WEST LAFAYETTE — Head coach Tony Ersland and the Purdue University wrestling team announced plans on Tuesday to participate in the third annual Throwdown on the Yorktown, scheduled for November 7–8, 2026, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
The unique event gives college wrestling programs the opportunity to compete on the open-air top deck of the USS Yorktown CV-10, a historic Essex-class aircraft carrier anchored in the Charleston Harbor. Purdue will become just the second Big Ten men’s program to partake in the event, following Maryland’s appearance last year.
The timing of the event holds extra significance for the team. As the nation gears up to celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial (America 250) throughout 2026, competing on a decorated naval landmark provides a uniquely patriotic backdrop for the student-athletes.
“We are honored and excited to give our guys the chance to wrestle at a once-in-a-lifetime setting like the Yorktown,” Coach Ersland said. “It’s something they’ll always remember beyond their wrestling years. To be able to also celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in a patriotic way like this will be something they can tell their kids about someday. It will be a great opportunity for us to challenge ourselves against two strong Division I programs early in the season.”
The Boilermakers are scheduled to battle event host The Citadel, as well as the Air Force Academy, in a pair of dual meets spanning Saturday and Sunday. The Citadel, located nearby in Charleston, has successfully hosted each of the first two Yorktown iterations.
Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 Season
Before heading to the South Carolina coast, Purdue will officially kick off its 2026–27 wrestling season at home in West Lafayette. The Boilermakers will host Kent State for a home dual in Holloway Gymnasium on Sunday, November 1. In keeping with program tradition, admission to the home opener will be entirely free for all fans.
The athletic department noted that the remainder of the 2026–27 winter schedule is being finalized and will be officially released in the coming weeks.
Tickets for the historic Throwdown on the Yorktown will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, August 1.
