Hammer Down Cancer football game
Stop by Boilermaker Crossing to visit the PICR team from 9 a.m. to noon on game day!
Purdue fans, mark your calendars for Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, when the Boilermakers take on Illinois at Ross-Ade Stadium for this year’s Hammer Down Cancer football game. The Purdue Institute for Cancer Research is proud to serve as the game-day sponsor, rallying the Purdue community in support of lifesaving cancer research.
Before kickoff, stop by Boilermaker Crossing from 9 a.m. to noon to visit the PICR team, pick up some Hammer Down Cancer goodies, and enjoy complimentary popcorn. Then head into the stadium as the Boilermakers face off against Illinois—kickoff is at 12 p.m. sharp.
More than just a Big Ten matchup, this signature fundraising event is a celebration of Boilermaker spirit and collective impact. Keep an eye on the North Endzone ribbon board at halftime, where heartfelt messages in honor of loved ones impacted by cancer will be displayed. These tributes come from fans who donated $25 or more to the Tyler Trent Pediatric Cancer Research Center, turning generosity into visible reminders of why this cause matters.
From the roar of the crowd to the energy on the field, the game unites Boilermakers everywhere. Every cheer shouted and dollar donated fuels groundbreaking research that changes how cancer is detected, treated and understood. Whether you’re in the stands wearing your Hammer Down Cancer gear or following the game from a friend’s house, you’ll be part of a tradition that transforms school pride into tangible progress against cancer.