Irish Echoes: Time-honored Notre Dame campus traditions stay strong

The original edition of this Notre Dame football article appeared in the Sept. 10 issue of Blue & Gold Illustrated. Sign up for a subscription or order a single issue here.

These are bewildering times for traditionalists in college football.

The transfer portal has made thousands of players essentially free agents. Dollars paid in name, image and likeness deals almost guarantee abuse. Massive media agreements dwarf anything previous. What used to be conferences are now coast-to-coast marketing alliances. More shifting is likely. The College Football Playoff is now a 12-team affair.

But when Notre Dame opens its 135th home season against Marshall Saturday (2:30 p.m. ET), some things will be certain.

Alums and other fans from near and far will gather and renew friendships and traditions. Whether it’s Sean Quinn (’94) and his pals having a quiet “top o’ the morning” at Rockne’s grave, or the biggest, loudest bash in Tailgate Heaven, the celebration of another Fighting Irish season will begin. And all the noise of the larger college football world takes a back seat.

Across the acres of parking outside Notre Dame Stadium, various flags — of families, Notre Dame clubs, high schools or other teams — pinpoint the locations of countless tailgate parties. Some have held the same location for decades and are long-standing meeting places for friends.

Marcus “The Admiral” Wolnitzek (’99), senior football manager in 1998, holds forth in a location that attracts lots of folks from the Cincinnati area with its specialties like cheesy-melt and potato chili. Once a season, the bash is known as The Uber, with special additions attracting as many as 250 visitors.

Wolnitzek crosses paths with lots of ND fans on his travels.

“A lot of people I come across mention that they’ve been to one of my Uber tailgates over the years,” Wolnitzek said. “It’s taken on a life of its own.”

Some events are annual gatherings. A group of 1991 alums, mostly from Grace Hall, started tailgating around the theme of a Bachelor Bounty, a pool for the last member of about 50 to be married. The winner (Dr. Michael Rodricks in 2010) donated the kitty back to the group for future tailgates.

“Our annual tailgating experience continues to energize the lifelong friendships that began on campus 30-plus years ago,” Mike Nead (’91) said. “No matter the weather or the game outcome, it is always a day full of connection, laughter, food and great stories.”

More Notre Dame football:

• Friday 5: Marcus Freeman makes clear his say in Notre Dame’s offensive game plan for Ohio State

• Hey Horka! Tyler Buchner, the Notre Dame offense and Marshall predictions

Those taking in the sights and sounds of campus itself also don’t go hungry. In between photo opportunities in front of the Dome, a visit to the Basilica or Grotto, many make their traditional stop for a Knights of Columbus steak sandwich, a tradition for half a century. Others make a point of supporting food stands operated each game by a shifting roster of student organizations, including club sports teams.

Gameday represents an opportunity to replenish one’s Fighting Irish swag. For some, that’s the “dropping of the hundreds” at the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore. Others make the short trek off-campus to Augie’s Locker Room at 1811 South Bend Avenue. Or, as proprietor Jim Augustine said, “The ND football museum where you can buy some of the exhibits.”

There are also bargains to be found at the sales tables outside the Basilica, manned by volunteers to benefit the charities of Sacred Heart Parish.

Strike up the band

So much tradition, color and pageantry of game day is tied up in the Band of the Fighting Irish, it’s natural that many Notre Dame fans build some of their traditions around enjoying the atmosphere created by the band.

When Larry Dwyer, Notre Dame assistant director of bands, was an ND student in the 1960s, the pre-game Concert on the Steps was a well-established tradition.

“At the time, the entire band had about 100 members, so the concert was performed on the front porch and steps of the Main Building,” Dwyer said. “As the band grew over the years, it eventually moved to Bond Hall, where it is still performed today.”

Crazed parents of band members stake out “front row seats” hours before the performance. Great anticipation builds, until the dulcet tones of longtime band announcer Jon “JT” Thompson welcomes the thousands who pack the acres in front of Bond Hall. “Led by the Irish Guard, the Band does its unique hike-step drill to Hike, Notre Dame …”

The Irish Guard performs perhaps its most important role on the march to the Stadium, literally guarding the Band and clearing the way for its procession past thousands of fans crammed six or more deep along the route.

A parade of another sort is a can’t-miss for many fans. The player walk, which brings the team in full view with the Word of Life “Touchdown Jesus” mural providing the backdrop, cements the connection between team and fan base leading up to game time.

For many alums and fans, the festivities begin Thursday or Friday. There are gatherings for the various giving societies and other groups. Alums like Tony Zupcic (’70), who comes from central New Jersey, may invite hometown friends to join him, or simply reconnect with Notre Dame classmates once on campus. From Friday Band practice on through the weekend, there is no lack of activities.

“The key to a football weekend at ND is not to overdo it by trying to do too much,” Zupcic said. “We try to enjoy a number of different things each trip and still find some time to just relax and take in the overall experience.”

Traditions. Friendships. Community.

In the end, it’s what matters most.