Official Launch 2026
Founding Host Applications Now OpenJoin Early
College Gameday HubBig TenWest Lafayette, IN

West Lafayette
Game Day

Next Home Game — Indiana State· Sep 5, 2026
173Days
22Hrs
15Min
44Sec
TBATBA
Book Your Crawl

Quick Facts

School

Purdue University

Stadium

Ross-Ade Stadium

Capacity

57,236

Conference

Big Ten

2026 Football Schedule

Official Purdue University Purdue Boilermakers home & away games

DateOpponentLocationTV / Time
Sep 5, 2026Indiana StateHomeTBA· TBA
Sep 12, 2026Wake ForestHomeTBA· TBA
Sep 19, 2026at UCLAAwayTBA· TBA
Sep 26, 2026Notre Dame (Shillelagh Trophy)HomeTBA· TBA
Oct 3, 2026at Illinois (Cannon Trophy)AwayTBA· TBA
Oct 10, 2026MinnesotaHomeTBA· TBA
Oct 17, 2026WashingtonHomeTBA· TBA
Oct 31, 2026at Penn StateAwayTBA· TBA
Nov 7, 2026Maryland (Homecoming)HomeTBA· TBA
Nov 14, 2026at IowaAwayTBA· TBA
Nov 21, 2026WisconsinHomeTBA· TBA
Nov 28, 2026at Indiana (Old Oaken Bucket)AwayTBA· TBA

* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

West Lafayette enjoys mild Indiana fall weather — warm in September, pleasantly crisp in October, and cold by November. October is the prime month for Ross-Ade Stadium gamedays.

September

warm

77°

High

/

54°

Low

5 rainy days
Warm and comfortable — light layers are perfect. Chauncey Hill patios are packed with black and gold fans.
⭐ Best Month

October

crisp

63°

High

/

43°

Low

5 rainy days
Perfect Boilermaker weather. A warm hoodie and jeans are ideal. The Purdue campus looks great in fall colors.
❄️ Toughest

November

cold

50°

High

/

35°

Low

5 rainy days
1 snow days
Cold and damp — layer up with a heavy coat and gloves. The Old Oaken Bucket game is always in late November.

Game Day Packing List

  • Black and gold layers for any temperature
  • Waterproof jacket for fall rain
  • Heavy coat, gloves & hat for November games
  • Warm base layer for evening games
  • Hand warmers for the Old Oaken Bucket game
  • Comfortable shoes for the Chauncey Hill crawl

Best Time to Visit

October

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Ross-Ade Stadium.

Bundle Up For

November

Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.

Best Game Day Bar Districts

The top neighborhoods to celebrate in West Lafayette on game day

Chauncey Hill

The main bar district near Purdue campus, packed with Boilermaker fans on gameday

  • Walking distance to stadium
  • Gameday specials
  • Black and gold everywhere

State Street

Purdue's revitalized main corridor with bars, restaurants, and a lively pre-game scene

  • New development
  • Diverse dining
  • Easy stadium access

Downtown Lafayette

Across the river, offering a more relaxed gameday atmosphere with local bars and restaurants

  • Local flavor
  • Less crowded
  • Great food options

Top Bars for Game Day

The best spots near Ross-Ade Stadium for Purdue Boilermakers fans

Harry's Chocolate Shop

0.8 miles from stadium·Legendary Purdue institution
Oldest bar near PurdueBoilermaker traditionsPacked on gameday
Open in Google Maps

Chumley's

0.7 miles from stadium·Classic college bar
Gameday specialsBig screensBoilermaker crowd
Open in Google Maps

Nine Irish Brothers

1.0 mile from stadium·Irish pub
Irish whiskey selectionPub foodLively atmosphere
Open in Google Maps

Neon Cactus

0.9 miles from stadium·Country bar & dance hall
Live musicDance floorGameday parties
Open in Google Maps

The Tap

1.2 miles from stadium·Craft beer bar
Local craft beersOutdoor patioRelaxed vibe
Open in Google Maps
Official Game Day Route

Bar Crawl Route Map

The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Ross-Ade Stadium — follow the stops in order for the best experience

Total Distance

1.2 miles

Estimated Time

4 hours

Bar Stops

5 Stops

Route Type

Walking Route

Start Here

Harry's Chocolate Shop — 329 W State St

1
Stop 1First Stop

Harry's Chocolate Shop

329 W State St, West Lafayette, IN 47906

The oldest and most legendary Purdue bar — a rite of passage for every Boilermaker fan
Get Directions
2 min walk
2
Stop 2

Chumley's

216 W State St, West Lafayette, IN 47906

Classic Purdue bar with massive gameday crowds and black & gold drink specials
Get Directions
5 min walk
3
Stop 3

Nine Irish Brothers

119 Howard Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906

Best Irish pub near Purdue — great whiskey selection and hearty pub food
Get Directions
8 min walk
4
Stop 4

The Tap

2604 Yeager Rd, West Lafayette, IN 47906

Local craft beer haven — try the Purdue-themed seasonal brews
Get Directions
5 min walk
5
Stop 5Final Stop

Neon Cactus

1 Neon Cactus Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47906

Final stop — West Lafayette's biggest dance floor and live music venue for post-game celebrations
Get Directions

End Point

Neon Cactus — 1 Neon Cactus Dr

Live Route Map

Full Route
1

Harry's Chocolate Shop

Stop 1 of 5

The oldest and most legendary Purdue bar — a rite of passage for every Boilermaker fan

1 / 6
1.2 miles
4 hours
5 bars + stadium
Full Route
Pro Tip

Wear your black and gold Boilermaker gear — you'll fit right in and get the best gameday specials at every stop!

