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Indiana AD nixes idea of moving Old Oaken Bucket game to off-campus site
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The idea that there’s even a notion that Purdue and Indiana could be moving the annual Old Oaken Bucket game off the two campuses raised plenty of concern on Tuesday. Not to worry, though, it doesn’t sound like a neutral site location is in the cards.
At least from Indiana’s perspective.
During a radio interview on the Query & Schultz Show on FOX 1260 on Tuesday, Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski said there have been discussions about moving the rivalry clash to a neutral site — primarily Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
“We have explored that with out friends and colleagues down at IU a couple times and have yet to be able to find a way to have that really work on that weekend,” Bobinski said. “I understand the dynamic. I understand the interest, and I know [Purdue President] Mitch Daniels is a huge fan of the concept.”
Indiana athletic director Fred Glass has all but put an end to that idea.
“Mike and I have had positive discussions about various ways to improve the atmosphere for the Old Oaken Bucket game,” Glass told Zach Osterman of the Indianapolis Star. “As part of those discussions, I’ve let Mike know that I’m not in favor of moving it to a neutral site.”
Both ADs pointing the difficulty of the logistics of moving the game to a neutral site, particularly when it comes to Lucas Oil Stadium. With the game played on Thanksgiving weekend, it’s the same time as the Indiana high school football state championship games.
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Unless the game moved to a different weekend, it would be really difficult to pull off.
So don’t worry, Purdue and Indiana fans. It appears the Old Oaken Bucket game will still be played in West Lafayette and Bloomington for quite some time.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB