After my eldest sister moved to Indiana a few years ago, her daughter and husband started attending Purdue football games. Last weekend Nancy and I joined them for Purdue’s season opener against intrastate rival Indiana State.

After a 90-minute drive, we arrived at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette and took a quick tour of the campus before heading to watch the Purdue All-American Marching Band start the day’s activities. The AAMB is also the official band of the Indianapolis 500, holding that position since 1919. Formed a year before the Purdue football team, AAMB consists of more than 350 members. Band alumni include Orville Reddenbacher and Neil Armstrong.

Opened in 1924, Ross-Ade Stadium now seats 62,500 fans after several renovations. As usual, there were no empty seats Saturday. Although an old stadium, the well-done renovations provide modern conveniences. There are wide concourses, plenty of food options, beautiful views from behind the stands and other amenities.

I came across a statue of basketball legendary coach John Wooden. Somehow, I didn’t remember he played at Purdue before starting his Hall of Fame coaching career.

I also took a tour of the luxury boxes and press box area. The unique, single-row setup for the press allowed for extra comfort. I was able to watch part of the game and discuss the team with a couple local reporters. Purdue’s staff and the other media members could not have been nicer to this first-timer.

As hard as I tried, I did not get a picture with mascot Purdue Pete. I settled for one with a statue.

After finishing 4–8 last season under first-year coach Ryan Walters, optimism is high for much improvement. Purdue’s 49–0 victory over the Sycamores was certainly a great sign. Although I regularly attend Northwestern football games, I will follow Purdue a bit closer now.

— John Wroblewski, online writer