This is a great place to watch basketball. The arena does not have the NBA feel like some college places, and that is a plus
My son is a senior at Purdue and we had not been to a basketball game until this past Sunday. We enjoyed the crowd and the school spirit in Mackey.Because of the bowl shape of the arena, there really is not a bad seat. We were two rows from the top and could see perfectly. I will warn; however, that the seats are benches, there are no backs. That's OK since there is a lot of standing during the game. I was a little disappointed that there were no line-up sheets unless you spent $5 on a program.We did not sample much in the way of concessions, but the popcorn was fresh and popped on site, not the bag junk you get some places.At the end of the game, the egress seemed just fine. The arena emptied quickly.
We're looking forward to a great 2014-15 for our Boilermakers! It would be great to see them at the top of the Big 10!
I never saw the arena on the inside before the renovation, and although my friends did not like the new changes, the place seemed decent to me. The bathrooms were clean and easy to find. Everything was easy to find, our seats, food, the exit. The arena itself seemed open and spacious and had the same uncomfortable seating as anywhere else, only they were benches in the upper levels.
If Purdue is playing well...unlike last season...there's no place I'd rather be on a winter night in Indiana.It's LOUD in Mackey, even when it's not full, the sight lines are incredibly-good and when the team's dialed in, you won't find a more entertaining place to be, in my biased opinion.Concessions are drastically-improved since the revamp, the concourses are wide and easy to navigate and the bathrooms are nice...but the seats are bench and can be a bit narrow if you're next to the wrong neighbor.
Easy to get to, Mackey Arena is used for pep rally's before the home football games. 211 Rally's are exciting and a great chance to hear the All American Marching Band perform and cheer in the football team.
Wedding and Rehersal were held at the arena in one of the clubs. Parking is an issue if lots going on around and in the arena.
Purdue University has invested a lot into upgrading Mackey Arena to be a high quality venue to watch college basketball games. The outside of the arena is well done, especially from the Northwestern Street entrance. Inside is the best place to be however, especially when there is a Purdue basketball game on the line. The fans are very knowledgeable about basketball. The fans are loud and take their role seriously about rooting their team on to victory. There is certainly a home court advantage at this arena. Although the fans love their Boilermakers, opposing teams fans are not at risk of verbal abuse like can be expected at other teams arenas. There appears to be a respect for the opponents by the fans in Mackey Arena. This is one of the best places to watch a college basketball game in the country. Take your friends or significant other to a game or a season of games and you will catch the Mackey Arena fever. That is unless you are rooting for an opponent, then you will walk away respecting Mackey Arena.
Loved Mackey, easy to access, no really bad seats and the fans are on fire! Located on Purdue University Campus there is no shortage of school spirit. Basketball viewing at one of the best!