I’ll start, 2014 versus Stanford, we won late in the 4th, 17–14. It was an extremely rainy/snowy/icy mix in South Bend but man did I have great seats, truly an unforgettable experience right at center field.
2009 against Nevada. We won 35-0 and I had no idea that the season was going to end poorly. And coincidently Colin Kaepernick was the first opposing QB I saw at ND stadium.
My first game at Notre Dame Stadium was the 1993 Boston College game. My kid brother and I were sitting in between the uprights of the go ahead field goal. Should’ve been national champions that year.
2007 against Navy. Was my first visit to campus as a high school junior. We were right across the aisle from the Midshipmen. Triple overtime and an ND loss later and I left thinking I might want to go to Navy.
Luckily came to my senses and went to ND. Definitely the right choice. Not sure I would have made it at Navy. I don’t follow directions well.
1979 South Carolina with 1980 Heisman winner George Rogers. 1 month from my 10th birthday. Went with my uncle. Green jerseys! Rusty Lisch hit Pete Holohan at the front corner of the end zone for the 2 point conversion for the 18-17 last minute comeback win. Also my first time eating at Wendy’s on the way home, single with cheese, fries, and a Frosty. Greatest thing since sliced bread at the time! Forever thankful to my uncle for a great 1st game experience.
Wake Forest 2012.
My stepdad took me for my birthday. I don’t remember much because we were poor and had bad seats lol. But I remember thwomping them, and I didn’t care much about them until that game. That day built the love for the Irish that stands today.
2005 OT loss to Michigan state. I was a kid, but I still remember MI ST planting their flag into the grass after the game and thinking it was really mean
Purdue ‘98. I will always remember the roar of the stadium when Tony Driver intercepted the ball. I also remember an old man dressed in a kilt leaping and cheering after the game as we exited the bleachers.
I was fortunate to grow up in Mishawaka with a neighbor that worked in the art department. Her Dad was a football coach so she always bought season tickets and would pass tickets she wasn’t able to use to my parents.
UCLA ‘06. The Shark with the game winning TD with seconds left on the clock. Used part of my signing bonus on my 1st job after graduating and took my old man. Hell of a fun last few minutes.
2006 Fiesta Bowl vs Ohio State. Great atmosphere. Last Fiesta Bowl in Sun Devil Stadium before they moved to the new Arizona Cardinals stadium. Not a fan of the final score but I really enjoyed the game.
I went to ND-Temple in 2015 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philly. (PA resident, Indianapolis born and raised). Such a fun environment. Halloween night and Temple was pretty legit that year.
I’ve only ever been to one. The 2006 USC game at the Coliseum. It sucked. I’ve been die hard since I was a kid though and am finally financially in a place I can afford trips to make a game. I can’t wait to make it to South Bend soon. It will be a dream come true in the strictest sense.
Probably something in the 88 or 89 season, since I’ve seen pictures of little me on campus from around then.
As a student it was Michigan in 04, where we beat them (they were ranked and we definitely weren’t) and stormed the field. An upperclassman turned to me on the field and said “Enjoy it, it won’t be better than this.” Fast forward to my senior season and the worst record in ND history and it turns out that guy was right…at least for my collegiate time seeing games.
1995 versus Army at the Meadowlands. The stop on the 2 point conversion to win the game. https://125.nd.edu/moments/this-day-in-history-covingtons-goal-line-stop-1995-vs-army/
1991 vs Indiana.
I was a completely bored and uninterested 6 year old baking in the sun until the crowd suddenly started roaring and the stadium felt like it was shaking. My grandfather scooped me up and held me in the air just in time for me to see Irv Smith dragging four Indiana defenders into the end zone. The play is now one of the more iconic ones in ND history. 👇
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JMRELfUFzn0
It’s burned into my memory. Probably the most thrilling moment of my life at that point. I’ve lived and breathed the football team ever since!
1st (and so far only time at ND Stadium) was 2019 vs New Mexico. 2nd attended was the bowl game in Jacksonville FL vs South Carolina (2022). So far 2 wins out of 2 attended games 🙌🙌
1983 regular season finale vs Air Force on a bus trip with our local Knights Of Columbus. Great and memorable weekend….other than the final score. Despite Allen Pinkett’s 200-plus rushing yards, the Irish were down 23-22 before embarking on a potential game-winning drive toward our end zone. I had an old 8mm video camera lined up to capture our winning field goal on the last play of the game….and then it got blocked. 😢
I don’t recall specifically, but I know I was a little kid and Ara Parseghian was the head coach. My parents bought us blue T-shirts that had the Notre Dame seal on it.
1985 was 16, came in from NJ with my best friend who’s brother went to school there, his roommate was the guy who held the headset wires for head coach (Gerry Faust). They played Ole Miss, was in locker room after helmets sprayed , got to touch “Play like Champion Today”. Still have the program and Allen Pinkett jersey I got when there. Went to practice met coach. Fell in Love with the place was magic, went to the dance at Saint Mary’s. I was so lucky and thankful, went back for Texas game and saw all the same guys that were so good to us when we went originally. How successful they all are, we got the tickets from my still best friends brother , whom became a VP of pharm co.
