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A full stadium renovation of Ross-Ade Stadium has been rumored for a while, but finances have been slow as Purdue recovered froma number of other projects. Most of the changes since the last major renovation in 2002-03 have been cosmetic like the lights and removal of the south bleachers. Part of the larger plan is a more full-scale renovation that is sure to cost nine figures, and today we got the first look at it.
Purdue Athletics released a survey this week that asks fans about some of the particulars they would like to see, including more chairback seats, wider bleacher seats, and various club areas. There are some pretty striking images as to what they have in mind:
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This is quite an ambitious plan, as it would mean almost the complete destruction of the current bowl. It makes me wonder if it could be done in a single 9 month offseason or if Purdue would have to play a season in Indianapolis. It would basically chop the entire top half of the current bowl off and create an upper deck around the stadium. Aesthetically it would look great and might even increase capacity some. It would make Ross-Ade look similar to TCF Bank Stadium, as it has a similar open-air concourse.
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I lke this look. I’ve been to every other Big Ten stadium and the only one that is similar is TCF Bank:
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It would definitely modernize Ross-Ade, which is approaching 100 years old.
We also some renderings of a potential field level club:
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This offers a few more clues, as it hints at ribbon boards around the top of the stadium and what the inside of a new South End Zone would look like. No word on if we would get our train car luxury boxes, but I know that has been submitted.
So what do you think? Fill out the survery and let Purdue know!