Ross-Ade Stadium

Infobox_Stadium
stadium_name = Ross-Ade Stadium
nickname = Home of the Boilermakers


location = N University Dr & Cary Dr
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
broke_ground = June 2, 1924
opened = November 22, 1924
closed =
demolished =
owner = Purdue University
operator = Purdue University
surface = Bermuda Grass
construction_cost = $70,000,000 USD (Renovation)
architect = A.E. Kemmer (1924 Construction)
HNTB Architecture (2002 Renovation)
former_names = Purdue Stadium
tenants = Purdue Boilermakers (NCAA) (1924-Present)
seating_capacity = 62,500

Ross-Ade Stadium (formerly Purdue Stadium) is a stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is primarily used for American football, and is the home field of the Purdue University Boilermakers.

History

The stadium is named for David E. Ross and George Ade, the principal benefactors.Ross-Ade Stadium opened on November 22, 1924 with a seating capacity of 13,500 and standing room for an additional 5,000 people. A series of additions and renovations pushed the seating capacity to 70,000. In 2001 Purdue University began a $70 million dollar renovation, which led to a reduced seating capacity of 62,500.

Renovations

In the spring of 2000, it was announced that Ross-Ade would undergo a multi-million dollar, three-phase renovation beginning the following year. A breakdown of each phase is as follows:

Phase I (2001-2003)
*Replace the 50-year-old Woodworth Memorial Press Box with a four-story Pavilion to house the Shively Media Center, 34 luxury suites, and a 200-seat indoor club level
*Add outdoor club seats with exclusive access to the Pavilion’s suites
*Expand main concourse
*Add new bathrooms and concession stands
*Add new “grand staircase” to southeast end of the stadium
*Replace all concrete and benches

Phase II (TBA)
*Add upper deck to east side of stadium

Phase III (TBA)
*Add upper deck to north bend of stadium, connecting east upper deck and Pavilion

Both Phases II and III are solely dependent upon future ticket sales. Should Phases II and III be completed, Ross-Ade’s capacity will be approximately 80,000.

Other Renovations
*In 2004 a limestone and brick tunnel was dedicated to the memory of the 17 football players, coaches, alumni, and fans who died in The Purdue Wreck in Indianapolis (see List of pre-1950 rail accidents).
*In June 2006 the Kentucky bluegrass was replaced by Bermuda grass. The Prescription Athletic Turf system is still in use. [http://news.uns.purdue.edu/html3month/2006/060519.Bigelow.turf.html]
*In July 2006 Action Sports Media, Inc. announced a ten-year partnership with Purdue, helping finance the installation of a new state-of-the-art end zone video board and sideline advertising panel. The new technology will be installed in time for the start of the 2007 season. [http://purduesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072506aaa.html]

External links

* [http://purduesports.collegesports.com/facilities/ross-ade-stadium.html Purdue Athletics Ross-Ade Stadium Page]
* [http://www.purdue.edu/Purdue/athletics_ross_ade/ Ross-Ade Stadium Interactive Seating Chart] - Includes a flyby video
* [http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/in/tippecan/postcards/rossade.jpgHistoric postcard of Ross-Ade Stadium]
* [http://news.uns.purdue.edu/html3month/2006/060519.Bigelow.turf.html Playing Surface Replacement]
* [http://www.allamericanfootballleague.com/index.html All American Football League]