June 3, 2014
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Coming off a successful inaugural event in August 2012, the Purdue men's basketball Alumni Game will return to Mackey Arena for its second installment, head coach Matt Painter announced today. The game will tip off on Saturday, Aug. 2, at noon in Mackey Arena and a full roster will be announced at a later date.
"After the success of our first Alumni Game in 2012, we are thrilled to hold this event again," Painter said. "We are excited to bring back our former players and coaches and to honor them again in Mackey Arena in front of our fans. It was a tremendous event back in 2012, and we are looking forward to seeing our alums back in action in Mackey Arena."
Nearly 10,000 fans were in attendance for the inaugural event in 2012, which wasn't decided until a Lewis Jackson buzzer-beating three-pointer lifted his team to victory in thrilling fashion.
"It's always a great time coming back and seeing everyone that you either played with or had the chance to meet as part of the Purdue family. The camaraderie and being able to reconnect with everyone is something I look forward to," current assistant coach Brandon Brantley said.
Purdue head coaching legend Gene Keady will return for the second time to lead one of the squads.
"Aside from being one of the greatest to ever coach the game, Coach Keady has been a mentor to so many men who played for him at Purdue," Painter said. "His name is synonymous with Purdue basketball and the culture that has been built. We're excited that he can be a part of this event again."
The winningest coach in Purdue history, Keady led the Boilermakers to six Big Ten championships, including back-to-back-to-back titles from 1994 to 1996. Purdue advanced to postseason play in 22 of his 25 seasons at the helm, making the NCAA Tournament 17 times.
Keady graduated nearly 90 percent of his players and Boilermakers were selected Academic All-Big Ten 41 times, including seven Academic All-America selections, during his tenure.
Keady was selected Big Ten Coach of the Year a record seven times and the nation's top coach eight times in six different seasons. His record in international competition was equally impressive, as he led U.S. teams to two gold medals, a silver and a bronze, while establishing a sterling 22-2 (.917) record.
On Dec. 12, 1997, the Mackey Arena playing floor was renamed Keady Court to honor the Boilermaker coaching legend. His signature was added to the court in 2011 as part of a makeover of the playing surface.
"It's always wonderful seeing Coach Keady. Just being around him is a positive experience and the life lessons he has taught so many people is something I remember most about him. Everyone just gravitates towards him to hear his stories of basketball and life," Brantley said.
Tickets for the game will be priced at $10 for the lower level (reserved) and $5 for the upper level (general admission). A limited number of free tickets (one per student) will be available to Purdue students in the normal student sections.
All John Purdue Club members can begin purchasing tickets on June 25, with a priority deadline of June 30. Seats will be assigned as orders are received. Premium seat holders for men's basketball can purchase their normal seat ticket locations starting June 11, with the deadline for premium seat holders to request their same seats is June 23.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on July 1.
Tickets may be purchased online at purduesports.com, by calling (800) 49-SPORT or in person at the Purdue Athletic Ticket Office. Located on the concourse level on the east side of Mackey Arena, the Athletic Ticket Office is open for business from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday.
Fans are encouraged to follow Purdue Basketball on Twitter (@BoilerBall) for an announcement of players as the event draws closer.
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