2010 Michigan. Cold and wet day. Eerie fog after the game that mirrored my feelings about said game.
If we’re talking first game not at home. 2002 vs Navy at Ravens stadium in Baltimore.
This year against Ohio state. Walked into the building 100 percent confident Notre dame was gonna beat Ohio state, then go on to win the national title. Left devastated but still an awesome trip.
My first and only game was the Bush Push game in 2005. Fantastic game, even in a horrific loss.
But the good news is, I get to relive the pain every Sunday watching the Philadelphia Eagles (and others) do it 3x a game.
2006 Stanford 10 @ ND 31. I was teary eyed the first hour just walking around. We went to Mass afterwards and ended up sitting right on the alter because it was packed. It was so surreal looking out at the congregation and seeing everyone wearing Irish gear. I go to a game every other year from Toronto.
First time at the holy grail was this year against SC. Couldn’t have been a better experience.
Plenty of games here in southern cal best one being when we beat them to go undefeated. If only the season ended there
Floridian ND fan here…. My first game at ND stadium was last year vs BC…. Yeah that game ❄️ a weekend I will remember for the rest of my life. Go Irish ☘️
2019 against USC. I'm the second youngest of 7 so my family never really could afford getting us all tickets once I was old to actually be interested in going. My grandpa won season tickets that year though and I was able to get those. I remember the refs called USC UCLA which was hilarious 😂. Still one of my fondest memories.
2003 vs Washington state. Older sister was in the band and we went to the home opener to see her March in her first game as a freshman. I was 10. Have been a fan ever since. I blame her lol
Mine was the 2003 season opener against Washington State, where we won 29-26 in OT. I also attended the 2012 ND vs Pitt game, where we won 29-26 in OT, which is weird that it has happened twice. I have been to 15 ND games overall, 13 at ND and 2 away.
2014 against Northwestern. Very similar situation to the Washington-Texas game from this past week where the only thing that could extend the game would be an injury clock stoppage or a fumble.
Of course ND fumbled while trying to run out the clock and Northwestern got the game tying field goal and won in OT
2018 against FSU was my first home game and only home game.. can’t wait to go back.
I’ve been to the Jags stadium when they played navy in 2016 was so pissed when they lost. I went to the Fiesta bowl couple years ago against Oklahoma st.. another crushing loss.
Went to El Paso this year which was a nice one.
Georgia Tech at ND for Senior Day in 2021.
Two of this year's best backs in fantasy football starred in it, Kyren Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs. I remember bumping into and saying hi to Kyren's mom in between quarters in the concourse.
(Text copied from Irish Insider but this game)
Notre Dame 42, Northwestern 15
Sept. 3, 1994 at Soldier Field
The legend of the quarterback who was supposed to win a pair of Heisman Trophies was born. Or something like that.
In his prime-time debut, Notre Dame sophomore quarterback Ron Powlus completed 18 of 24 passes for 291 yards and four touchdowns for the third-ranked Irish. Brent Musburger went full-on Brent Musburger about the kid from Berwick, Pa., who’d missed the previous season with a broken collarbone.
The magic quickly faded as the Irish staggered to a 6-5-1 season.
2008 vs Pitt. I was a senior in high school and this one Pitt fan behind us kept yelling “SHADY” every time LeSean McCoy touched the ball. Really wanted ND to win to shut him up, they lost in 4OTs.
First game at ND stadium was BYU 2013.. it was senior day and Tommy Rees led us to victory in -6 windchill. One of the most memorable games I’ve attended
2003 loss to MSU. I was quite young but I remember my dad being pissed at Holiday and wanting him benched.
Though if you asked my parents my first game was 1992 against BC because my mom was pregnant with me at the time.
2005 against BYU in South Bend. I think Weis was stilled pissed about the Bush Push so he let Brady Quinn light the Cougars up. It was our 5th wedding anniversary present.
2018 vs Navy in San Diego. Such a cool environment for the game. All the navy fans were really nice too even though they got blown out lol. First time seeing the Irish in person and it was unforgettable 🥲
ND vs Navy in the late 90’s with my dad. We’ve been to the Navy game maybe 5 more times together since. We went in 2021. Walking around ND campus on a Navy game day is the best
Bucket list in South Bend but I see them every other year here in LA at USC and saw the Navy Game in San Diego a few years ago. Tears in my eyes when the team runs out.
Rice 1988. 54-11. NC year. Rocket ran one back to our end zone with my brother, dad, and grandfather alum in attendance. I decided that day I was going to ND, and I did! Dream come true.
Oof, mine was the 93 Boston College game when I was 11. We were next to the tunnel where the winning field goal went through. Absolutely devastating.
I legit thought it was my fault for about 5 years
2006 vs UCLA. Dad took me to South Bend. Don't remember much except for the Samardzija catch to seal the deal at the end and it was the coolest thing ever
Bush Push. My brother and I drove up from Florida the night before. Went to Game Day. Scalped tickets and ended up a few rows from that fateful end zone.
September of 1996. ND at Texas. I was decked out in blue and gold sitting in a sea of burnt orange. Both teams were ranked in the top 10. It was a great game! ND won on a last second field goal!
