Ross-Ade Stadium
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Ross-Ade 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. In July of 2006, the university entered into an "agreement in principle" with the All American Football League, allowing Ross-Ade Stadium to serve as the home to one of eight AAFL teams in its inaugural 2007 season.[1]
[edit] 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 massive $70 million dollar renovation, which led to a reduced seating capacity of 62,500.
[edit] 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 June of 2006 the Kentucky bluegrass was replaced by Bermuda grass. The Prescription Athletic Turf system is still in use. [2]
- In July of 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. [3]
