Tradition Never Graduates: Boiler Football
Purdue Boilermaker football is one of the longest standing programs in the country originating all the way back in 1887. With longstanding programs come long standing tradition and like a fine wine they only get better with age. Below are Purdue's football traditions from Friday at 5:30 to halftime of the game. We take you into the heart of Purdue football.
Boiler Bridge Walk
The Boiler Bridge walk is a great way to kick start the school spirit in preparation for game day. Students, faculty, alumni, community and Purdue faithful gather at John T. Meyer's Pedestrian Bridge at 5:30 on Friday evenings before a home football game to interact with all the players and coaches.Players sign autographs, talk to fans, and the people cheer all the way until they reach downtown Lafayette from West Lafayette. This tradition goes a bit under the radar but is extremely fun.
Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club is one of the newest game day traditions here at Purdue but has to one of the most unique traditions across the country. Every Saturday morning before a home game thousands of Purdue students participate in what is now referred to as Breakfast. The morning of a home game the bars in Chauncey Village open their doors as early as five o'clock in the morning to welcome hundreds of Purdue fans dressed in a wide variety of costumes. It is a Halloween party every Saturday morning and welcomes fans from all over to participate in this unique tradition.
All American Band
The Purdue "All American Band" is one of the best marching bands across the country. The marching band is highly renounced nationally and have even performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. It is the biggest band in the Big Ten and was the first band to break from military formations to the modern and ever changing formations you see today. The Purdue "All American Marching Band" also includes the Big Bass Drum(refer to Big Bass Drum tab for more information) and Purdue's Golden Girl.
Thrill on the Hill Concert
The "Thrill on the Hill" is actually a concert the band puts on two hours before all home games on slater hill. It can be heard from all over campus and wakes everybody up who hasn't already awaken. It showcases there talent and puts a pep in Purdue fans step knowing that the game is approaching.
"I am an American"
The "I am an American" speech dates all the way back to 1966 and is still said before every home game today while the band plays the tune to "America the Beautiful."