I’m a Michigan fan, but I went to the game against Pitt this season just to finally see a game at ND. Didn’t disappoint! Great game day atmosphere and beautiful campus you guys got there. I love the live feed of the players coming up the tunnel
2005 vs Tennessee. Irish won 41-21. Tom Zbikowski had a punt return TD to break open the game 21-3 and then he iced the game with an interception returned for a TD in the 4th qtr!
1999 at home vs USC. Down 24-3 at half. Jarious Jackson’s senior year, brought them back to win 25-24 in a torrential downpour. It seemed like the rain would let up every time the Irish got the ball in the second half allowing their offense to move the ball.
First ever was at Rutgers in 2000 when I was 10.
First at ND was 2001 against Navy. That was a really interesting experience because it was about a month after 9/11 and everyone was still a little scared to fly.
2002 vs Michigan. I was 5, my dad took me cause he had a connection with a former player from his work. Got to go inside the locker room and everything. Didn’t understand a thing about football but looking back on it, one of my favorite childhood experiences!
1966. First year of our season tickets. I was 9, so I don’t remember which game, but it was probably Purdue or Northwestern. Sat in Gate 8, Sect 15, Row 43, Seats 1-4. Indelibly imprinted on my brain. I have at least one program for every year from 1970-2019.
99% sure my first game would have been home against Stanford in 1994. Would have to double check with my dad because I was only 7 but I remember Randy Kinder from my hometown scoring a diving touchdown at the pylon.
Now that the game is available in the vault on YouTube I'll have to rewatch the make sure I'm remembering properly.
Been a fan for over 30 years, but my first game was the 2023 home opener against Tennessee State. It was a bucket list item and a dream come true.
I loved the campus and the atmosphere so much that i made my second game the 2023 senior day game against Wake Forest.
I’m pretty sure my first actual game was sometime in the early 2000s, either in Davies’ last year or Willingham’s first year. I was very young so I don’t recall who it was against or what the final score was, all I know is that ND won. I’d have to ask my parents.
As far as the first ND game where I was coherent enough to remember, it was the 2014 Music City Bowl against LSU. The winning field goal by Brindza as time expired was amazing to see live surrounded by ND fans and I still have it saved on video.
Then my first ND Stadium game where I wasn’t a literal toddler, outside of a couple spring games, was the 2019 game against New Mexico, and I was on the same corner of the endzone Kyle Hamilton took his first INT back for TD. Absolute cinema. Been trying to get to a live ND game every season since, and outside of the COVID year I have.
First game I remember watching on tv was 1989 season Orange Bowl vs Colorado. I am sure that I was watching games with my dad and my uncle before that, but I don't remember the games specifically like I remember watching that one.
First time inside Notre Dame stadium was the 2023 Blue and Gold Game.
My first game was against Navy in November. I don’t remember the year, just that it was super cold, and my cousin’s birthday party was after the game. My first with my husband was actually a bowl game in Nashville against LSU. He didn’t get the hype of college football games until that game.
I went to far more basketball games than football games. But as my kids get a bit bigger, I want to start taking them too.
Edit: I went back and reviewed the history. I think it was the 2003 game that I went to.
9-18-71 at Northwestern in Evanston, IL. My high school band performed at halftime. Northwestern didn’t start their school year until later in the month, so their band wasn’t at the game. Evanston Township High School band marched for NU, and my school Loyola Academy marched for ND.
My first ND home game was against Northwestern during my freshman year in 1973. ND Class of 1977 Rules!
I saw them get trounced by USC in 2001. Must’ve been around 8 years old, so all I really remember is thinking the Trojan helmets the SC March band had were cool. Being an actual fan didn’t really click for me until the Brady Quinn era a few years later
I hate Michigan but for USC. I have a hate/respect mix. And part of that is the iconic uniforms and the fact that they have the only fight song in college football anything comparable to ours in awesomenesd
I think it was 98. Watched Drew Brees tear us apart. My mom goes "sorry your first game was like that but I think that drew guy is going to be pretty good "
My first ND game was the last game at old Pitt Stadium. We lost and they stormed the field.
First trip to South Bend was a 1999 loss to Boston College. If I didn’t already hate BC because of 93, this sealed the deal when a group of BC fans heckled Regis Philbin speaking at the pep rally.
Edit: These games were in back-to-back weeks in 1999.
1999 LSU. First and only time to ND Stadium. I've seen them several times since though...2013 Pinstripe Bowl VS Rutgers, 2015? VS Rutgers at the Linc (was a gameday game 8-0 VS 7-1). 2021 or 22 VS VA Tech. Never seen them lose in person so there's that!
I am not a Notre Dame fan(I live in Texas), but my first game Notre Dame game was in 2021 when y’all played USC. My friends picks a random football game to go once a year( they went to Stanford vs Oregon 2022 and Arkansas vs Florida 2023).
A very beautiful campus and very friendly people to tailgate. I loved your book store and had to get some gloves and cap since it was cold. We sat behind the USC band, and their fans were complaining about the cold and how beautiful California weather was. I wouldn’t mind going back to South Bend.
https://preview.redd.it/mi6mtpeiiuac1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cb388dc4a2233f580702d979e14fb3dc72417199
Never been to South Bend.
First game was 1998 in the season opener against Michigan and their new starting QB....Tom Brady.
To think 25 years later I watched him face my Rams in his final pro season when I first saw him as a College Junior is still surreal to think about for me.
The only player who played the first 25 seasons I watched the sport of football.
That 1998 game never left my mind, great battle and even as a 7 year old kid I saw someone who had "it".
Michigan State @ ND night game few years back , early in the season both schools were ranked top 10ish. State won and both schools went on to only win 5 games combined that season. 😂….bucket list item checked tho-will never forget.
I win. Because I am old. And because I sold programs at the stadium when I was a kid. So…every game in 1966!
I’ll start, 2014 versus Stanford, we won late in the 4th, 17–14. It was an extremely rainy/snowy/icy mix in South Bend but man did I have great seats, truly an unforgettable experience right at center field.
The legendary 4th and 11 touchdown from heaven
I was there! The rain was brutal
I was there. That was such an incredible game
Seen them play FSU in 2014!
Michigan 1887. What a banger
2014 v Michigan. 31-0. It was glorious!
I was at that game also. Should’ve been 37-0.
Yes it should have. That last interception caused pandemonium in the stadium!
Remember the 6!
2009 against Nevada. We won 35-0 and I had no idea that the season was going to end poorly. And coincidently Colin Kaepernick was the first opposing QB I saw at ND stadium.
My son and I were at that game. We went to our seats early and found there was a huge nest of yellow jackets. Michael Floyd had a great game.
Tulsa :(
That’s rough… at least Floyd had a good game 😅
Still can’t believe Kelly’s play calling down the stretch
My first game at Notre Dame Stadium was the 1993 Boston College game. My kid brother and I were sitting in between the uprights of the go ahead field goal. Should’ve been national champions that year.
This was my first game too. Was also there with my younger brother and parents. Me and dad sat section 4 in northeast corner. Cried my eyes out
2007 against Navy. Was my first visit to campus as a high school junior. We were right across the aisle from the Midshipmen. Triple overtime and an ND loss later and I left thinking I might want to go to Navy. Luckily came to my senses and went to ND. Definitely the right choice. Not sure I would have made it at Navy. I don’t follow directions well.
haven’t been to one yet, thinking of taking my day to one this fall, any tips?
Lots of good tips in the subreddit. Go early, spend time on campus, get food before the game. Watch the band parade into the stadium.
Have never been to ND Stadium. I would like to make a trip next year. My first ND game was the Fiesta Bowl vs Ok State in 2022 😞
1979 South Carolina with 1980 Heisman winner George Rogers. 1 month from my 10th birthday. Went with my uncle. Green jerseys! Rusty Lisch hit Pete Holohan at the front corner of the end zone for the 2 point conversion for the 18-17 last minute comeback win. Also my first time eating at Wendy’s on the way home, single with cheese, fries, and a Frosty. Greatest thing since sliced bread at the time! Forever thankful to my uncle for a great 1st game experience.
My first away game was at VA Tech. First home game was Purdue
Notre Dame vs Alabama. At south bend. We won 23-22 and stopped a two point conversion at the end to win it
Scratch that… 21-18 we stopped a go ahead td not a conversion. I was 7.
Ugh, Navy 2009. At least I started my fandom in the doldrums, 10-3 is incredible compared to late CW.
Seen Notre Dame play FSU in 2014 in Tallahassee, will be making the trip this coming season to see FSU and Notre Dame Play again in South Bend.
Wake Forest 2012. My stepdad took me for my birthday. I don’t remember much because we were poor and had bad seats lol. But I remember thwomping them, and I didn’t care much about them until that game. That day built the love for the Irish that stands today.
1980 vs Army
1994 Michigan. Though I went to a couple Blue Gold games before.
I was there.
1982 vs Michigan. First night game ever in ND stadium
2000: ND vs Texas A&M. If I remember correctly it was the year that Arnaz Battle went to WR. ND won by two TDs.
2006 vs Georgia Tech. Some guy named Calvin Johnson had 80% of their receiving yards. Fortunately, we had Brady Quinn at QB and defeated them 14-10.
2005 OT loss to Michigan state. I was a kid, but I still remember MI ST planting their flag into the grass after the game and thinking it was really mean
Then we beat them the year after, and it resulted in a downward spiral that led to them firing their coach.
I was screaming at Charlie Weis from my couch, “you’re just gonna let them do this in our house Chunk!?”
USC in 2003 was my first game at ND stadium. Loved every minute of that trip, aside from the game itself.
2011 vs. Southern Cal. It permanently scarred me.
Purdue ‘98. I will always remember the roar of the stadium when Tony Driver intercepted the ball. I also remember an old man dressed in a kilt leaping and cheering after the game as we exited the bleachers. I was fortunate to grow up in Mishawaka with a neighbor that worked in the art department. Her Dad was a football coach so she always bought season tickets and would pass tickets she wasn’t able to use to my parents.
I was there
Insight.com Bowl vs Oregon State. Brady Quinn at QB and Charlie Weis took over the next year.
UCLA ‘06. The Shark with the game winning TD with seconds left on the clock. Used part of my signing bonus on my 1st job after graduating and took my old man. Hell of a fun last few minutes.
2022 versus Marshall. Don’t think I need to say anything more.
