Mackey Arena: House Of Horrors For Big 10 Foes

The loyal fans of Purdue at Mackey Arena, otherwise known as “The Paint Crew,” could have told you.

Coaches of rival teams who have ventured into Mackey Arena since its inaugural game in 1967 could have told you.

This week, current Big 10 coaches told you.

To the surprise of few who closely follow Big 10 basketball, Purdue’s home court was resoundingly acknowledged as the most difficult venue to play for opposing conference schools.

While it wasn’t unanimous and not all 18 head coaches participated, ten out of 14 rival coaches chose Mackey Arena as their team’s most daunting challenge.

The History Of Mackey Arena

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

The venue’s first game occurred on December 2, 1967, and it was a big one.

Purdue welcomed defending national champion UCLA and Lew Alcindor to town to christen Mackey Arena. The game also signified the first ever game for Boilermaker legend Rick Mount. The contest lived up to the hype, as former Boiler legend John Wooden‘s Bruins held off Purdue, 73-71.

In March of 1972, the facility was renamed in honor of Guy “Red” Mackey. He 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. Originally set to house just over 14,000 spectators, it can now accommodate 14,804 fans.

Since that first game through Tuesday’s victory over Rutgers, Purdue has played 871 games at Mackey Arena, and they emerged victorious in 82.9% of them (722 wins). In Big 10 conference play during this span, the Boilermakers have waged battle 505 times and successfully defended their home court on 393 occasions (77.8%).

Current Boilermaker guard Fletcher Loyer was responsible for the loudest recorded moment in Mackey Arena history. In a game against Northwestern on January 31, 2024, Loyer’s three-pointer late in overtime made it a two-possession game. The crazed fans erupted to the tune of 124.3 decibels, which is comparable to a chainsaw or a jet plane upon takeoff.

What Coaches Say About Mackey Arena

Here is a sampling of what Big 10 conference coaches have to say about which arena is the most imposing and Purdue’s home-court advantage:

Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg: “The toughest arena to play in the Big 10 is Purdue. It is so loud, the sound bounces off that wood ceiling and they’ve got unbelievable fans in there.”

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo: “I think Purdue is (the toughest place to play). I mean, there’s a lot of good ones in the Big 10, but I think Purdue because of the number of people in a smaller area being all bleachers is probably the toughest.”

Northwestern’s Chris Collins: “There’s so many to name. I think our conference has so many, but right now I think playing at Mackey Arena at Purdue is as good as it gets and one of the toughest places to play.”

Penn State coach Mike Rhoades: “I thought this from my first year, the experience going to Purdue was daunting but a lot of fun.”

Rutger’s Steve Pikiell: “I’ve been (at Rutgers) nine years, so they are all tough. But Purdue meets you before the game, and they continue standing and shouting until the game’s over. So, I’d say Mackey.”

Maryland’s Kevin Willard: “I would say Purdue is one of the toughest places I’ve ever played at. They have one of the best bands, and they play all game long.”

End Of My Mackey Arena Rant

It does not hurt that Purdue has been regarded as one of the top contenders in the Big 10 yearly. Boilermaker fans have come to expect a high level of performance from their team. Every one of the 14,804 fans who pack Mackey Arena every game knows they adversely affect the opposition, and that trend has no end in sight.