Purdue Boilermakers History

Purdue Mascots

Boilermaker Special

Part of the Purdue scene since 1940, the Boilermaker Special claims to be the world's largest mascot. Weighing in at 10,800 pounds, the 24-foot vehicle is fashioned to look like an old-time locomotive. It is maintained by the Reamer Club.

The current model, Boilermaker Special V, was built by Wabash National Corp. in Lafayette and unveiled at Purdue's football game with Notre Dame on Sept. 25, 1993. The task force that redesigned the mascot consisted of Purdue alumni, local and national business leaders and students in the Reamer Club.

Efforts to create the first Special began in 1939 with a letter to the editor of the Purdue student newspaper. The first Special, built with funds raised by the Reamer Club, operated until 1953. The second Special was created in mid-1953, the third one was dedicated in October 1960 and the fourth one is the Boilermaker X-tra Special, a toned-down version that was christened in 1979.

As a representative of the university wherever it travels, the Boilermaker Special stands as that tradition of Purdue which is most familiar to alumni and fans alike. It is a mascot which symbolizes Purdue's invincibility, immortality and ingenuity.

Boilermaker X-tra Special

The Boilermaker X-tra Special is a toned-down version of the Boilermaker Special and leads the football team onto the Ross-Ade Stadium field. It is the first remake of the mini-mascot and is the responsibility of the Reamer Club. The current X-tra Special was unveiled at Purdue's homecoming game with Ohio State on Oct. 19, 1996.

Purdue Pete

Purdue Pete begins the 2002-02 season with another busy schedule ahead. The students who portray the costumed personification of a Boilermaker make approximately 275 appearances combined each year. They appear at all home and away football games, home volleyball matches, home men's and women's basketball games and post-season events. Pete also stops in on Olympic sport events and makes his rounds to alumni and university functions, local school fundraisers, visits hospitals and has had several appearances at weddings!

Pete will spend a couple hours each Friday afternoon this fall visiting campus offices, classrooms, residence halls and businesses to "Spread The Spirit" before home football games. Watch for him!!