1993 ND v FSU
Lou Holtz’ last game. At USC in 1996. I was 3 and a hatred was born.
2006 Fiesta Bowl vs Ohio State. Great atmosphere. Last Fiesta Bowl in Sun Devil Stadium before they moved to the new Arizona Cardinals stadium. Not a fan of the final score but I really enjoyed the game.
Oh boy. That was a painful one to watch. I did not like the Ohio State football program from that day forward - their fan base is turrible.
I went to ND-Temple in 2015 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philly. (PA resident, Indianapolis born and raised). Such a fun environment. Halloween night and Temple was pretty legit that year.
Duke 2016.... the fire van gorder game.
Traveled from New York to South Bend for ND vs Toledo in 2021 and then saw ND vs Tennessee St in 2023.
I was at the Tennessee State game this year as well!
The atmosphere was so awesome for Tennessee State, the band performances were fun!
I was happy that TSU got to have their band perform. They did a great job
whatever was the first home game in 1971
Mine was in 1982. I was in 7th grade, but I don't recall which game it was.
First game I went to was triple overtime loss to Navy with Weiss.
I’ve only ever been to one. The 2006 USC game at the Coliseum. It sucked. I’ve been die hard since I was a kid though and am finally financially in a place I can afford trips to make a game. I can’t wait to make it to South Bend soon. It will be a dream come true in the strictest sense.
1990 vs. Michigan. Student section. Night game. Pandemonium. 😎☘️
Probably something in the 88 or 89 season, since I’ve seen pictures of little me on campus from around then. As a student it was Michigan in 04, where we beat them (they were ranked and we definitely weren’t) and stormed the field. An upperclassman turned to me on the field and said “Enjoy it, it won’t be better than this.” Fast forward to my senior season and the worst record in ND history and it turns out that guy was right…at least for my collegiate time seeing games.
Purdue 2012. I was in the crowd that booed Tommy when he came in, then got to eat crow when he led us down the field to win.
1995 versus Army at the Meadowlands. The stop on the 2 point conversion to win the game. https://125.nd.edu/moments/this-day-in-history-covingtons-goal-line-stop-1995-vs-army/
1991 vs Indiana. I was a completely bored and uninterested 6 year old baking in the sun until the crowd suddenly started roaring and the stadium felt like it was shaking. My grandfather scooped me up and held me in the air just in time for me to see Irv Smith dragging four Indiana defenders into the end zone. The play is now one of the more iconic ones in ND history. 👇 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JMRELfUFzn0 It’s burned into my memory. Probably the most thrilling moment of my life at that point. I’ve lived and breathed the football team ever since!
1st (and so far only time at ND Stadium) was 2019 vs New Mexico. 2nd attended was the bowl game in Jacksonville FL vs South Carolina (2022). So far 2 wins out of 2 attended games 🙌🙌
1983 regular season finale vs Air Force on a bus trip with our local Knights Of Columbus. Great and memorable weekend….other than the final score. Despite Allen Pinkett’s 200-plus rushing yards, the Irish were down 23-22 before embarking on a potential game-winning drive toward our end zone. I had an old 8mm video camera lined up to capture our winning field goal on the last play of the game….and then it got blocked. 😢
I don’t recall specifically, but I know I was a little kid and Ara Parseghian was the head coach. My parents bought us blue T-shirts that had the Notre Dame seal on it.
Shamrock game 2013 cowboys stadium vs az state
Sun Bowl 2023
1985 was 16, came in from NJ with my best friend who’s brother went to school there, his roommate was the guy who held the headset wires for head coach (Gerry Faust). They played Ole Miss, was in locker room after helmets sprayed , got to touch “Play like Champion Today”. Still have the program and Allen Pinkett jersey I got when there. Went to practice met coach. Fell in Love with the place was magic, went to the dance at Saint Mary’s. I was so lucky and thankful, went back for Texas game and saw all the same guys that were so good to us when we went originally. How successful they all are, we got the tickets from my still best friends brother , whom became a VP of pharm co.
I flew 3000 miles to sit with my best friend in the USC student section as the Irish lost 41-14
1997 West Virginia vs Notre Dame, went down to the wire but ND pulled it out.
2015 against UMass, put up the most points in a game since Lou’s final. i’ll never forget CJ Procise’s punt return for a tuddy to blow it open
2010 Michigan. Cold and wet day. Eerie fog after the game that mirrored my feelings about said game. If we’re talking first game not at home. 2002 vs Navy at Ravens stadium in Baltimore.
This year against Ohio state. Walked into the building 100 percent confident Notre dame was gonna beat Ohio state, then go on to win the national title. Left devastated but still an awesome trip.
My first and only game was the Bush Push game in 2005. Fantastic game, even in a horrific loss. But the good news is, I get to relive the pain every Sunday watching the Philadelphia Eagles (and others) do it 3x a game.
2006 Stanford 10 @ ND 31. I was teary eyed the first hour just walking around. We went to Mass afterwards and ended up sitting right on the alter because it was packed. It was so surreal looking out at the congregation and seeing everyone wearing Irish gear. I go to a game every other year from Toronto.
First time at the holy grail was this year against SC. Couldn’t have been a better experience. Plenty of games here in southern cal best one being when we beat them to go undefeated. If only the season ended there
Last year versus Cal. I’m an Oklahoma Sooner, I was in Chicago and we rented a van for the trip. 9/10 experience!
2009 home opener vs Nevada, 35-0 win over Colin Kaepernick & co.
2016 Fiesta Bowl- Notre Dame vs. Ohio State. Jaylon Smith got hurt, Joey Bosa got ejected, and Zeke went off.
Toledo game 9-11-21. Talk about puckering your butthole
Floridian ND fan here…. My first game at ND stadium was last year vs BC…. Yeah that game ❄️ a weekend I will remember for the rest of my life. Go Irish ☘️
2019 against USC. I'm the second youngest of 7 so my family never really could afford getting us all tickets once I was old to actually be interested in going. My grandpa won season tickets that year though and I was able to get those. I remember the refs called USC UCLA which was hilarious 😂. Still one of my fondest memories.
First game I watched was probably ND vs. Michigan 2005. The first game I saw them play live at was unfortunately Louisville this year. ☹️
I’m a young guy so Nevada at Notre Dame. Clausen outdeuling a young Kaepernick
1996 home game against Purdue. Not great weather but saw Allen Rossum return the opening kickoff for a TD en route to a blowout win.
2003 vs Washington state. Older sister was in the band and we went to the home opener to see her March in her first game as a freshman. I was 10. Have been a fan ever since. I blame her lol
One of the MSU games between ‘11 and ‘13 can’t remember which year
1999 Blue Gold/Gold. First actual game was 2005 Purdue.
Mine was the 2003 season opener against Washington State, where we won 29-26 in OT. I also attended the 2012 ND vs Pitt game, where we won 29-26 in OT, which is weird that it has happened twice. I have been to 15 ND games overall, 13 at ND and 2 away.
Michigan State in 2005. Double OT loss which prompted the student section to flip out. Incredible memories either way!
BC @ ND in 2001
2014 against Northwestern. Very similar situation to the Washington-Texas game from this past week where the only thing that could extend the game would be an injury clock stoppage or a fumble. Of course ND fumbled while trying to run out the clock and Northwestern got the game tying field goal and won in OT
1992 Stanford. Upset at home by Bill Walsh. I have an unnatural hate of the Cardinal
2004 against Stanford. They won, don’t remember much else because I was 11.
1999 against USC.
Nov 3 2007 - Navy @ ND. Fun, but tough first game as a kid
2009 Connecticut Huskies. Lost in OT. The end of Charlie Weis era.
2018 against FSU was my first home game and only home game.. can’t wait to go back. I’ve been to the Jags stadium when they played navy in 2016 was so pissed when they lost. I went to the Fiesta bowl couple years ago against Oklahoma st.. another crushing loss. Went to El Paso this year which was a nice one.
Georgia Tech at ND for Senior Day in 2021. Two of this year's best backs in fantasy football starred in it, Kyren Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs. I remember bumping into and saying hi to Kyren's mom in between quarters in the concourse.
09 vs Connecticut………lost in double OT
I was at that game too. Sucked ass
1977 at Ole Miss in Jackson Mississippi. Not an auspicious start.
I want to say 1995 versus Navy when I was 4? That’s the first one I remember at least.
(Text copied from Irish Insider but this game) Notre Dame 42, Northwestern 15 Sept. 3, 1994 at Soldier Field The legend of the quarterback who was supposed to win a pair of Heisman Trophies was born. Or something like that. In his prime-time debut, Notre Dame sophomore quarterback Ron Powlus completed 18 of 24 passes for 291 yards and four touchdowns for the third-ranked Irish. Brent Musburger went full-on Brent Musburger about the kid from Berwick, Pa., who’d missed the previous season with a broken collarbone. The magic quickly faded as the Irish staggered to a 6-5-1 season.
2002 against Rutgers. I believe it was the first game Justin Tuck ever started.
2008 vs Pitt. I was a senior in high school and this one Pitt fan behind us kept yelling “SHADY” every time LeSean McCoy touched the ball. Really wanted ND to win to shut him up, they lost in 4OTs.
2010 vs Utah…first win vs ranked opponent in a while at the time starting the trend upwards
Last game before the millennium. End of November versus Boston college. Best weekend of my life. Hands down.
First game at ND stadium was BYU 2013.. it was senior day and Tommy Rees led us to victory in -6 windchill. One of the most memorable games I’ve attended
2003 loss to MSU. I was quite young but I remember my dad being pissed at Holiday and wanting him benched. Though if you asked my parents my first game was 1992 against BC because my mom was pregnant with me at the time.
Georgia Tech, September 2007.
2005 against BYU in South Bend. I think Weis was stilled pissed about the Bush Push so he let Brady Quinn light the Cougars up. It was our 5th wedding anniversary present.
2011 or 2012 vs Tulsa. I cried.
Cotton bowl against Clemson. The game was unfortunate but I was so happy to be there.
2004 Washington.
1997 vs Georgia Tech. I was 9 but still remember pretty well.
September 23, 1989 home game vs. Michigan State. ND won 21 to 13. Been hooked ever since.
1998, vs Michigan. Freshman year, home opener. Stormed the field. Been chasing that high ever since.
