Home of Purdue University’s football team, the Boilermakers, is finally set for redevelopment. Multimillion-dollar investment is expected to begin as soon as the NCAA season ends in November 2022. The first phase of the upgrade involves, among other changes, increasing the capacity of the facility.

Ross-Ade Stadium was opened in 1924 and throughout its history has undergone many renovations. The last significant expansion happened at the beginning of the 21st century, when a massive structure containing business loges was built over the west side of the auditorium. The stadium has large U-shaped stands, with the south side remaining open with only a small permanent stand and a square where additional temporary spectator seating can be added. The facility primarily serves the Purdue Boilermakers college football team, representing Purdue University.

© Purdue Athletics

After many years of debates and earlier renderings that looked very future-ish, there is finally an idea of what the south end zone will look like. The Athletic Department of the University in West Lafayette, Indiana has just presented images and a schedule for phase 1 of the long anticipated renovation of its venue. Work is expected to begin after the 2022 NCAA season in November and conclude before for the first game of the 2023 season. In the meantime, football fans can check out Ladbrokes new customer offers.

The redevelopment plans for Ross-Ade Stadium include three main components. Firstly, expansion of the auditorium on the south side, secondly, creation of a tunnel for the footballers in the north-east corner, and finally erecting a food centre for athletes and students in the building located behind the north arch of the stadium.

The most significant part of the whole project will be the construction of new permanent spectator seating on the south side. The existing stand will be enlarged and the corners will also be built-in. The middle part of the south stand will have an interesting, unorthodox form, featuring a terrace and social area. This part of the auditorium will be dedicated to students, and its lower rows will be reserved for the marching band. A large LED screen will be located at the top.

© Purdue Athletics

An integral part of the development will be the creation of a tunnel for athletes in the north-east corner. It is intended to shorten the players' route to the pitch and eliminate situations where footballers are forced to wade through crowds of fans after a game. The final element of the plan is the construction of a nutrition centre for athletes and students. The new premises are to include comfortable working conditions for the kitchen staff and nutritionists, as well as dining areas for 150 people.

The proposal is described as phase 1 of the upgrade, while phase 2 is already in preliminary preparation, although it has not yet been specified what work it would involve. The cost of the first stage is projected at $45.4 million and will be covered entirely by donations the university has received from benefactors. The expansion will increase the stadium's capacity from 57,000 to around 65,000 spectators.

© Purdue Athletics