Ross-Ade Stadium Review
By Tyler Smith
Ross-Ade Stadium
Ross-Ade Stadium at night.
Game Attended: vs. Northwestern, August 30th, 2018, vs. Penn State, September 1st, 2022
Stadium Capacity: 57,236
Date Opened: November 22, 1924
Miles Traveled: 400 miles
Location: West Lafayette, IN
School: Purdue University
Tickets: Purdue Tickets
Athletics Site: Purduesports.com
Ross-Ade Seating Chart:
Stadium Capacity: 57,236
Date Opened: November 22, 1924
Miles Traveled: 400 miles
Location: West Lafayette, IN
School: Purdue University
Tickets: Purdue Tickets
Athletics Site: Purduesports.com
Ross-Ade Seating Chart:
Ross-Ade Stadium Seating Chart via Purduesports.com
Ross-Ade Stadium Features
Ross-Ade Stadium was built in 1924. The stadium is located next to Mackey Arena in the Northern portion of campus. The stadium's capacity started at 13,500, has expanded 6 times and now sits 57,236 Purdue faithful.
The south end zone contains the least amount of seats but features a patio. The patio is open to season ticket holders and provides traditional tailgate food. The scoreboard is located right behind the patio. The new scoreboard is 68 feet by 31 feet. That ranks as one of the largest in the nation.
The north end zone features bleacher seating. The maximum number of rows in this section of the stadium are 73. There is a small board that has the time and score on it at the very top.
The east side of the stadium was pretty bland until the addition of lights in 2017. The have the same bleacher seating and go up 73 rows.
The west side of the stadium features the Ross-Ade Pavilion. The pavilion offers up three premium seating options Shivley Outdoor club, Buchanan Indoor Club and suites. The outdoor club features chairback seating and free food and drink. The indoor club features chairback seats, free food and drink including alcohol and TV/radio broadcasts. The suites have 18 seats, in suite concierge, automatic windows and much more. The pavilion also hosts the media. This side of the stadium also features bleacher seating.
The south end zone contains the least amount of seats but features a patio. The patio is open to season ticket holders and provides traditional tailgate food. The scoreboard is located right behind the patio. The new scoreboard is 68 feet by 31 feet. That ranks as one of the largest in the nation.
The north end zone features bleacher seating. The maximum number of rows in this section of the stadium are 73. There is a small board that has the time and score on it at the very top.
The east side of the stadium was pretty bland until the addition of lights in 2017. The have the same bleacher seating and go up 73 rows.
The west side of the stadium features the Ross-Ade Pavilion. The pavilion offers up three premium seating options Shivley Outdoor club, Buchanan Indoor Club and suites. The outdoor club features chairback seating and free food and drink. The indoor club features chairback seats, free food and drink including alcohol and TV/radio broadcasts. The suites have 18 seats, in suite concierge, automatic windows and much more. The pavilion also hosts the media. This side of the stadium also features bleacher seating.
What to do on Game Days (Purdue Edition)
"Gateway to the future" Arch on Purdue's campus.
#1 Your first stop should be The Triple XXX Restaurant. One of the most popular places to grab a bite in town. You can't go wrong with a great burger and homemade root beer!
#2 Next find your parking spot. We parked on the lot by the Welcome Center on Grant Street. Only 10 dollars and close to downtown and campus.
#3 If you are looking to grab brew before the game the Harry's Chocolate Shop is a fan favorite. It will be busy so if you are looking for a place that isn't crowded you have several options within a block.
#4 Take a walk on Purdue's campus! A lot of great things to see but don't miss Neil Armstrong's Hall of Engineering! (more info below)
#5 Head to Ross-Ade Stadium!
#2 Next find your parking spot. We parked on the lot by the Welcome Center on Grant Street. Only 10 dollars and close to downtown and campus.
#3 If you are looking to grab brew before the game the Harry's Chocolate Shop is a fan favorite. It will be busy so if you are looking for a place that isn't crowded you have several options within a block.
#4 Take a walk on Purdue's campus! A lot of great things to see but don't miss Neil Armstrong's Hall of Engineering! (more info below)
#5 Head to Ross-Ade Stadium!