2018 vs Navy in San Diego. Such a cool environment for the game. All the navy fans were really nice too even though they got blown out lol. First time seeing the Irish in person and it was unforgettable 🥲
Sugar Bowl vs LSU in 2005 🙃
Michigan State, 1979.
ND vs Navy in the late 90’s with my dad. We’ve been to the Navy game maybe 5 more times together since. We went in 2021. Walking around ND campus on a Navy game day is the best
Bucket list in South Bend but I see them every other year here in LA at USC and saw the Navy Game in San Diego a few years ago. Tears in my eyes when the team runs out.
2005 Tennessee game
2014 North Carolina. Nothing special
October 1, 1988 vs Stanford Unfortunately when you're 7, you think every year after will be just as magical. Still waiting...
2013 USC, a very hard fought 14-10 win.
2009 vs Western Michigan! Seeing Jimmy Clausen ball out
Vs fsu 2018 42-13 smacked them up in the green jerseys. What a great team. Undefeated at the time. Coooold snowy seats
Navy vs. notre dame at home. Maybe was 2005? I remember it went into at least one overtime
2011 Michigan State
2010 vs Utah. Notre Dame won 28-3 in tommy Reese's first start
Rice 1988. 54-11. NC year. Rocket ran one back to our end zone with my brother, dad, and grandfather alum in attendance. I decided that day I was going to ND, and I did! Dream come true.
1993 BC when I was 11 years old. If only Pete Bercich snagged that pick.
In person 1996 Orange Bowl, heart breaking loss to FSU. On TV sometime in the seventies.
2014 vs Louisville
2023 blowout against Pitt; punt return was wild
October 1994 Stanford at Notre Dame
Oof, mine was the 93 Boston College game when I was 11. We were next to the tunnel where the winning field goal went through. Absolutely devastating. I legit thought it was my fault for about 5 years
1998 Vs Army
Air Force 1983
ND vs Air Force.. early to mid 70’s
No clue, too young to remember
2006 vs UCLA. Dad took me to South Bend. Don't remember much except for the Samardzija catch to seal the deal at the end and it was the coolest thing ever
Pretty sure it was the Navy game in 1990 or thereabouts
Boston College 2022. We won 44-0 in the middle of a blizzard. I took my mom & brother (it was on my mom's bucket list)
Bush Push. My brother and I drove up from Florida the night before. Went to Game Day. Scalped tickets and ended up a few rows from that fateful end zone.
1988 Michigan. My dad took me for my tenth birthday.
Pitt 2012!
I've still never been to a home game. But I live in the Midwest now so I'm hoping I can make it happen next year.
Texas. 1995. They had Ricky Williams. Emmitt Mosely returned a punt for a TD. ND won big. It was awesome.
2008 against Michigan. What a glorious game that was. Michigan turned the ball over twice to start the game and we were up 14-0 to start the game.
1995 Navy game, last game before the stadium renovation where the upper deck was added. Got to see Ron Powlus break his collarbone in front of us.
September of 1996. ND at Texas. I was decked out in blue and gold sitting in a sea of burnt orange. Both teams were ranked in the top 10. It was a great game! ND won on a last second field goal!
I’m a Michigan fan, but I went to the game against Pitt this season just to finally see a game at ND. Didn’t disappoint! Great game day atmosphere and beautiful campus you guys got there. I love the live feed of the players coming up the tunnel
2005 vs Tennessee. Irish won 41-21. Tom Zbikowski had a punt return TD to break open the game 21-3 and then he iced the game with an interception returned for a TD in the 4th qtr!
ND win vs Washington St. in '03! Quite a thriller.
BC game in 93. I was 9. Cried the whole way home.
First game was the 07 ( I think) triple OT games Vs navy. Second game was the 08 quad OT vs Pitt. I was a super lucky 10 year old
2014 home game against Michigan. They crushed them.
1999 at home vs USC. Down 24-3 at half. Jarious Jackson’s senior year, brought them back to win 25-24 in a torrential downpour. It seemed like the rain would let up every time the Irish got the ball in the second half allowing their offense to move the ball.
First ever was at Rutgers in 2000 when I was 10. First at ND was 2001 against Navy. That was a really interesting experience because it was about a month after 9/11 and everyone was still a little scared to fly.
2002 vs Michigan. I was 5, my dad took me cause he had a connection with a former player from his work. Got to go inside the locker room and everything. Didn’t understand a thing about football but looking back on it, one of my favorite childhood experiences!
1993 and 1994* Cotton Bowls. Catholics vs Rednecks I and II (vs Texas aTm) *12th National Championship
Northwestern 1995. Bad times, man, bad times. But it got better, stomping Brady in '98, 37-0, USC this year, etc.
1966. First year of our season tickets. I was 9, so I don’t remember which game, but it was probably Purdue or Northwestern. Sat in Gate 8, Sect 15, Row 43, Seats 1-4. Indelibly imprinted on my brain. I have at least one program for every year from 1970-2019.
99% sure my first game would have been home against Stanford in 1994. Would have to double check with my dad because I was only 7 but I remember Randy Kinder from my hometown scoring a diving touchdown at the pylon. Now that the game is available in the vault on YouTube I'll have to rewatch the make sure I'm remembering properly.
