Indianapolis Tickets

My Boilermaker pride has roots that run deep, as my grandfather attended this fine state university back in the early thirties and my father graduated from the school of engineering in 1956. After a brief (and some might say misguided) stint in the arts community, I finally came to my senses and earned my master's degree from Purdue in 2000. For the last 16 years we've been priming my nieces and nephews about making the wise choice to attend our alma mater, and my own daughter, just three years old, is already on her third Boiler cheerleading outfit.

Yep. We mean business.

But it's Purdue football season that is the most magical time of all. Late in their marriage my parents, three kids raised and well into retirement, decided to get themselves season tickets. It was one of the few things that they splurged on and I couldn't be happier that they did. Both of my parents were avid sports fans, football especially, and the time they spent with family and friends at those games were probably some of the best times they had as empty-nesters. They even - much to the shock of their children - followed their beloved Boilers to the Rose Bowl in 2001 and despite losing the game they enjoyed an amazing trip that they talked about for years.

Five years later, just a year after my mother died, I had the privilege of attending the homecoming game with my father. Neither of us knew it then, but this would be the last Purdue homecoming game Dad would experience. He wasn't an emotional man, but there were tears in his eyes that day as he remembered himself sitting in the same stadium fifty years earlier, attending his last homecoming game as a student. He shared stories about catching glimpses of the games Ross-Ade stadium from the top floor at Cary Quad, where he spent all four years of his college life. In fact I'm pretty sure I heard that story every time we walked by Cary. But I didn't mind. Dad was a proud alumnus, and so am I.

College football in general, and Big Ten football in particular, is a special thing to witness. The enthusiasm from the fans, both students and alumi, is infectious. Even a fair-weather fan like me can't help but get caught up in the excitement of it all. Purdue has its own special place in this, with rituals and traditions that connect us all. Students have been known to start their day at Harry's for "breakfast club," where they dress up and drink plenty before they head across campus for the game. The game itself is steeped in tradition, too, whether it's the band's Big Bass Drum (at one time the world's largest), the post-game parade and concert in the center of campus, or the newest institution: whenever Purdue wins, the players sing "Hail Purdue" to the band.

Purdue has always been a source of pride for us, not just for their quality sports programs but for their nationally- and internationally-renowned academic programs as well. As a family, we're so lucky to have these memories and traditions. And I'm thrilled to be passing them on to the next generation: So far, two out of three nieces & nephews are ready to follow in the grandfather's footsteps. And I'll keep working on my little one too. Won't be hard, though. Her favorite cheer to share on game day?

Boiler Up!