Indy Classic Double Header Officially Announced

This event should continue to be a hot ticket.

Purdue under head coach Matt Painter has made it a priority in their scheduling to play a tough non-conference and to also find a way to play a game in Indianapolis. This pays dividends not just in winning the hearts and minds of the state where, though we are loathe to admit it, Purdue often plays second fiddle to an IU team who has historically had more success, but also in getting in front of what will likely be some pretty solid prospects from the Indy and surrounding area. Yes, West Lafayette isn’t that far away from Indy but an hour plus can make a huge difference in if you can make it to an event.

So, it’s no surprise that Purdue loved the Crossroads Classic, despite sometimes struggling in it, and wanted to keep playing in Indy after that event evaporated. Remember, before that there was the Wooden Tradition. Now, the official announcement has been made that the Indy Classic will return with a double-header featuring four big name programs. Gainbridge Fieldhouse announced it across their social channels this morning.

We already knew that Purdue was going to face Texas A&M but we didn’t know what if any second game would be on the docket. Now we know. Butler and Wisconsin. A Big Ten foe and an in-state team. Pretty nice little lineup in my opinion.

The fans at these events have been top notch and they deserve to be rewarded with good basketball. As the state’s premier city and home to the Pacers, it just seems right that Purdue finds a way to play here at least once a year. I don’t expect this to change anytime soon. So the question is now, will you be heading to the Indy Classic? As noted in the tweet, tickets go on sale August 23rd and I’m sure they will go fast. This could be a good opportunity to see the new look Boilermakers as I’m sure tickets to Mackey Arena will be hard to come by this season.