Trip/Game Notes

This trip had been in the works since about April of this year with Landon Clark, Rob Christensen, Ty Webb, and Bryan Tippetts all committing early to this trip.  This trip was only considered once it was determined that a Ute home game would not be scheduled the same day - thereby possibly depriving you a full tailgate experience.  It was also made possible with the help of a raving Irish fan, Mark Slattery ("Slatts") that Landon befriended while living in Rochester, MN some years ago.  Slatts drove us slackers around and acted as our guide to a once in a lifetime experience at Notre Dame University.

Slatts picked us four at O'Hare airport in Chicago the day before the game.  We were then driven the 2 hours to South Bend, IN for the big weekend.  Upon arrival in South Bend, we were taken to the College Football Hall of Fame located in downtown South Bend.  We happened to be "lucky" enough to be there while the BYU Cougar football team was given a tour of the HOF as well.  In fact, while playing an interactive trivia game, BYU WR-Todd Watkins joined in on the game with us.  We are convinced that because he faltered so much in the trivia game, he was also thrown off in the game as well (as proven by his numerous dropped balls during the game).  The "Ute curse" extends well beyond the state of Utah.  The HOF was a terrific experience with many interactive games (passing, running, kicking pictures below), college football history, and numerous memorabilia.  We gladly recommend visiting it should you find yourself in South Bend (http://collegefootball.org/).

After visiting the HOF, we then made our way to the Notre Dame Pep Rally held at the Joyce Center (basketball arena), which ND hosts the night before each home game.  A full house of ND fans (as well as a few hundred Y fans) which numbered 12,000+ gathered to hear ND head coach Charlie Weis, QB-Brady Quinn, LB-Brandon Hoyte, and special speaker, former Heisman Trophy winner QB-John Huarte.  The Irish band played school songs and the cheerleaders led the crowd in cheers and chants.  What an experience to see the excitement and enthusiasm by ND fans for their team a day BEFORE the game!  We then checked into our cabin  located in a local KOA campground, which was our place of rest for the weekend.  Slatts brought along a TV and Playstation for us to get our game on with CF '06 which helped pass the time late at night.

The following morning "game day" got off to an early start as were told by Slatts that we had a full day ahead of us.  We arrived back on ND campus to park about 9am and then proceeded to take in the sights that are Notre Dame University.  Slatts walked us over to the ND Bookstore which was packed full of fans and made it difficult to walk around inside.  We then decided to return on Sunday morning to pick out our souvenirs when it was less crowded.  We next made our way over to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic Church located on campus.  As told to us by Slatts, the ND football team traditionally takes in a team Mass at the Basilica each game morning.  Immediately following Mass, the team walks to ND Stadium to suit up for the game, this is known as the Player's March.  What a sight to behold as the team is cheered on by ND fans lining up 5-10 deep along the sidewalk leading up to the stadium. We then gave a quick walk through the Basilica and then around back to visit the "Grotto".  We walked across campus to the ND Library and took an elevator ride to the 13th floor to take a view out windows which are located on either side of the famous "Touchdown Jesus" mural.  After that, we had to get our hands on the famous steak sandwiches sold around campus.  We continued to be amazed at the number of ND fans lingering around campus many hours before game time.  Truly dedicated fans!  The steak sandwiches were absolutely terrific - something that I think will have to make an appearance at one of our tailgates.  Once inside the stadium and into our seats, this is when the true ND experience took effect.  What an experience seeing in person the humble stadium surroundings that is ND Stadium.  The game began with  BYU taking in a early 3-0 lead only to see ND take advantage of a weak BYU secondary the entire game.  ND QB-Brady Quinn set a school record 6 TD passes, 4 of which went to WR-Maurice Stovall.  While walking back to our car we passed many lots where fans continued to tailgate and celebrate the Irish win.  Following the game we were determined to find a local sports bar to take in the World Series Game 1 and hopefully the Utah vs UNLV game.  We found a quaint sports bar just outside of South Bend however, no Utah game was available except for the ESPN "Bottom Line" score updates.  Good thing it turned out to be not so close of a game.

Sunday, found us getting an early start as well since we were determined to get back to the ND Bookstore to get our souvenirs before heading back to Chicago.  After nearly an hour at the bookstore (and some $90 lighter in my wallet), we drove to Chicago and the ESPN Zone to catch the early NFL games.  To help pass time, we also took part in numerous games in the arcade which gave Rob an opportunity to improve on his pitching skills. 

All in all this trip was nothing short of amazing.  It was certainly more than any of us expected which we have to credit our guide, Slatts with.  He was the perfect host and guide for us as he knew how and where to take us next.  Many thanks to Mark and the many gracious ND fans!  We all may have not yet converted to ND fans (yet)  but we have converted to the numerous ND traditions!  We certainly will make another trip soon!   

The Four Horsemen

Pop Warner Death Mask

It's good!

Wide right!

Jake's favorite cheerleader outfits.

A Fiesta Bowl display with Alex!

Some Ute stuff in the CHOF

Rob, Ty, Slatts, & Landon

Yes, that's Lavell - congrats from Utes.

Lining up for Pep rally.

The rally!