Rush is on to finish Ross-Ade Stadium project

Fast and furious. That’s the best way to describe work in August on the Ross-Ade Stadium renovation project.

“The contractor has its crews literally on 24-hour shifts,” said Purdue Deputy Athletics Director/Chief Operating Officer Ken Halpin. “There are plenty of final odds and ends to complete, but we are progressing as planned and excited to kick off.”

Have no fear: Ross-Ade Stadium will be ready for the opener on Sept. 2 vs. Fresno State. Purdue’s grand old lady turns 100 this year, so the update that is taking place is needed. Work began soon after the 2022 season ended and marches on. The project has three main components:

• Building a tunnel from the locker room in the Kozuch Football Performance Complex to the stadium
• Overhauling the south end zone
• Converting and expanding a Purdue Team Store located in the northeast corner of the Ross-Ade parking lot into a dining/nutrition center

Here’s a look at each aspect of the project.

TILLER TUNNEL

The tunnel named in honor of Purdue’s all-time winningest coach is taking shape in the northeast corner of the stadium with the words “Tiller Tunnel” adorned above the top.

There are plans to honor Tiller with a plaque and to recognize those who made donations toward the tunnel and played for Tiller during his run as head coach from 1997-2008.

“We plan to dedicate Tiller Tunnel for Homecoming (Sept. 30 vs. Illinois),” said Halpin. “By then, all of the finishing touches will be complete.”

The tunnel also means Purdue players will have a more direct route to the locker room. Before, Purdue and its opponent would have to cross paths to get off the field to their locker rooms.

“Just the idea that we don’t have to pause the universe to cross the teams is such a huge deal,” said Halpin.

Gone is the circuitous route players had to navigate through fans and the Mollenkopf indoor facility to the locker room. Now, players will have a direct shot to the locker room via the tunnel.

The tunnel also will be part of the recruiting process for student-athletes.

“Every recruit is going to walk end-to-end in that tunnel,” said Halpin. “Part of our tour will be that experience. And our former players coming back will be able to experience it, as well.”

Premium seating options also are part of the tunnel project, including a unique experience called “The Station” that involves Purdue’s mascot: The Boilermaker Special. One hour before kickoff, fans can hop on the Boilermaker Special at Slayter Hill and trek to Ross-Ade Stadium.

“It will drive you right into the stadium and park TV-visible right above the tunnel,” said Halpin. “It’s really cool. It can’t accommodate a ton of people and it’s not a huge revenue-driver, but it’s a really unique experience that sold out pretty much immediately.”

SOUTH END ZONE

This area has been totally re-imaged to include seating for students and the band, as well as a premium seating option called “Junction Terrace.” As a nod to the Boilermaker Special, a train cowcatcher has been incorporated into the design, which also will allow for fans to walk the perimeter of the stadium.

Most noteworthy: A student entry plaza will be developed at the southeast corner, where the “T2” student entry sign that honors Tyler Trent at Gate E of Ross-Ade will be relocated. The new student entrance will be branded the “T2 Student Entry Plaza” and include two gates.

“Honoring Tyler Trent’s memory in our student entry was one of our highest priorities,” said Halpin. “This is designed to make sure Tyler’s legacy is tied to our student entry in perpetuity, including the continued use of that gate sign.”

The new south end zone design also will assist with crowd movement.

“Think about all of the people on the field in the southeast corner, where the home team used to enter,” said Halpin. “Also, the band won’t have to be staged in the north end zone anymore. It’ll be a more clean exit and entry experience for everyone. There are so many small details that will make a huge impact. Many folks won’t realize that until they see it.”

NUTRITION CENTER

Located in the north end zone parking lot adjacent to the Kozuch facility, the dining/nutrition center won’t be functional this fall. But, that never was the plan for a project that isn’t vital to game days.

“We plan to feed our first student-athletes July of 2024,” said Halpin. 

On and on it goes with new things for Ross-Ade Stadium.

“The number of things that we will be experiencing for the first time on September 2 is pretty significant,” said Halpin. “New south end zone, new southwest wedge, new premium seating, brand new control room running the scoreboard, new student entry points, renumbered seats, new point of sale system for concessions, new concourse and sectional signage, new staff members in key areas, not to mention our exciting new football staff.”

“It’s an exciting time.”