Coming to The Bend for a Notre Dame football home game means taking in one of the most tradition-rich experiences in sports. While there are many things that should be on your itinerary during a football weekend, these are the bucket list traditions you can't miss.
Football Fridays at the Eck
Eck Visitors Center is a hub of activity from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays before a home football game. There is food, interviews with Notre Dame personalities, performances and much more. Admission is free.
Trumpets at the Dome
From 4:10-4:20 p.m. on the Friday of a game weekend, the Notre Dame Band trumpet section plays in front of the Main Building. They play right in front of the iconic Golden Dome.
Midnight Drummers Circle
Just before midnight on Fridays, the Notre Dame Drumline gathers in front of the Main Building. After the bells at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart ring, the Drumline breaks into cadences. The energy carries right into game day.
Tailgating
Tents go up, grills move into position, cornhole boards get set up — these are all signs that tailgating is about to get underway. Fans collect in the parking lots early in the morning and the revelry carries on all the way up to kickoff. Read our full tailgating guide for the know-before-you-go details.
Victory March
Fans can gather to hear from head coach Marcus Freeman in front of the reflecting pool at Hesburgh Library (with Touchdown Jesus on the building). The team walks from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, where they will attend mass, into Notre Dame Stadium. Performances from the band, cheer team and more will take place along the way.
Alma Mater
The game is a tradition unto itself, but that goes without saying. Staying for the whole thing offers the chance to take part in something else — singing the Alma Mater. Win or lose, the team sings the Alma Mater with the student section after every game. You can (and should!) do the same.
