WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Tickets are still available for all three events of Legends Weekend on June 12-13 as Purdue fans and former players honor the career of Head Basketball Coach Gene Keady.
The 18-year veteran head coach became Purdue's all-time winningest basketball coach when he recorded his 372nd victory last December 6 in Louisville, surpassing legendary coach Ward "Piggy" Lambert. Keady will be honored, along with his wife Pat, during what promises to be an entertaining weekend.
Former Michigan State Coach Jud Heathcote, one of Keady's closest friends in their profession, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Friday evening "Roast." Roasters will include UCLA Head Coach Steve Lavin, Illinois State Head Coach Kevin Stallings, Southern Illinois Head Coach Bruce Weber (all former Keady assistants), Indianapolis Star-News columnist Bill Benner, former Big Ten Official Jim Bain, Richmond High School Coach George Griffith and former Boilermaker players Troy Lewis and Everett Stephens.
The Keady Roast will be part of a Legends Weekend at Purdue. Also scheduled are a golf tournament on the afternoon of June 12 and a Legends Basketball Game, featuring every former Boilermaker player who wishes to take the floor of Mackey Arena, on the afternoon of June 13.
Here are some of the details you may want to know for Legends Weekend:
Purdue Legends Golf Outing - Friday, June 12 - 11 a.m. - The Elks, West Lafayette Join Purdue's former players for 18 holes of fun, stories and a little golf (play your own ball). The event starts at 11 a.m. with check-in, a box lunch and shotgun start shortly thereafter. Prizes will be awarded. Golf price is $150 per person.
Coach Keady Roast - Friday, June 12 - 6:30 p.m. - Purdue Memorial Union Join Purdue fans and former players for a roast of Head Coach Gene Keady. Master of Ceremonies is former Michigan State Coach Jud Heathcote. Tickets are $60 each for dinner and roast.
Purdue Legends Basketball Game - Saturday, June 13 - 1:30 p.m. Mackey Arena You saw them hold court years ago, now it's time for the Boilermakers of yesteryear to don the Old Gold and Black one more time. All 300+ former Purdue players have been invited to return for the weekend, so you'll be able to watch many of your former favorites.
Seating for the game will be general admission, but a section for John Purdue Club Champions and All-Americans will be designated. After the game, stay for a special autograph reception and meet the former Boilermaker greats and near-greats. Game tickets are priced at $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12.
Tickets for the dinner, the game and/or golf outing are available at the Purdue Athletic Ticket Office and may be ordered by phone at 765-494-3194 or 1-800-49-SPORT.