Purdue Univ. yesterday released plans for a "gated patio" to temporarily fill the space vacated after "nearly 6,100 bleacher seats were removed from the south end zone" of Ross-Ade Stadium last month, according to the Lafayette JOURNAL & COURIER. The patio area will be open to season-ticket holders and students "who have purchased VIP cards." The space will feature a 3,200-square-foot "high-peak tent," several pergolas and an "array of patio-style furniture, including tables with umbrellas." A "perk for the season ticket and VIP card holders will be the availability of tailgate food and beverage, including beer and wine." Six 46-inch TVs will be "mounted throughout the patio area." It will "open 90 minutes before kickoff and close at the end of the game." A maximum of 1,500 fans will be allowed in the area at any one time (Lafayette JOURNAL & COURIER, 7/9). ESPN.com's Brian Bennett noted the patio area is a "temporary solution while the school continues to plan for a major renovation for the south end zone." Meanwhile, Purdue now joins Minnesota as the "only Big Ten schools to serve alcohol at games" (ESPN.com, 7/8).
