Purdue fans flock to local sports bars for big championship game

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A work night was not stopping some Purdue fans from getting off the couch and watching the big NCAA championship game at Michiana sports bars.

It's safe to say fans have been looking forward to this opportunity for years.

At Taphouse on the Edge, fans watched the Boilermakers play in their first championship game appearance in decades.

"It's been a long time coming," says Gary Berch, a Michiana Purdue fan. "For Purdue fans, I mean, we have been through highs and lows, this is what we've been waiting for."

The team has just over a 50% record in March Madness history but has never actually won the title.

Especially following last year's disappointment, when 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson upset Purdue in their very first matchup.

The celebration is much overdue for these local boilermakers, and for many of them in Michiana, it's family ties.

One family at Taphouse celebrated a decades-long commitment to Purdue University and unwavering support for every sport, win or lose.

"Win or lose, they've gotten so far, and they've made us proud," Julie Fisette says, another local Purdue fan. "It's so fun to watch them, get behind them, and cheer them on."