Purdue Basketball Check List

Fresh off an exciting journey to the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament finals, the Purdue University Boilermakers are ready for another riveting season in Mackey Arena! With an impalpable energy like no other, Mackey Arena invites loyal Purdue students and fans to cheer on their beloved team. Here’s a checklist of what to do in the Lafayette and West Lafayette area to maximize your time in the Home of Purdue! Be sure to tag #homeofpurdue in your social media celebrations. Boiler Up!

Where to Watch:

Mackey Arena:

We know you’re here for one reason and one reason only; to cheer on the Boilermakers and watch some good basketball! Mackey Arena is where the magic happens. See the game in real time and right in front of you in this dynamic stadium, full of energy and excitement. Experience the pride and school traditions of Purdue students as they cheer on their beloved team to a Boilermaker win. The Purdue Paint Crew rallies the crowd of over 14,000 with spirited chants to encourage the players as the Purdue Band entertains with lively beats! It’s a can’t miss show and an experience like no other.

Harry’s Chocolate Shop:

The iconic Harry’s Chocolate Shop is a classic spot to watch the game. While not an actual chocolate shop, this iconic campus bar is filled with sweet memories shared among Purdue students and alumni. Sure to be packed with devoted Purdue fans, the energy in Harry’s rivals that of Mackey; but you can’t enjoy Harry’s vibrant drink menu in the stadium! Share a pitcher of beer with friends or sip on one of Harry’s fun mixed drinks, like a Grasshopper, Grateful Dead, or Raspberry Kamikaze. Enjoy one of their kitchen offerings, such as a gooey cheeseburger, crisp chicken wrap, or their famous chilli. As a bonus, they have free popcorn to snack on while watching the game on one of their many TVs featuring a multitude of sporting events! Harry’s is a favorite meet up spot among Purdue students and alumni. Don’t miss out on this iconic Purdue bar during your basketball trip whether you visit before, during, or after the game!

Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux in The Union:

Co-owned by former Purdue athlete himself, Drew Brees, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux is a Louisiana inspired eatery featuring Cajun influenced cuisine with classic American fare. Purdue proudly sports a location in the basement of the Memorial Union. Stop by for wings, beer, burgers, and even beignets and watch the game on one of the many TVs above their bar.

Located in the food-court style basement of the Purdue Memorial Union, Walk-On’s is neighbored by a dozen other fast casual restaurants, serving everything from halal Mediterranean food to customizable poke bowls to barbeque mac and cheese. There’s something for everyone in your party to grab and enjoy together. The Union is also home to The Union Club Hotel, Leaps Coffee, 8Eleven Modern Bistro, and plenty of spots to sit and watch campus life. Surrounded by dozens of like-minded Purdue fans, you’ll feel right at home in the heart of Purdue’s campus.

Where to Stay:

The Union Club Hotel:

A pinnacle of luxury accommodation, The Union Club Hotel is the perfect place to rest after a long day cheering on the Boilermakers. Each room is Purdue themed, with black and old gold details accenting the thoughtful decorations, such as a signature bed pillow featuring the Purdue seal. The lobby is adorned with a similar color palette and subtle tweed chair cushions, a nod to the academic nature of the hotel’s unique collegiate location. Right down the hall are Leaps Coffee and 8Eleven Modern Bistro. Both names pay homage to Purdue graduate and astronaut, Neil Armstrong, and his space experience. Grab a coffee at Leaps for some much needed energy to take into Mackey and wind down the night at the neighboring Boiler Up Bar. 8Eleven serves approachable French inspired dishes to fuel your cheering. The Union Club Hotel is the quintessential stay for your basketball adventure.

Where to Get Merch:

Look your best decked out in black and gold to cheer on the Boilermakers! The University Bookstore is a great first stop to grab the essentials. Then check out Follett’s Bookstore for more necessities, like the iconic black and gold striped overalls. The Discount Den also sells colorful and creative merch featuring the likeness of Purdue University mascot, the Boilermaker Special train, and Purdue's athletic mascot, Purdue Pete. Head out around Greater Lafayette for select boutiques, like Retail Therapy, Boutique by Michele, and Gretel’s, to complete your closet and accessorize like a winner. Two Tulips sells everything you need to outfit your Baby Boiler in the cutest fashions.

What to Visit:

When you’re not watching the game, explore all that Purdue and the Greater Lafayette area has to offer!

Public Art:

With over 125 pieces of Public Art, the Lafayette area is the perfect place for a pre or post game stroll. Take a picture with Neil Armstrong just across the street from Mackey Arena or with John Purdue on Memorial Mall. The Bell Tower and Purdue University arches are must sees for any trip to Purdue’s campus.

Imagination Station:

Imagination Station is a great place to bring your young kids and inspire them to be the next great generation of Boilermakers! With creative exhibits and activities, Imagination Station encourages children to learn about science and the world around them.

Breweries:

And for the adults, visit one of Lafayette’s plethora of breweries to continue with the good times. Teays River Brewing & Public House, Thieme and Wagner Brewery, and Lafayette Brewing Company are just some of the breweries offered here. People’s Brewing Company and Brokerage Brewing Company also serve the locals of Lafayette and welcome any and all visitors to Boilermaker nation.

No matter how you spend your basketball visit, you’re spending it in the right place. The Greater Lafayette area is happy to welcome you to the Home of Purdue to cheer on our beloved Boilermakers. Boiler Up and Hammer Down!

For tickets to Purdue basketball events, click here. And see the Purdue Men's Basketball team and the Purdue Women's Basketball team schedules!