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Ross-Ade Stadium tunnel to be named in honor of Joe Tiller

On3 imageby:Tom Dienhart•04/24/23•

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When Ryan Walters‘ first Purdue team enters Ross-Ade Stadium in 2023, it will do so in a new tunnel that will honor former Boilermaker coach Joe Tiller.

The school announced today the tunnel being built on the northeast part of Ross-Ade Stadium will be called “Tiller Tunnel.” Tiller passed away at 74 in September 2017.

Tiller was one the greatest coaches in Boilermaker history, leading the program from 1997-2008 and leaving as the all-time winningest coach. During that 12-year run, Tiller went 87-62 overall and 53-43 in the Big Ten, earning 10 bowls. This 2000 squad won the Big Ten and played in the Rose Bowl, just the second trip to Pasadena for the program.

Drew and Brittany Brees have committed matching dollars to thank and recognize those who support future enhancements to Ross-Ade Stadium by contributing to the Tiller Tunnel naming initiative on Purdue Day of Giving, which is Wednesday.

“Coach Tiller was an important person in my life and to so many other guys who played for him. He did so much more than teach us how to win,” said Brees in a statement. “He taught us life lessons and how to be great leaders and men. We hope to inspire others to join us in donating to Tiller Tunnel to honor a man who did so much for so many Boilermakers.”

Ross-Ade Stadium is in the midst of a $45 million renovation that includes construction of the tunnel, a re-imagined south end zone and construction of a dining/nutrition center adjacent to the stadium in the north end zone. The 2023 season will be the 100th for Ross-Ade Stadium.

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