Purdue tailgate legends: The ‘Boilermaker Bambulance’

This converted ambulance made the drive to Pasadena, Calif., for the 2001 Rose Bowl

Football fans can find this celebrated tailgate rig parked at the top of Slayter Hill. It’s there for every home game in West Lafayette — though it’s also traveled across the country for the 2001 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

The “Boilermaker Bambulance,” or “Bambi,” has been a tailgate totem since 1999. Originally created by alum Scott Brenton (BS industrial management ’94), Steve Foote (BS civil engineering ’94) and John Allen (BS aviation ’94), it was sold a few times, owned briefly by the Eibling family (who now have their own amazing vehicle) and then acquired by William “Bill” Oesterle, who was part of the original 1999 cohort.

Tate Pearson (BS mechanical engineering ’88), along with Brenton and Foote, are the current caretakers of this historic and iconic vehicle, said to be “The Original” tailgate vehicle created from an ambulance. Pearson says that tailgating is his favorite Purdue tradition. “I am most excited to see all my family and friends at the Bambi,” he says. “Many of us now have children who go to Purdue, and they come with their friends.”