Mackey Arena

Capacity: 14,876

Home Teams: Purdue Boilermakers (NCAA College Basketball)

Mackey Arena Events

Located on the grounds of Purdue University in the small college town of West Lafayette, Indiana, the Mackey Arena has been home to the Purdue Boilermakers men’s and women’s basketball teams since 1967. Major renovations were undertaken starting in 2007 to modernize and expand the facility. The Boilermakers men’s basketball team has long been considered one of the more successful NCAA Division 1 basketball programs in America, given its historic successes in the strong Big Ten Conference (particularly in the 1980s and 90s, when the team won 6 conference titles under legendary head coach Gene Keady) as well as consistent participation in the NCAA postseason March Madness tournament over the decades. The Boilermakers have appeared in March Madness over 30 times, reaching the Sweet 16 on 13 occasions, the Elite 8 on 5, and the Final Four twice. Longtime Boilermakers fans, however, are still waiting for a first championship title, having come closest way back in 1969 when they fell to the powerful dynasty of the UCLA Bruins by a score of 92-72 in the championship final. Along with its collective successes, the Boilermakers basketball program has also produced star players who have gone on to play in the NBA, including Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson, Joe Barry Carroll, and Brad Miller. As well as Boilermakers basketball games, the Mackey Arena also hosts the university’s volleyball and wrestling teams from time to time. Unlike many other college arenas, the Mackey Arena is not particularly well known as a site for concerts, comedy shows, or other such events, but keep an eye on the TicketX listings as this is prone to change. The wildest group of fans at Boilermakers, known as the Paint Crew after former head coach Matt Painter, usually takes up residence behind both baskets, doing its utmost to distract the opponents and spur their team on with chants of “Boiler Up! Hammer Down!” The Purdue All-American Marching Band adds another layer of fun (and noise!) to proceedings. Hungry visitors to the Mackey Arena will find plenty of tempting treats at the concessions, including personal pizzas, quesadillas, and Big Mackey Burgers, along with cold beer and wine (as of 2017). Those keen on Boilermakers merchandise can check out the shops and kiosks at the Mackey Arena or around campus.

How can I find the cheapest tickets to games and events at Mackey Arena?

Boilermakers men’s basketball games are the biggest draw at Mackey Arena, which puts them right up there with Purdue University’s football games as the biggest events on the calendar in the small college town of West Lafayette. Alumni, students, and local hoops fans drive many miles to come to Boilermakers home games and some even travel to away games and NCAA March Madness tournament games as well. This popularity can make tickets to Boilermakers games difficult to get your hands on. But don’t fret! All you need to do to find the cheapest tickets to Purdue Boilermakers basketball games at the Mackey Arena is to check the TicketX listings on this page and use our handy TicketX seating chart to compare different seating options in terms of price and location. With just a single click, you can purchase tickets from TicketX with the lowest commission fees!

Mackey Arena Seating Chart

The Mackey Arena is a large venue offering a range of different seating options to visitors. Those looking for an exclusive game day experience can opt for premium seating areas such as club seats or courtside seats. General admission seating throughout the rest of the arena, with prices generally falling the further you rise up from the floor, is a great way to plunge into the thick of the roiling crowd. Students love the seats behind the baskets, so if you can score a seat there, you are in for some fun!

Getting to Mackey Arena (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access the Mackey Arena via public transportation or driving their own vehicle. 

Getting to Mackey Arena via public transportation

Several local bus services in West Lafayette pass by the Mackey Arena, so traveling to the venue using public transportation is definitely possible. Many visitors find taxis or ride-shares, however, to be simpler and more convenient. Walking or cycling to the venue could also be possible if you will be staying close to the university.

Getting to Mackey Arena by car

Driving to Mackey Arena in your own vehicle is quite straightforward. Just be sure to budget plenty of time to arrive early in order to negotiate the game day traffic. Visit the official Purdue Boilermakers website to find extensive driving directions that explain all the best routes into town from various directions.

Does Mackey Arena have on-site parking?

Yes, there is public parking near the Mackey Arena on campus, though the right to buy parking passes for some of the nearest lots is reserved for season ticket holders and JPC members.  Public parking is available in some of the more distant parking lots, though shuttle service is available. Head to the official Purdue Boilermakers website for parking maps and details, as well as links where you can purchase parking passes. 

How much does Mackey Arena parking cost?

Public parking in the garages and lots near the Mackey Arena or on campus will generally cost you $15 if you book in advance or $20 on the day. Shuttles from the more distant lots are included in this price. Check the official Purdue Boilermakers website for all the information you need on parking and parking prices, as well as to purchase advance parking passes.