Show your colors on Purple Pride Day

Northwestern is encouraging students, faculty, staff and alumni — on campus or wherever they are — to wear purple on Thursday in support of the three athletics teams that begin national tournament play today or tomorrow.

The University’s first Purple Pride Day celebrates women’s swimming and diving, which competes today in the NCAA Championships in Knoxville; men’s basketball, which plays Boise State Thursday in Sacramento in the first round of the NCAA tournament; and wrestling, which takes the mat Thursday at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Tulsa. 

“I am so excited for these Wildcats as they begin their pursuit of national championships this week, and I can’t think of a better way for us to show our support than by wearing purple on Thursday,” said President Michael Schill. “This is a banner day for Purple Pride, and I cannot wait to celebrate other Northwestern teams as well throughout the years to come.”

“I am so excited for these Wildcats as they begin their pursuit of national championships this week.”

– President Michael Schill

Going forward, the University plans to have Purple Pride Days in support of any Northwestern varsity team as it participates in a national post-season tournament.

“Wildcats student-athletes represent our entire Northwestern community with passion and pride on the biggest stages, competing against the best-of-the-best in college sports, while thriving in one of the most rigorous academic environments in higher education,” said Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Dr. Derrick Gragg. “The encouragement throughout campus provides incredible support and motivation any time they have the opportunity to compete for championships.”

Fans can visit one of three locations to get official Northwestern Wildcats gear: Norris Bookstore on the Evanston campus, Abbott Hall Bookstore on the Chicago Campus, or Let’s Tailgate at 1807 Central Street in Evanston for special March Madness t-shirts.