Facilities & Directions

On May 18, 2007, Purdue University officials announced plans for the most comprehensive and significant facility undertaking in the university's athletics history. The Mackey Complex project brought a 40-plus-year-old campus landmark into the 21st century while preserving its rich history and tradition.

The scope of the project was significant, designed to have a positive effect on all Boilermaker student-athletes, specifically with improved and increased space for academic support, sports medicine and sports performance. A three-level structure was built adjacent to Mackey and highlights include:

* A 13,300-square foot sports medicine facility, nearly three and a half times larger than the previous space in Mackey.
* A 12,990-square foot strength & conditioning facility, more than three and a half times larger than the previous space in the adjacent Intercollegiate Athletic Facility.
* An oversized basketball practice facility with a full-size court and three breakout shooting areas.

The Mackey Complex project significantly enhanced the overall fan experience at Purdue basketball games. The concourse width was nearly tripled, concession areas increased four times (from 12 to 48 points of sale) and restroom space increased threefold for women and by 35 percent for men. In addition, the lower seating sections on the west side was modified to allow for premium seats. Accessible seating increased more than seven times. Three club spaces were created, one for all fans on the west side, a premium club to the east and a courtside club for courtside seat holders.

Other upgrades included new locker rooms and lounges, meeting rooms, offices, laundry facilities and equipment storage. A new ticket office created in Mackey that is approximately twice the size of the previous one in the Intercollegiate Athletic Facility.

The entire upper level of the Intercollegiate Athletic Facility was transformed into an academic center spanning more than 5,350 square feet, and the building was renamed the Brees Academic Performance Center.

On Nov. 10, 2011, Mackey Arena was formally rededicated, with subsequent rededication games for the men's and women's basketball teams Nov. 11 and 13.


Originally named Purdue Arena, groundbreaking for the circular concrete and steel structure with a domed roof took place July 20, 1965. It was hailed as "the first of its kind among collegiate sports facilities."

The $6 million project took just over two years to complete and was dedicated Dec. 2, 1967, with a ceremony that included recognizing 10 former Boilermaker All-Americans, led by John Wooden and Charles "Stretch" Murphy, and a speech by Indiana governor Roger Branigin.

The first game ever played in Purdue Arena saw the Boilermakers take on Wooden and his UCLA team in a classic contest. The Boilermakers came up just short, 73-71 in front of a standing room-only crowd of more than 14,400, in the debut of the legendary Rick Mount.

In March of 1972, the facility was renamed in honor of Guy "Red" Mackey, who was part of the Purdue Athletics scene for 45 years, including 29 as athletics director, before passing away in 1971. On Dec. 12, 1997, the floor of Mackey Arena was named "Keady Court" in honor of legendary men's basketball coach Gene Keady.

On Dec. 2, 1975, the women's basketball program played its first game at Mackey, defeating Illinois 78-74 in overtime. Amy Ruley, a 2004 inductee into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, scored the first basket in Purdue women's basketball history.

Mackey Arena is situated between Northwestern Avenue and John R. Wooden Drive, north of Stadium Avenue.

Mackey has a seating capacity of 14,264, with a total capacity (including non-ticketed individuals) of 14,804.