Purdue Fans Pack Fishers Bar for March Madness Watch Party

Boilermakers faithful celebrate team's victory and Braden Smith's record-breaking performance.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:50am

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Purdue fans gathered at a popular watch party in Fishers, Indiana, to cheer on their team's victory in the March Madness tournament. The event, hosted by the Purdue Alumni Club of Indianapolis, drew a lively crowd to Mashcraft bar, where the energy and camaraderie among the Boilermakers faithful was palpable. The night was especially memorable as Purdue senior Braden Smith broke the NCAA's all-time assist record.

Why it matters

The packed watch party highlights the passionate fan base that follows Purdue basketball, even in the face of recent challenges. The event also showcases the strong community ties fostered by the Purdue Alumni Club, which has made the Fishers bar a hub for Boilermakers supporters.

The details

Purdue fans have been flocking to Mashcraft in Fishers for watch parties hosted by the Purdue Alumni Club of Indianapolis for about two years. The bar's general manager, David Halt, says the venue has become known as a "die-hard Fishers Purdue bar" due to the intense energy the crowd brings. On this night, the fans were celebrating not only the team's victory, but also the historic performance of senior Braden Smith, who broke the NCAA's all-time assist record.

  • Purdue fans have been hosting watch parties at Mashcraft in Fishers for about two years.
  • On Friday, March 21, 2026, Purdue defeated the Queens Royals in the March Madness tournament.

The players

Purdue Alumni Club of Indianapolis

The alumni organization that has been hosting watch parties for Purdue basketball games at Mashcraft in Fishers for the past two years.

David Halt

The general manager of Mashcraft bar in Fishers, who says the venue has become known as a "die-hard Fishers Purdue bar" due to the intense energy of the Boilermakers fans who gather there.

Braden Smith

The Purdue senior who broke the NCAA's all-time assist record during the team's March Madness victory.

Cecilia Yoakum

A 1984 Purdue graduate who attended the watch party and was excited to see Braden Smith break the assist record, saying she knew it was only a matter of time.

Angie Schroeder

Cecilia Yoakum's sorority sister, who she reconnected with at the Mashcraft watch party after years of not speaking to each other.

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What they’re saying

“It's become known to be a die hard Fishers Purdue bar. We're here all for it and we have a great time with it.”

— David Halt, General Manager, Mashcraft

“Oh I loved it. (He) broke Hurley's record, anything to break his record but he had somebody to pass to you know? I mean he has good teammates that can make the basket.”

— Cecilia Yoakum, 1984 Purdue Graduate

“We ran into each other and I'm like, 'I know you!'”

— Angie Schroeder

What’s next

The Purdue Alumni Club of Indianapolis plans to continue hosting watch parties at Mashcraft in Fishers for the remainder of the March Madness tournament as the Boilermakers aim to make a deep run.

The takeaway

The packed watch party at Mashcraft demonstrates the unwavering passion and community spirit of Purdue basketball fans, who have rallied around their team through both good times and bad. The event also highlights the important role that alumni organizations can play in fostering connections among fans and creating a sense of shared identity.