Join the Official Crawl

Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop

Book Your Spot
Fan Culture

Game Day Traditions

The rituals, chants, and moments that make Purdue University Purdue Boilermakers game day unlike anywhere else

The Boilermaker Special

Before every home game

Purdue's iconic locomotive mascot — one of the most unique in all of college football. The giant train rolls through campus before home games, blowing its whistle and energizing the crowd. Fans line the route to cheer it on, and it's become one of the most photographed traditions in the Big Ten.

One of the most unique mascots in college football history

Old Oaken Bucket Game

Final regular season game — late November

The annual rivalry game against Indiana University, played for the Old Oaken Bucket trophy since 1925. One of the oldest rivalries in college football, the game always carries enormous stakes for both fan bases. West Lafayette transforms completely when Indiana comes to town.

Trophy game played since 1925 — one of college football's oldest rivalries

Purdue Pete

Every home game

The hammer-wielding mascot who has been a fixture at Purdue games since 1956. Purdue Pete roams the sidelines and student sections, firing up the crowd and intimidating opponents. The oversized head and determined expression make him one of the most recognizable mascots in the Big Ten.

Purdue Pete has been intimidating opponents since 1956

The Purdue Marching Band

Every home game — halftime show is a must-see

The 'World's Largest Drum' — Purdue's legendary bass drum — is the centerpiece of one of college football's most storied marching bands. The drum is so large it requires its own cart and several handlers. When it booms inside Ross-Ade Stadium, the sound reverberates through the entire campus.

Home of the World's Largest Drum — a Purdue tradition since 1921

Experience Every Tradition Live

Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single Purdue Boilermakers ritual

Best Gameday Food

Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Ross-Ade Stadium

Open Gameday

Triple XXX Family Restaurant

Classic Diner · $

A West Lafayette institution since 1929 and a Purdue gameday pilgrimage. The Duane Purvis All-American — a burger topped with peanut butter — is one of the most famous sandwiches in Indiana. Cash only, counter seating, and zero pretension. Lines form early on gameday.

0.9 miles
Must Order:Duane Purvis All-American Burger with peanut butter
Open Gameday

Scrambled

Breakfast & Brunch · $$

The go-to brunch spot for Purdue fans on gameday morning. Massive skillets, creative egg dishes, and bottomless coffee to fuel your bar crawl. The outdoor patio is prime real estate — arrive early to snag a table.

0.7 miles
Must Order:Boilermaker Breakfast Skillet
Open Gameday

Puccini's Smiling Teeth

Pizza · $$

West Lafayette's favorite pizza spot and a Purdue tradition. The deep dish is loaded with toppings and perfect for sharing with a group before the game. Order ahead on gameday — the wait can be long.

0.8 miles
Must Order:Boilermaker Special deep dish pizza
Earn Money on Game Day

Host a West Lafayette GameDay Crawl

Turn your love of Purdue Boilermakers football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.

  • Earn $200–$800 per crawl
  • Set your own schedule
  • Join a host community

Tailgate & Parking Info

Everything you need to know before you arrive at Ross-Ade Stadium

Tailgate Zones

Slayter HillOpens 5 hours before kickoff

The iconic Purdue tailgate hill — fans gather here for hours before kickoff with grills, tents, and Boilermaker spirit.

Ross-Ade LotOpens 4 hours before kickoff

Official stadium parking lot tailgate area with RVs and family-friendly setups.

Chauncey Hill PatiosOpens 4 hours before kickoff

Bar patios along Chauncey Hill spill onto the street on gameday — the social hub of the Purdue gameday experience.

Parking & Transit Tips

  • Purchase official Purdue parking passes at purduesports.com — lots sell out for big games.
  • Chauncey Hill street parking fills by 9 AM for noon games.
  • Consider parking in downtown Lafayette and taking the bus across the river.
  • Rideshare drop-off near the Purdue Memorial Union is the most convenient option.

Rideshare Drop-off

Uber/Lyft drop-off near Purdue Memorial Union on Northwestern Ave. Expect surge pricing on gamedays.

Shuttle Service

CityBus operates game day routes connecting downtown Lafayette to the Purdue campus and stadium area.

Where to Stay

Top hotels near Ross-Ade Stadium for game day weekend

Purdue Union Club Hotel

$$$
0.6 miles from stadium
  • On-campus location
  • Historic building
  • Steps from Chauncey Hill
Book 3–4 months in advance for rivalry weekends. The most convenient hotel for the Purdue gameday experience.

Hilton Garden Inn West Lafayette

$$
1.5 miles from stadium
  • Modern amenities
  • Free parking
  • Easy rideshare access
Good mid-range option. Book early for Notre Dame and Indiana game weekends.

Homewood Suites West Lafayette

$$
2.0 miles from stadium
  • Suite-style rooms
  • Free breakfast
  • Kitchen facilities
Great for groups or extended stays. Free parking is a big plus on gameday weekends.

Game Day FAQ

Everything you need to know about West Lafayette game day bar crawls

Ready for the Ultimate West Lafayette Game Day?

Book your Purdue University Purdue Boilermakers game day bar crawl and experience West Lafayette nightlife like never before!

This site can’t be reached

The webpage at https://www.google.com/maps/embed?origin=mfe&pb=!1m3!2m1!1sHarry%27s+Chocolate+Shop,+West+Lafayette,+IN!6i16 might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address.

ERR_FAILED
The webpage at https://www.google.com/maps/embed?origin=mfe&pb=!1m3!2m1!1sHarry%27s+Chocolate+Shop,+West+Lafayette,+IN!6i16 might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address.