Step Inside: Notre Dame Stadium – Home of the Fighting Irish

Home of the Fighting Irish

Renowned for being the home of Notre Dame University’s Fighting Irish football team and the beloved “touchdown Jesus” mural, Notre Dame Stadium is one of football’s most iconic stadiums. Continue reading below to learn more about Notre Dame Stadium’s history and unique features.

Notre Dame Stadium History

This home of the Fighting Irish football team was built in 1930. The team had previously used Cartier Field to play their games, but under the supervision of legendary coach Knute Rockne, Notre Dame Stadium was erected. Rockne had drawn the blueprint for his vision of the stadium, designs that can be seen reflected in the architecture at present. The Irish opened the facility by defeating the Southern Methodist University Mustangs, 20-14, on Oct. 4, 1930. Rockne only had the opportunity to coach one full football season at the Notre Dame Stadium before dying in a plane crash.The venue has since been known as “The House that Rockne Built” by the university and the generations of players who have played there.

It’s been plenty of success for Notre Dame since the stadium was built.o Currently, no college football program has had more Heisman Trophy winners (7) or national championships (11) than Notre Dame..

A beloved facet of the university’s campus that has become synonymous with games played at Notre Dame Stadium is the “Word of Life” mural painted on the facade of the Theodore Hesburgh Library. The image shows Jesus speaking to Christian saints, thinkers, teachers and writers, with the portion of the mural depicting Jesus towering over the walls of the nearby stadium; thus earning it the nickname of “Touchdown Jesus.”

Parking and Admission at Notre Dame Stadium

Free parking is available on Fridays of home game weekends. Due to the likelihood of multiple events occurring on campus on Friday nights, available parking immediately adjacent to Purcell Pavilion, Alumni Stadium, and Notre Dame Stadium will be limited. Should those lots be full, please park in the Innovation Park lot or Bulla Lot. View the parking map at Notre Dame Stadium.

Notre Dame University partners with Waze to provide visitors with mobile parking passes and navigation to designated parking spots. Visitors are advised to have their mobile parking passes pulled up on their phones to show to officers directing traffic and when approaching scanners in each parking lot.

The University of Notre Dame has instituted a bag policy at the Notre Dame Stadium, allowing only clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ in size. Clear bags may have a logo on one side, so long as said logo does not exceed 4.5″ x 3.4.”

The following are NOT permitted inside Notre Dame Stadium: Aerosol cans or bottles, alcohol, animals (service dogs are permitted), artificial noisemakers, cameras with lenses longer than six inches, drones or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), fireworks or explosives, outside food or beverage, glass bottles, GoPro or selfie sticks, halloween-style masks, laser or pen pointers, signs, banners, balloons, stadium chairs or seat backs, strollers, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, marijuana, other illegal drugs, and weapons/firearms.

Notre Dame Stadium Capacity & Seating Options

Notre Dame Stadium holds 80,795 fans. Sections 104-108 and lower deck sections 7-9 come as the most highly recommended areas from fans. View Notre Dame Stadium’s seating configurations. 

Fans looking for an elevated viewing experience of the action have three options: Foley’s Club memberships, Seven on 9 Club Seats and 9 Southwest Boxes.

Foley’s Club is the most limited opportunity, as there are only 325 membership spots available. Said memberships provide exclusive access to a private premium club on a season long basis for Fighting Irish home games. The club is open two hours prior to each game, during the football game and one hour after the game. Seven on 9 Club Seats provide some of the best views inside Notre Dame Stadium and include exclusive and convenient access to the most premium amenities and services within the stadium. 9 Southwest Boxes offer a private seating area for guests at Notre Dame Stadium, allowing for entertaining in a luxurious atmosphere while providing a wide range of amenities. 9 Southwest Boxes accommodate groups in sizes ranging from 18 to 46 guests.

Fans requiring special assistance are encouraged to make ticketing arrangements with the Notre Dame Ticket Office well in advance of home football games. Reserved seating areas for patrons utilizing a wheelchair or scooter or for those with mobility limitations are located throughout the stadium. Seating is available to patrons and one companion. Please contact the ticket office for seating availability in these areas.

Food & Beverage Options at Notre Dame Stadium

There are an abundance of options for food and beverages at Notre Dame Stadiums. A new special offered at concession stands all around the stadium is the “Rockne Brat,” a specialty bratwurst smothered in jalapeño mustard and caramelized onions. Part of the proceeds from each brat sold supports Notre Dame University’s student-athletes through the Rockne Athletics Fund. Restaurants located on site include Chick-Fil-A, Nelson’s Pit-Tatoes, Walking Taco and many more. View the full list of concessions available. 

Mobile ordering pick up is available at various stands inside Notre Dame Stadium. Fans can place an order through the Fighting Irish App, or scan the mobile ordering QR code located throughout the Stadium concourse.