April 11, 2014
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A final few tweaks to team rosters and a couple of temporary number changes have occurred on the day leading up to the Purdue football spring game Saturday. Attached above is the final version of the Team Black and Team Gold rosters. Team Black will don black helmets, black jerseys and white pants and will lead by coach Gerad Parker. Team Gold will wear gold helmets, white jerseys and white pants and will be coached by Kevin Sherman. Team Black is the designated home team.
The spring game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m., but there are a whole host of other activities leading up to the action.
The Challenge 5K Run/Walk
The Challenge, the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research 5K run/walk, will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Ross-Ade. People interested in participating may still do so by registering on-site Saturday from 7 to 8:15 a.m. All proceeds go to help cure cancer. Head coach Darrell Hazell, whose father died from prostate cancer, again is serving as spokesman for the event and will bang the "All-American" Marching Band's Big Bass Drum to send off the participants.
Parking, Concessions and Restrooms
Free parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the A Lot, F Lot, G Lot, H Lot (upper and lower), R Lot and Z Lot. Two concession stands will be open - C-3 (Section 123) and C-20 (Section 103). Signage will direct fans to available restroom facilities.
Season Ticket Sales and Western Michigan
The Athletic Ticket Office will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for fans who want to renew or purchase season tickets. In addition, fans can purchase Touchdown zone tickets for any non-conference home game for $20 (regularly $40) and South End Zone tickets for any non-conference home game for $10 (regularly $15). These two promotions are available in-person between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. or online throughout the day.
Fans who renew their season tickets online by April 12 will receive two free North End Zone tickets to the season opener against Western Michigan on Aug. 30.
JPC Spring Football Café
The Ross-Ade Café will be open to John Purdue Club members from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Shively Club of Ross-Ade Pavilion. For just $10 (payment due when you sign up), fans can choose a hamburger/cheeseburger or Italian sausage with sautéed onions and peppers to go with potato salad and kettle chips. Drinks will be available for purchase separately. In addition, you will receive a complimentary ticket to watch the spring game from the Shively Club seats. Please RSVP by April 4 to the John Purdue Club at 800-213-2239 or 494-3248 or via email. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Family Fun Fest
The hugely popular Family Fun Fest runs from 11 a.m. to noon in Ross-Ade. Gate A, located at the southeast corner of the stadium, will open at 10:30 a.m. for registration. Family Fun Fest is open to all youth in eighth grade and under with adult supervision. In the event of inclement weather, Family Fun Fest will move inside the Mollenkopf Athletic Center. Youngsters will be able to participate in the following six interactive stations run by current members of the football team:
- Catching a pass from the quarterbacks
- Kicking a field goal with the kickers
- Accuracy throws with the wide receivers
- Dummy tackling with the defensive backs and linebackers
- Obstacle course with the offensive and defensive linemen
- Inflatable bouncy house with the specialists
There will be a dunk tank on site, as well.
Pregame Tailgate
A pregame tailgate will be held in the north end zone of Ross-Ade from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring a spirited "Chopped" cooking competition among former Purdue football stars Mike Alstott, Rosevelt Colvin, Bob Griese and Kawann Short.
The Game Itself
The game will consist of four quarters, with the possibility of a running clock in the second half based on the number of plays run. The game will be played rain or shine, although lightning would result in a delay or cancellation. If the game cannot be played in Ross-Ade, it will not be moved inside. The two teams will be selected - draft style - April 9. Team rosters will be available at the concession stands.
Halftime
A skills competition among Purdue fraternities and sororities will take place at halftime, and the astronauts that are back on campus for their reunion will be introduced. Halftime will last 20 minutes.
Postgame
There will be an autograph session on the field following the game for 15 minutes.