Notre Dame Fighting Irish Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Micah Shrewsberry

Team Mascot: Leprechaun

Year Opened: 1968

Capacity: 9149

City / State: Notre Dame / Indiana

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Notre Dame vs UCLA

Rival Team: UCLA Bruins

The rivalry between Notre Dame and UCLA began in the 1970s when the two schools would play a home-and-home series. The rivalry’s most famous matchup came during that period when the Fighting Irish ended the Bruins 88 game unbeaten streak in 1974. While the rivalry may not run as hot as it did back then, you’ll still experience a great game when attending a Notre Dame-UCLA basketball game.

Notre Dame vs Boston College

Rival Team: Boston College Eagles

Notre Dame and Boston College have a fierce rivalry that dates back to the two schools days in the Big East. The rivalry is more intense on the gridiron, but there are still lots of bragging rights on the line when the Fighting Irish and Eagles meet on the hardwood. Don’t miss it when BC comes to town as you’ll be in for a treat.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Stadium Guide

In Game

Notre Dame is home to one of the best college football game days anywhere, and while the basketball games here may pale in comparison, they are still a great time for any college sports fan. The fans at Notre Dame are diehards when it comes to basketball. Even though the Fighting Irish doesn’t have the same amount of success in basketball as football, you’ll still experience a packed house more often than not. The Joyce Center can get quite loud on game days so come prepared to get loud and join in the madness.

The Joyce Center also is home to several historical displays and exhibits that let you know you’re watching a game in a special place. The arena is home to Heritage Hall, which houses a variety of different trophies won by the Fighting Irish over the years. There are also several banners celebrating the men’s and women’s basketball team’s many accomplishments hanging from the rafters of the arena. Everywhere you look on the concourse, you’ll see nods to the Irish and their history giving the arena a unique feel.

Notre Dame is also home to a beautiful campus and a fun college town feels. No trip to Notre Dame is complete without walking the campus and checking out the famous landmarks such as Touchdown Jesus and the Golden Dome. There are also plenty of nearby bars and restaurants to visit as well including O’Rourke’s Public House, Brother’s Bar & Grill, and Rocco’s.

A trip to Notre Dame is a pilgrimage all college sports fans should make at least once, and if you can’t attend a football game then a men’s basketball game is the next best option.

Things to check out

Heritage Hall

Take some time before the game to check out Heritage Hall. Heritage Hall, located near section 109, is home to trophies from a variety of different sports. It’s a must-see for any Notre Dame or college sports fan, so arrive early and check it out.

play Watch video

Cheer, Cheer For Old Notre Dame Signn

When arriving at the Joyce Center, take a look at the Cheer, Cheer For Old Notre Dame sign. The sign sets the tone for the game and does a good job of greeting fans as they enter the arena.

Banners

Hanging from the rafters of the Joyce Center are banners honoring all of the Fighting Irish basketball team’s accomplishments. The banner honoring Notre Dame’s 1978 Final Four run is the focal piece, so take a minute to view the banners and remember all of your favorite Fighting Irish basketball memories.

The Leprechaun

The Leprechaun entertains the crowd and keeps the energy high at every Notre Dame basketball game. He’s a big part of any Fighting Irish sporting event, so be on alert for the Leprechaun at the game.

play Watch video

Notre Dame Pep Band

The Fighting Irish have tons of school songs, which helps set the tone and create a fantastic atmosphere inside the Joyce Center. The pep band does an excellent job of playing all of these tunes and creating a fun atmosphere, so enjoy the music of the pep band when attending a Notre Dame basketball game.

play Watch video

Cheerleaders

The Notre Dame cheerleaders pump up the crowd with their cheers and do a good job of getting everyone up and out of their seats at crucial times. Join in on the cheers and chants inside the arena to get the full Notre Dame game day experience.

play Watch video

Fight Songs

  1. The Notre Dame Victory Song

    Rally sons of Notre Dame:
    Sing her glory and sound her fame,
    Raise her Gold and Blue,
    And cheer with voices true:
    Rah, rah, for Notre Dame.

    We will fight in ev-ry game,
    Strong of heart and true to her name.
    We will ne’er forget her
    And will cheer her ever,
    Loyal to Notre Dame.

    Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame,
    Wake up the echoes cheering her name,
    Send a volley cheer on high,
    Shake down the thunder from the sky.
    What though the odds be great or small
    Old Notre Dame will win over all,
    While her loyal sons are marching
    Onward to victory.

  2. Hike, Notre Dame

    The march is on
    No brain or brawn,
    Can stop the charge of fighting men,
    Loud sings the cry,
    A grim defy,
    Of hard attack let loose again. O it’s hike, hike, hike to victory,
    The call to rise and strike,
    For Notre Dame men are winning,
    When Notre Dame hears hike, hike, hike.

    Chorus: 
    Hark to the cheering
    Songs rising high,
    Hark, hark to the roar,
    As her ranks go marching by!
    Shoulder to shoulder,
    Chanting her glorious name,
    Burn high your fires,
    And sing along for Notre Dame.

  3. When Irish Go Marching By

    Rah! Rah! Rah!
    Up! Notre Dame men answer the cry
    Gathering foemen fling to the sky
    Fight! Fight! Fight!
    Brave hosts advancing challenging your name
    March to the battle, Notre Dame!

    Chorus: 
    And when the Irish backs go marching by
    The cheering thousands shout their battle cry:
    For Notre Dame men are marching into the game,
    Fighting the fight for you, Notre Dame
    And when the Irish line goes smashing through
    They’ll sweep the foemen’s ranks away;
    When Notre Dame men fight for Gold and Blue,
    Then Notre Dame men will win the day.