Ross-Ade Stadium Photos
Ross-Ade Stadium Overview
Ross-Ade Stadium: Overall a good place to see a game. The stadium capacity is about right. I wouldn't go higher than 65,000 if expansion were to happen. I like that they made the south end zone into a gathering place for ticket holders rather than a hill for GA seating. This is also the area of the stadium that has the most potential for upgrades in the future. This is where Purdue can take Ross-Ade Stadium into a more modern feel. The lights that they added recently were a step in the right direction, I can't imagine the stadium without them. They did a nice job with the exterior of the stadium. Walking on the outside of the stadium you get a different feel than you do inside.
End of the day, Ross-Ade Stadium needs a boost.
Purdue: Loved this campus. If you have never been to Purdue, take the time to walk through this campus. The main campus is spread over 2,600 acres. If you only see one portion of the campus go through Purdue Mall, it takes you through the engineering portion of campus. Here you will see the bell tower, engineering fountain, and at the end Neil Armstrong's statue and hall. The "Gateway to the Future" Arch can be found near the end as well. Once you hit the end you will be headed up John R. Wooden drive towards Purdue's sports facilities. While I did knock the stadium a bit, you have to see the practice facility. Honestly, I was disappointed I wasn't able to get in the building. The building looks fantastic. Right next to it is the Boiler Maker Statue which is a great photo op.
Other buildings to see that I have not mentioned above are Elliot Music Hall, University Hall, Loeb Fountain, and Memorial Union.
I am sure I missed some! What a great campus.
Scoreboard: The scoreboard needs upgraded. It is dated but it isn't in bad shape. Adding Scoreboards in the opposite end zone should be a top priority. There aren't great options for ribbon scoreboards in the stadium in its current state. The best option would be too add some above seating on the East side of the stadium.
Update: The scoreboard has been updated! It now is one of the largest in the country.
Atmosphere: The stadium was filled for the big opener on Thursday night. The bright lights were on which always elevates the atmosphere. The student section was packed. The stadium never got too loud throughout the night though. I'm not sure what it was but overall it never got to what you would expect it to get to with that type of setting.
West Lafayette: West Lafayette is a college town through and through. They have done a great job with the downtown sector of the city. Making it very friendly for members of the community and visitors. They have a lot of seating options on the sidewalks and bike paths throughout. Two places that everyone recommends are Triple XXX Family Restaurant for food and Harry's Chocolate Shop for a beer.
End of the day, Ross-Ade Stadium needs a boost.
Purdue: Loved this campus. If you have never been to Purdue, take the time to walk through this campus. The main campus is spread over 2,600 acres. If you only see one portion of the campus go through Purdue Mall, it takes you through the engineering portion of campus. Here you will see the bell tower, engineering fountain, and at the end Neil Armstrong's statue and hall. The "Gateway to the Future" Arch can be found near the end as well. Once you hit the end you will be headed up John R. Wooden drive towards Purdue's sports facilities. While I did knock the stadium a bit, you have to see the practice facility. Honestly, I was disappointed I wasn't able to get in the building. The building looks fantastic. Right next to it is the Boiler Maker Statue which is a great photo op.
Other buildings to see that I have not mentioned above are Elliot Music Hall, University Hall, Loeb Fountain, and Memorial Union.
I am sure I missed some! What a great campus.
Scoreboard: The scoreboard needs upgraded. It is dated but it isn't in bad shape. Adding Scoreboards in the opposite end zone should be a top priority. There aren't great options for ribbon scoreboards in the stadium in its current state. The best option would be too add some above seating on the East side of the stadium.
Update: The scoreboard has been updated! It now is one of the largest in the country.
Atmosphere: The stadium was filled for the big opener on Thursday night. The bright lights were on which always elevates the atmosphere. The student section was packed. The stadium never got too loud throughout the night though. I'm not sure what it was but overall it never got to what you would expect it to get to with that type of setting.
West Lafayette: West Lafayette is a college town through and through. They have done a great job with the downtown sector of the city. Making it very friendly for members of the community and visitors. They have a lot of seating options on the sidewalks and bike paths throughout. Two places that everyone recommends are Triple XXX Family Restaurant for food and Harry's Chocolate Shop for a beer.
Ratings for Ross-Ade Stadium
World's Largest Drum-
Purdue University
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Ross-Ade 4.75/10
Scoreboard 8/10 Atmosphere 6.5/10 Purdue (Campus) 8.25/10 X-Factor (+1 Worlds Largest Drum) Total 28.5/40 West Lafayette, IN 6.5/10 |
Neil Armstrong Statue at Purdue University
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