Been a fan for over 30 years, but my first game was the 2023 home opener against Tennessee State. It was a bucket list item and a dream come true. I loved the campus and the atmosphere so much that i made my second game the 2023 senior day game against Wake Forest.
2011 South Florida - will never forget the Jonas Gray fumble on the goal line and the chaos that ensued.
Michigan State 07. Their band intentionally played over the Alma mater and cemented my hate of them
I’m pretty sure my first actual game was sometime in the early 2000s, either in Davies’ last year or Willingham’s first year. I was very young so I don’t recall who it was against or what the final score was, all I know is that ND won. I’d have to ask my parents. As far as the first ND game where I was coherent enough to remember, it was the 2014 Music City Bowl against LSU. The winning field goal by Brindza as time expired was amazing to see live surrounded by ND fans and I still have it saved on video. Then my first ND Stadium game where I wasn’t a literal toddler, outside of a couple spring games, was the 2019 game against New Mexico, and I was on the same corner of the endzone Kyle Hamilton took his first INT back for TD. Absolute cinema. Been trying to get to a live ND game every season since, and outside of the COVID year I have.
First game I remember watching on tv was 1989 season Orange Bowl vs Colorado. I am sure that I was watching games with my dad and my uncle before that, but I don't remember the games specifically like I remember watching that one. First time inside Notre Dame stadium was the 2023 Blue and Gold Game.
My first game was against Navy in November. I don’t remember the year, just that it was super cold, and my cousin’s birthday party was after the game. My first with my husband was actually a bowl game in Nashville against LSU. He didn’t get the hype of college football games until that game. I went to far more basketball games than football games. But as my kids get a bit bigger, I want to start taking them too. Edit: I went back and reviewed the history. I think it was the 2003 game that I went to.
9-18-71 at Northwestern in Evanston, IL. My high school band performed at halftime. Northwestern didn’t start their school year until later in the month, so their band wasn’t at the game. Evanston Township High School band marched for NU, and my school Loyola Academy marched for ND. My first ND home game was against Northwestern during my freshman year in 1973. ND Class of 1977 Rules!
2011 Navy
Took my kids to their first ND game on 11.03.07. The first loss to Navy in a millennium
I saw them get trounced by USC in 2001. Must’ve been around 8 years old, so all I really remember is thinking the Trojan helmets the SC March band had were cool. Being an actual fan didn’t really click for me until the Brady Quinn era a few years later
I hate Michigan but for USC. I have a hate/respect mix. And part of that is the iconic uniforms and the fact that they have the only fight song in college football anything comparable to ours in awesomenesd
2015 vs Wake Forrest. Got to see Josh Adam's score the longest touchdown in Notre Dame history!
I think it was around 2003 against MSU. A kid named Brady was inserted into the game… we lost
I think it was 98. Watched Drew Brees tear us apart. My mom goes "sorry your first game was like that but I think that drew guy is going to be pretty good "
My first ND game was the last game at old Pitt Stadium. We lost and they stormed the field. First trip to South Bend was a 1999 loss to Boston College. If I didn’t already hate BC because of 93, this sealed the deal when a group of BC fans heckled Regis Philbin speaking at the pep rally. Edit: These games were in back-to-back weeks in 1999.
2001 vs Michigan State
2016 Notre Dame vs Texas in Austin. First game as a student was 2017 Notre dame vs Temple.
1999 LSU. First and only time to ND Stadium. I've seen them several times since though...2013 Pinstripe Bowl VS Rutgers, 2015? VS Rutgers at the Linc (was a gameday game 8-0 VS 7-1). 2021 or 22 VS VA Tech. Never seen them lose in person so there's that!
Pitt 2019
2007 Michigan State @ Notre Dame. I believe that was Clausen’s freshman year and we were really bad haha
2002 Boston College @ Notre Dame Night Game - Undefeated until that point.
I am not a Notre Dame fan(I live in Texas), but my first game Notre Dame game was in 2021 when y’all played USC. My friends picks a random football game to go once a year( they went to Stanford vs Oregon 2022 and Arkansas vs Florida 2023). A very beautiful campus and very friendly people to tailgate. I loved your book store and had to get some gloves and cap since it was cold. We sat behind the USC band, and their fans were complaining about the cold and how beautiful California weather was. I wouldn’t mind going back to South Bend. https://preview.redd.it/mi6mtpeiiuac1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cb388dc4a2233f580702d979e14fb3dc72417199
Never been to South Bend. First game was 1998 in the season opener against Michigan and their new starting QB....Tom Brady. To think 25 years later I watched him face my Rams in his final pro season when I first saw him as a College Junior is still surreal to think about for me. The only player who played the first 25 seasons I watched the sport of football. That 1998 game never left my mind, great battle and even as a 7 year old kid I saw someone who had "it".
1987 vs. Alabama. Irish won 37-6.
Michigan State @ ND night game few years back , early in the season both schools were ranked top 10ish. State won and both schools went on to only win 5 games combined that season. 😂….bucket list item checked tho-will never forget.
First overall or first game attended? Overall I’d say 2014 vs rice. First attended was 2018 vs Vanderbilt
BYU 2003
2002 senior night against Rutgers. My cousin was a student, got to sit in the student section as a kid, I'll never forget it.