Aug. 16, 2002
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - To provide an unprecedented show of support for Boilermaker teams, Purdue coaches and administrators are asking all Purdue fans to show their true color each Friday this fall.
"We hear of fans who bleed gold and black, but we're not asking for that kind of sacrifice," says Joel Rasmus, director of promotions and advertising for Intercollegiate Athletics. "We're asking fans to don their gold each Friday to make a bold statement about their Boilermakers."
Rasmus announced the show of spirit, dubbed "Turn Gold on Friday" at the 59th annual Football Kickoff Luncheon on Friday, Aug. 15 in the Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms.
"We're hoping that schools and plants, offices, maternity wards and retirement homes are awash in gold attire," says Rasmus, noting that retailers throughout Greater Lafayette and across Indiana have stocked up on gold apparel.
For the first time, the Purdue football team will don gold jerseys at home this year. Coach Joe Tiller, whose Midas touch inspired the move to gold this season, saluted the effort.
"We're hoping for amber waves of gold in Ross-Ade Stadium, so starting in the community is great," he says. "We ask our fans, those already on board and those thinking about the jump, to pack the stadium, pillar to post, with gold."
Although TGOF was inspired by the football team turning to gold, the show of support extends to all Boilermaker teams and the community.
"Our tennis players and wrestlers and volleyball players will get a big boost seeing their professors, fellow students and Purdue staff decked out in gold," Rasmus says. "We're asking school kids and grandparents, company presidents and delivery men to wear their Purdue gold each Friday through the fall season."
Rasmus stressed, however, that the advantages of wearing gold on Friday go beyond backing the Boilermakers. A growing number of merchants and restaurateurs are offering "golden opportunities" for discounts and dollars-off savings for those decked out in gold.
TGOF placards will begin showing up in the next few days in store and restaurant windows.
In addition, Purdue Pete and a "spirit squad" will make rounds on campus and in West Lafayette and Lafayette to promote turning gold on Friday, giving away T-shirts and offering other promotions, such as free tickets to events.