The stadium was built in 1924 to replace Stuart Field, which had been hosting Purdue football since 1892. It is named in honor of Purdue alumni David E. Ross and George Ade, the principal benefactors. In 1922 Ade and Ross bought 65 acres (26 ha) of land for the site of the new stadium. They also provided additional financial support for construction of the facility. Ross–Ade Stadium opened on November 22, 1924, with a seating capacity of 13,500—roughly corresponding to the lower portion of the current facility's west grandstand---and standing room for an additional 5,000 people.[4][5] A series of additions and renovations pushed the seating capacity to almost 68,000 (70,000 with standing room). In 2001, Purdue University began a $70 million renovation, including widening both aisles and seats, which led to a reduced seating capacity of 62,500.
The largest crowd ever to see a game in Ross-Ade is 71,629 against Indiana on November 22, 1980.[4]
In summer 2017, Ross–Ade Stadium installed permanent stadium lights.[6]
In March 2019 it was announced that a memorial for Superfan Tyler Trent, who died on January 1, 2019, at the age of 20 from osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, would be placed at Student Section Gate entrance in his honor.
On December 6, 2019, it was announced that due to a $15 million gift, the new name of the facility is Rohrman Field at Ross–Ade Stadium.
On September 4, 2021, the Boilermakers opened their 97th season in the 500th game at Ross-Ade with a 30–21 win over Oregon State.
In the spring of 2000, it was announced that Ross–Ade would undergo a three-phase renovation, beginning the following year. A breakdown of each phase is as follows:
Replace the 50-year-old Woodworth Memorial Press Box, located on the west side of the stadium, with a four-story pavilion, housing the Shively Media Center, 34 luxury suites, and a 200-seat indoor club level
Add outdoor club seats with exclusive access to the pavilion's suites
Expand the main concourse
Add new bathrooms and concession stands
Add a new “grand staircase” to the south end of the stadium
Add upper deck to north bend of stadium, connecting east upper deck and Pavilion
While originally thought that both Phases II and III would be solely dependent upon future ticket sales, former Athletic Director Morgan Burke indicated in early 2009 that the project may move forward in the near future, regardless of season ticket sales. Phase II and phase III were never completed.
At a cost of $45.4 million raised by donors, Ross-Ade stadium will be getting a south end zone renovation that will add approximately 4,500 seats bringing the total stadium capacity to 61,441. The student section, which will be growing by 5%, will be moved to the south end zone and the area to the east of it, and the band will sit in the front of the south end zone. There will be safe standing seats, patio and deck areas, and rail seating. The Tyler Trent Student Gate will be moved. Additionally, Tiller Tunnel, named after the late Joe Tiller,[7] will be constructed connecting the Kozuch Football Performance Center to the stadium in the northeast corner of the stadium. Finally, the team shop located outside the north of the stadium will be converted into a student-athlete dining facility.[8] The construction began at the completion of the 2022 football season and the south end zone and tunnel will be completed by the beginning of the 2023 season. The dining facility will not be ready until at least January 2024 per Mike Bobinski on December 22, 2022.
While it is unclear what renovations will come with Phase II, it has been said that "additional phase construction timelines will be determined by philanthropic support."
There has been a desire expressed by both former head coach Joe Tiller and Burke to remove seating in the south end zone to use the land for alternative purposes. Tiller and subsequently the school's architectural department, has proposed using the land for football administrative offices and locker rooms.[9] Burke has proposed shaping the land into a landscaped hill, providing lush views of campus scenery.[10] Ultimately, these bleachers were removed in the summer of 2014, with restorative work performed on the concrete foundation on which the bleachers sat.
In 2004, a limestone and brick tunnel was dedicated to the memory of the 17 football players, coaches, alumni, and fans who died in the 1903 Purdue Wreck in Indianapolis.
In July 2006, Action Sports Media announced a ten-year partnership with Purdue, helping finance the installation of a new state-of-the-art 31-by-68-foot (9.4 by 20.7 m) Daktronics video board, priced at $1.7 million, and sideline advertising panel.[4] The new technology was installed in time for the start of the 2007 season.[12]
In June 2014, the south end-zone bleachers, which seated 6,100 spectators, were removed to avoid necessary safety upgrades and in preparation for proposed renovations. The area was converted to a patio area for fans to enjoy a more party like atmosphere. There were several tables set up with a large concessions tent anchor the middle of the area. This is the first time a regular game attendee could purchase alcohol.[13]
In 2017, permanent lighting was installed at a cost of $5.6 million so that games could be played at night without needing to rent lighting.[14]
In 2019, a ribbon board was installed above the north end zone seating. This Daktronics board measures 575 by 10 feet (175.3 by 3.0 m). Additionally, the Tyler Trent Student Gate was installed on the east side of the stadium.
In 2020, a new Daktronics board was installed in the south end zone. This is the first HDR display in college football and measures 150.33 by 56.75 feet (45.82 by 17.30 m). It is four times larger than the previous board, the second largest in college football (behind Jordan-Hare Stadium's), and among the largest video screens in the world. This was a $10 million project.[15]
^Gugin, Linda C.; St. Clair, James E. (2015). Indiana's 200: The People Who Shaped the Hoosier State. Indianapolis: Indiana Historical Society Press. pp. 3–4. ISBN978-0-87195-387-2.
