Purdue Fort Wayne’s men’s basketball program will welcome its longtime rival Purdue to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on October 22 for an exhibition matchup that marks a first in program history.
The two schools have met six times before, but all of those contests took place in West Lafayette, making this the inaugural time the Mastodons will host the Boilermakers on their home floor.
Tickets for the game will become available to the general public in August, while season‑ticket holders of PFW will receive priority access to the best seats, adding extra anticipation among the fan base.
The exhibition comes on the heels of Purdue’s impressive run to the Elite Eight last season, a campaign that culminated with a No. 6 finish in the final AP Top 25 poll, underscoring the caliber of opponent the Mastodons will face.
A Milestone for PFW Basketball
For Purdue Fort Wayne, the game represents more than just a scrimmage; it is a chance to test the team against a national‑level program and to showcase the growing basketball culture in Fort Wayne.
Coach Greg Heiar and his staff have emphasized using the exhibition as a diagnostic tool, focusing on defensive intensity and offensive execution as the team builds toward the regular season.
Local organizers expect the event to draw a sizable crowd, with the Coliseum’s capacity poised to accommodate a vibrant atmosphere that could set the tone for the upcoming season.