), nachos ($4), and pizza ($6) is available. Of the more premium selections, I would definitely pass on the sub-par BBQ pork sandwich ($7), and instead go for the Hot Boiler Purdue Burger ($7). I figure anytime they decide to name a food product after the home team or the stadium, then it must be the best they have to offer. In this case, it is the one option they cook to order, loaded with nacho cheese, jalapenos, and an onion ring; it's filling and spicy enough to warm you on a cold fall day.

Other selections include brats ($5), Polish dogs ($5), and a pork tenderloin sandwich ($7). Coke products are available for $4 or $7 in a souvenir bottomless cup. For the kids you can find a good value with the kid's meal for $5. It includes a hot dog, popcorn, apple slices, soda, and a "special treat." (Spoiler alert: it's stickers).

Atmosphere    4

Make sure to start your Purdue experience with the All-American Marching Band's pre-game concert played at Slayter Center, and known as the Thrill on the Hill. The concert begins about 2 hours before kickoff, so whether you're tailgating, or just hanging around campus, make your way to this site, just follow your ears. If you need an address try 900 Tower Drive in the GPS.

There are some serious tailgating operations surrounding the stadium, so you better come prepared (a.k.a. "Boiler up") if you're going to grill and hang with the Purdue faithful.

Once inside the stadium, you'll find 73 rows of black and gold plastic bleachers- much more comfortable than their metal or wooden brethren. The seats may be comfortable, but the rows are tight, and allowing fellow fans to pass by can be difficult.

Purdue has some great mascots including Purdue Pete and the Boilermaker Special, a small steam engine currently in its fifth incarnation. These two unique mascots, a loud and enthused student section, the All-American Band and their giant drum, all contribute to a great experience. The only bad news is that the football team has not been consistently good, with only 8 bowl wins entering the 2010 season. I happened to be on-hand for an especially disappointing game for the Boilers, as they lost to a struggling Toledo team.

Neighborhood    4

Purdue has a beautiful campus, and although it's a bit of a walk to the downtown area from the stadium, it certainly is a pleasant walk as long as it isn't too cold. Be sure to include on your route Armstrong Hall, and the statue of Purdue graduate, Neil Armstrong. There's also the Engineering Fountain in the Purdue Mall. Finally, there's the Bell Tower, with its original bells which are more than 100 years old.

As you get through campus and on to State Street, the icon in the neighborhood is clearly Harry's Chocolate Shop. It's the clear favorite of students, and you can count on it being packed all day long. If you're willing to be patient, it is definitely part of the quintessential Purdue experience, so try to stop in. They have better than expected food, but I can think of nothing better than bellying up to the bar, and ordering a Boilermaker (a glass of beer served with a shot, preferably whiskey, but could be tequila or vodka).

Down the street, I also stopped in to Brother's. They have a great beer selection, and typical, if not slightly below average bar food. It's not a bad consolation prize if you aren't willing to deal with the crowds at Harry's.

If you want to try something a little different, try the Egyptian Cafe and Hookah Bar on Northwestern Avenue. They have great middle eastern food, and plenty of hookah choices.

Fans    4

The Purdue student section is something special. Seeing the thousands of young men and women cheering and gesturing "Boiler-Up!" in unison, is really an impressive sight. The alumni, on the other hand, are rather tame, and sure seem to have a penchant to give up on their team quickly if things don't go well. I think they love Purdue, and being on campus, I just don't think football is all that important to them.

Access    4

I was able to park in a parking garage about a 1/2 mile away from the stadium, and it was free! I was pretty excited about that. Getting in to town is relatively easy, and the traffic isn't unmanageable on your way out. You also have the option to ride the CityBus if you find yourself too far away to walk. Fares are only $1 and transfers are free. Inside the stadium, bathrooms are adequate.

Return on Investment    4

Tickets start at only $20 for Big Ten conference play, a great value any way you slice it. The Purdue ticket office has several other options for Big Ten 3-packs starting at $99, or season tickets. With all of the great traditions, and quality opponents you get great bang for your buck. Add in the reasonable prices for parking and food, and this is definitely worth your hard earned money.

Extras    3

Extra points for all of the recycling receptacles found both in the tailgating lots and in the stadium. "The Boilermaker" statue is also a great piece to behold, and should be part of your Purdue gameday checklist. Finally, one extra point for the history and tradition that surrounds this fine university. One piece of trivia I gained was that Paul Moss of Purdue was the first known player to ever wear a facemask, engineering innovators even on the gridiron I guess.

Final Thoughts

Purdue, and Ross-Ade Stadium may not be on most college football fans must see list, but there is a great value to be found here. This may be a basketball state, but northern Indiana definitely appreciates its football too. If you have the opportunity, don't miss out on a great experience: Ross-Ade Stadium.

Parking for Purdue

All unreserved lots for tailgating are ID'ed in the GameDay Parking - West Lafayette app for iPhone. More info at www.gamedayparkingapps.com.

by GameDay Parking | Sep 02, 2012 07:43 PM

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