  4. Notre Dame, Our Mother

    Alma Mater

    Notre Dame, our Mother
    Tender, strong and true
    Proudly in the heavens,
    Gleams thy gold and blue.
    Glory’s mantle cloaks thee
    Golden is thy fame,
    And our hearts forever,
    Praise thee, Notre Dame.
    And our hearts forever,
    Love thee, Notre Dame.

  5. Down the Line

    On down the line!
    Beside the glory of her name.
    On down the line!
    Beneath the colors of an ancient fame.
    On down the line!
    Another day for her proclaim.
    Old Gold and Blue;
    You’re going through-
    Go down the line for Notre Dame.

  6. 1812 Overture

  7. Celtic Chant

    Rally sons of Notre Dame: Sing her glory and sound her fame, Raise her Gold and Blue
    And cheer with voices true:
    Rah, rah, for Notre Dame
    We will fight in ev-ry game, Strong of heart and true to her name
    We will ne’er forget her
    And will cheer her ever Loyal to Notre Dame

    Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame,
    Wake up the echoes cheering her name, Send a volley cheer on high,
    Shake down the thunder from the sky.
    What though the odds be great or small
    Old Notre Dame will win over all,
    While her loyal sons are marching Onward to victory.

  8. Damhsa Bua

  9. Rakes of Mallow

  10. Here come the Irish!

    Well I remember the leaves a fallin’
    And far off music like pipes a callin’

    And I remember the golden morning
    I saw the long ranks as they were forming

    And there’s a magic in the sound of their name
    Here come the Irish of Notre Dame

    The pilgrims follow by the sacred waters
    And arm in arm go the sons and daughters

    The drums are rolling and forward bound
    They’re calling spirits up from the ground

    And there’s a magic in the sound of their name
    Here come the Irish of Notre Dame

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Bars & Restaurants

  1. Brothers Bar & Grill

    Brothers Bar Grill

    Brothers is a modernized throwback to the old Midwestern corner tavern. A clean, relaxed social hangout; our bar stock-full of cold beer and drink with a kitchen in the back serving up comfortable American food fare.

    1234 N Eddy St #125, South Bend, IN 46617, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Legends of Notre Dame

    Legends of Notre Dame chicken wings

    Michiana's favorite place to relax with family, food, and friends. And it's easy to see why.

    100 Legends, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Joe’s Tavern

    burger

    Great people and great food, as well as a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

    1201 Dunham St, South Bend, IN 46619, USA

    574-237-9182

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Fiddler’s Hearth

    Fiddlers Hearth

    Their extensive menu reflects the food and culture of the Seven Celtic Nations!

    127 N Main St, South Bend, IN 46601, USA

    574-232-2853

    Bar website

    european - $$

  5. Blarney Stone Wine & Spirits

    Blarney Stone Wine Spirits

    Large Selection, Best Pricing & Excellent Customer Service!

    1818 S Bend Ave, South Bend, IN 46637, USA

    574-273-0200

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Mitch’s Corner Sports Bar

    Mitchs Corner Sports Bar

    Mitchs' Corner Sports Bar is a great place to enjoy drinks and food located on Ironwood close to the Notre Dame Campus.

    1516 N Ironwood Dr, South Bend, IN 46635, USA

    574-855-2365

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  7. Corby’s Irish Pub

    Corbys Irish Pub

    Outstadnign Irish bar with different environments to experience.

    441 E Lasalle Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, USA

    574-233-5326

    Bar website

    european - $

  8. Mulligan’s

    Mulligans

    Uptempo tavern serving pub grub, burgers & jumbo brews in festive surrounds with music & dancing.

    1705 S Bend Ave, South Bend, IN 46637, USA

    574-277-5666

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Cheer’s Pub

    Cheers Pub beer

    Long-running bar & grill with a storied stage for local, national & international rock bands.

    103 S Dixie Way, Roseland, IN 46637, USA

    574-387-4642

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. CJ’s Pub

    CJs Pub beer

    Hangout with beer, jumbo burgers & sandwiches plus sidewalk seating & late-night weekend hours.

    236 S Michigan St, South Bend, IN 46601, USA

    574-233-5981

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Linebacker Lounge

    Linebacker Lounge beer

    Familiar neighborhood fixture with a collegial atmosphere, plus drink specials & TVs showing sports.

    1631 S Bend Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, USA

    574-289-0186

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  12. Uptown Kitchen

    Uptown Kitchen

    Stuffed French toast, locally sourced & gluten-free American dishes & more in a contemporary space.

    7225 Heritage Square Dr #208, Granger, IN 46530, USA

    574-968-3030

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Cambodian Thai

    Cambodian Thai

    Petite, family-run eatery offering dishes in varying levels of spiciness along with Thai iced tea.

    235 S Michigan St, South Bend, IN 46601, USA

    574-289-2877

    Bar website

    asian - $

  14. Rocco’s Restaurant

    Rocco’s Restaurant

    Homey, memorabilia-filled fixture since 1951 serves pizza, Italian dishes & subs, plus beer & wine.

    537 N St Louis Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617, USA

    574-233-2464

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $

  15. Nick’s Patio

    Nicks Patio eggs

    Nick's Patio's chefs prepare every dish with care to ensure customers enjoy the best dining experience possible.

    1710 N Ironwood Dr, South Bend, IN 46635, USA

    574-277-7400

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Lasalle Grill

    Lasalle Grill

    LaSalle Grill features a blend of chef-inspired original dishes and ethnic foods that represent the spirit and people of America.

    115 W Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46601, USA

    574-288-1155

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  17. Barnaby’s

    pizza

    American eatery serving pizza, subs & beer in a rustic, yet warm setting since 1969.

    713 E Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617, USA

    574-288-4981

    Bar website

    pizza - $$