Purdue fans change game day traditions ahead of football season opener

Purdue fans change game day traditions ahead of football season opener

Inside ross- ade stadium will look different ..

No fans in the stands ..

Just family of payers as well as cardboard cutouts ..

The purdue faithful will have to find a way to watch the game on its own.... outdoor tailgates won't be allowed this year either... bars and restaurants in the lafayette area are getting ready to host gameday crowds.... and some fans are changing their gameday traditions altogether... from what i've heard... those sudden changes won't be easy... don kirby: do i like it?

The answer is absolutely, positively no.

But is it the right thing to do?

The answer is yes.

So dt kirby's is not breaking the rules that's the bottom line.

Jd arland: don kirby is preparing his bar, dt kirby's for gameday.

Face coverings and outdooor seating are part of the plan..

Dk: open air eats helps us out, we pick up another 22-25 seats i believe what it is.

So that definitely helps us, there's not doubt.

People can grab it and find a spot and then come in when its their turn .

Ja: with no fans in the stands this year...the purdue faithful will have to take in the game elsewhere...for season ticket holder elmo robledo..

Dt kirby's will do just fine... elmo robledo: well we've been season ticket holders for about 12-14 years now .

With the protocols they have in place, and the social distancing.

I absoultely feel safe here.

Ja: but what about family's with small children who prefer to tailgate?

Large gatherings are banned outside of ross ade stadium....brian vorst's rv will have to stay in the garage this year.... he says he'll miss making memories on gameday with his wife and their three kids.... brian vorst: it's definintely that feeling that you're gonna miss out.

With our kids, you only get so many opportunities to do this and they're gonna be gone.

Ja: the vorsts have been tailgating for 10 years....brian's daughter kierstin is a junior at purdue.

She says its about more than just watching sports.

Kierstin vorst: even when i went to purdue it was a time during the week that i got to see all of my family.

I ddon't think all of us really realize how much we're gonna miss it until the first game happens... the vorst family said they're not breaking their decade-long tradition of tailgating.... this year, they'll take in gameday at home in front of a projector screen.... at home or out on the town.... every purdue football fan i talked to will be watching saturday's game.... and those fans will have their eyes on this