Purdue University Northwest (PNW)’s Homecoming Sports Fest brought students, alumni and fans together to show PNW pride and support the university’s sports teams at Hammond’s Dowling Park on Sept. 8.
This annual event, the highlight of Homecoming Week, features games, food, music, and various activities.
"Sports Fest is always an amazing event," said Director of Athletics Rick Costello. "It's exciting to see so many people out here wearing black and gold, full of enthusiasm for all the great things happening at PNW—academically, athletically, and within the community. The PNW pride is so active, and it’s just an awesome event."
PNW’s NCAA Division II men's and women's tennis, men's and women's soccer, baseball and softball teams, as well as both of the university’s men's ice hockey teams competed during the event.
"I've been a part of every Sports Fest during my 13 years as athletic director," said Costello. "We started it eight years ago as a way to bring everyone together at an outdoor event to kick off the year and support our soccer, baseball, softball, and tennis programs. A few years ago, we added ice hockey to Sports Fest as well. It’s a great family-friendly activity with t-shirts, great food, and music."
Sports Fest showcases PNW’s athletic teams and student-athletes.
"Our athletics program is integral to PNW,” said Communications Specialist Kale Wilk. “It also plays a key role in helping us build connections and extend our outreach across Northwest Indiana."
There were also plenty of booths displaying activities by PNW student organizations and others hosted by corporate champions who support PNW Athletics, including Pepsi, Purdue Federal Credit Union, Rush Physical Therapy, and NW Indiana ER & Hospital.
"Having a great event like Sports Fest aligns with our mission as a metropolitan university,” said Wilk. “It brings together our alumni and builds community in a multifaceted way for us.”
For more information on Purdue University Northwest Athletics, please visit pnwathletics.com.
