Purdue football set to show off Ross-Ade improvements vs. Northwestern From exterior signage to the playing surface to the concourse to the sound system, fans can expect a more modern experience inside Ross-Ade Stadium.

Nathan Baird | Journal & Courier

Show Caption Hide Caption Purdue QB David Blough Fifth-year senior looking forward to Thursday's matchup against Northwestern

Purdue vs. Northwestern, Thursday, 8 p.m. (ESPN)

The Ross-Ade Stadium playing field was resurfaced in the offseason.

A new sound system and new signing and lighting should enhance the fan experience.

WEST LAFAYETTE — The novelty of a Thursday night game alone will create a new experience at Ross-Ade Stadium when Purdue kicks off the 2018 season and Big Ten Conference schedule against Northwestern.

Fans will also notice a new look in and around the stadium for the 8 p.m. kickoff. One major addition is a temporary one, meant to capitalize on the national spotlight and ESPN broadcast. Several other upgrades and modernizations should enhance the fan experience into the future.

Ross-Ade Stadium 'added some color'

The first changes are visible before fans reach their parking spots or walk through the gates. Purdue erected new signage outside Mackey Arena on Northwestern Avenue and to the exterior of both the north and south ends of Ross-Ade. The back of the scoreboard was repainted black and graphics were updated to include the motion "P" consistent with Purdue's current branding.

Inside the stadium, signage atop the pavilion that didn't match the correct color and font came down. Additionally, a donation covered the cost of precast brick paneling all the way around at field level. Assistant athletic director for facilities Al Capitos said the change "transforms" the way the stadium looks in the seating bowl.

Navigating the concourse will be easier, especially for late afternoon and evening kickoffs. New signage will help better direct fans to kiosks and other amenities. Extra lighting under the pavilion will help them find their way.

"Our administration said Ross-Ade Stadium is old, which is OK, but it all looks Navy ship gray," Capitos said. "We said, 'You're right.'

"We added some color and it turned out really impressive."

The grass is greener at Ross-Ade

Purdue entirely resurfaced Ross-Ade's playing surface with a new strain of the time-honored Bermuda grass known as Latitude 36. Capitos said that strain provided better resistance to both cold and wear.

A collaboration between marketing and turf science resulted in the train tracks pattern running along the sideline. Due to the time and materials involved, Capitos said that design will only appear for Thursday's opener. In part due to the growth rate of natural grass, the logistics of repeating that paint job each of the first four weeks would be prohibitive.

A new sound system for Ross-Ade

AC for Ross-Ade visiting team locker room

New sound system will be in place for 2018 season



More from my chat with #Purdue AD Mike Bobinskihttps://t.co/l9uuifq8dX via @JCOnline — mike carmin (@carmin_jc) July 24, 2018

If you can't actually get to Ross-Ade Stadium, you'll be able to hear it from a bit further away. Purdue consulted with Anthony James Partners for a new sound system designed by All Pro Sound.

Capitos said sound quality kept recurring as a chief fan complaint. He said the new system allows for clearer words and less fluctuation in loudness

"It is night and day," Capitos said. "We jumped light years away from what we used to have."

Purdue student season tickets sold out

Purdue hopes a significant crowd will help christen these changes on Thursday.

According to Tom Schott, senior associate athletic director for communications, 20,011 season tickets had been sold as of Wednesday afternoon. That's 6,137 more than last season — a 44 percent increase.

Purdue also sold out its 10,000 allotment of student season tickets. Tickets are available, and between additional walk-up and season ticket sales prior to kickoff, Schott said Purdue hopes for a crowd around 50,000.

The Boilermakers averaged 47,884 tickets sold last season, including a high of 60,042 for the homecoming game against Michigan. Purdue hasn't drawn 50,000 for a Northwestern game since 2007.

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Nathan Baird reports on Purdue sports. Contact him at 765-420-5234 or nbaird@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @jconline