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Notre Dame Football: Writers share their game day traditions

By Paul Walsh

SOUTH BEND, IN - SETPEMBER 19: A sign in a tailgater's car before a game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Michigan State Spartans on September 19, 2009 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - SETPEMBER 19: A sign in a tailgater's car before a game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Michigan State Spartans on September 19, 2009 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Jack Leniart

Like a lot of Notre Dame fans, I make an effort to go to the bookstore and pick up the latest iteration of “The Shirt” before each season. This is an important task for me to complete because if (read: when) the Irish lose a game, I will not wear the same shirt I was wearing during that game for the rest of the season. So I need to have a deep wardrobe of Irish gear.

I also have a few rituals that take place before each game. If I’m at home and not in South Bend, I’ll start the day with some coffee in my go-to Notre Dame mug. At some point during the morning I’ll open up Spotify and play “Here Come the Irish” by Cathy Richardson at least once. That song must always be followed up by “I’m Shipping Up To Boston” by the Dropkick Murphys.

So as to not put myself in a coma, I typically stick to beer on game days. Each can or bottle tightly caressed by the loving embrace of a Notre Dame koozie. Bonus points for cans or bottles with predominantly green labels. Last and certainly least is the wave crippling anxiety that overwhelms Irish fans all over the world for the 60 minutes of play.

Ben Belden

I’m surprisingly not that superstitious of a fan. When I’m at home, I try to make sure I settle in with food and beverage by about noon. I always make sure I watch another game prior to kickoff and I prefer to not watch too much of the pregame because frankly, it gets me too anxious.

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If I’m on campus, I have three staples: First, I always say a prayer at the Grotto for my friends, family and victory. Most times, I head over to Bond Hall for the Notre Dame Band’s Concert on the Steps, which takes place 90 minutes prior to kickoff. I then usually head to the Morris Inn’s back patio to sit down and relax and have my last beverage (or two) before heading to the stadium.

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