In Game
Notre Dame fans are fervent supporters of their team and have an impressive sellout streak to prove it. Notre Dame Stadium has been at full capacity for every game since 1973. Even more impressively the streak would be just under a decade longer if a game in 1966 had not been rescheduled for Thanksgiving break when the students were gone. The sellout crowds at Notre Dame provide an excellent atmosphere, so make sure to be a part of it yourself.
There isn’t a bad seat in the house at Notre Dame as the single bowl layout provide excellent sight lines. No matter where you’re sitting not only will you have a fantastic view, but you’ll also be part of the tremendous historical atmosphere of Notre Dame Stadium. The place oozes history and tradition as a trip to South Bend is sure to be an excellent memory for any college football fan.
Things to check out
Touchdown Jesus
One of the most famous features of Notre Dame Stadium is “Touchdown Jesus.” This mural on the Hesburgh Library entitled The World of Life overlooks the stadium from the north. The mural gets its nickname from the fact that it features Jesus with his arms raised in a position similar to the arms of a referee when a touchdown is signaled.
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Play Like a Champion Today Sign
Take a tour of the stadium tunnel for a chance to see this famous sign. The famous sign is a huge part of the Notre Dame football and a must-see for anyone making the trip to Notre Dame Stadium.
Gold Helmets
Notre Dame’s helmets contain 23.9 karat gold causing them to shiny and a standout on the field. The helmets used to be painted by the students, however, that tradition has changed recently as now Hydro Graphics, INC provides the painting. The sight of the gold helmets on the field at Notre Dame Stadium is something to behold, so take it in when you get the chance visit Notre Dame Stadium.
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The Leprechaun
The Leprechaun leads the Irish onto the field every game and leads the student section cheers. Look to The Leprechaun if you want to know what cheer is about to happen next.
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The Jig
Everyone in the crowd joins arms does a jig when the band plays “Rake of Mallow.” Join in and dance along with the rest of the crowd to get into the game day spirit.
The Celtic
The whole student section moves together to the “Celtic Chant.” Sway back and forth with the crowd to join in on the fun.
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Notre Dame, Our Mother
After every game, the Notre Dame players gather in the end zone near the student section and salute the crowd as everyone sings the alma mater “Notre Dame, Our Mother.” Make sure to stick around after the game and sing the alma mater to get the full Notre Dame game day experience.
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1812 Overture
The Band plays the finale to the 1812 Overture between the third and fourth quarter as the fans wave their arms and make their fingers into the shape of a K for Irish coach Brian Kelly. This tradition is a great way to show off your Irish pride and show appreciation for coach Kelly.
Tunnel Entrance
Nothing gets Notre Dame Fans pumped up like hearing “Here come the Irish!" as the players storm the field from the tunnel!
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The Irish Guard
The Irish Guard are 10 tall kilt-clad soldiers that lead the marching band onto the field by high-stepping to "Hike, Notre Dame." The Guard also raises the American flag to the "Star-Spangled Banner" and "America, the Beautiful." The Irish Guard is also known for their "Victory Clog" jig for Irish scores!
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Push Ups
After every touchdown, the student section picks up one of their classmates, and does the 'score' in pushups!
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Fight Songs
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
1812 Overture
Played between third and fourth quarter
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Celtic Chant
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Damhsa Bua
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Rakes of Mallow
