From the end zone to the press box shadow, some things never change. Freshmen and seniors reflect on game day tradition.
For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we’re diving into the timeless traditions that make Notre Dame game days so special. In this article from The Observer, Laura Rompf captures the contrasting experiences of seniors and first-year students as they navigate the excitement and rituals of their first football Saturday. Whether it’s the thrill of tailgating at Turtle Creek or the awe of sitting in the student section for the first time, this piece beautifully encapsulates the spirit that unites generations of Notre Dame students.
Game Day Tradition
By Laura Rompf
Seniors and first-year students not only sit on different ends of the student section during Notre Dame home football games, but they also have different experiences throughout the weekend. Last weekend was no different.
7:45 a.m.
Senior John Dickas woke up early Saturday morning. His Turtle Creek apartment would soon be full of friends, and he had to start cooking breakfast. Like many seniors, Dickas’ football Saturday began with tailgating. He served eggs, bagels, and drinks to his guests.
“I enjoyed hosting the tailgate a lot,” he said. “Freshman year, I didn’t know the people throwing the tailgates I went to. I didn’t really know what was going on. I’d much rather have the confused freshmen in my living room than be the confused freshman in the living room.”
From Turtle Creek, Dickas continued tailgating in the parking lots surrounding the stadium before going into the game shortly before kickoff.
11:00 a.m.
Unlike Dickas, freshmen Lindsay Wind, Betsy Schroeder, Cara LeBlanc, and Molly Donnelly were still asleep at 7:45 a.m. Their football Saturday began by watching their friend perform in the marching band’s Concert on the Steps at Bond Hall.
Wind said Saturday was the first time she truly knew she was a Notre Dame student. “I finally had the realization that I am here,” she said. “The school spirit was awesome.”
Each freshman already recognized that Notre Dame’s spirit is different from other colleges. “At state schools, you do not get spirit like that,” LeBlanc said.
Noon
Once inside the stadium, the freshmen looked toward the seniors, like Dickas, who had already learned the cheers.
Dickas knew the correct time to yell “Irish” during the kickoff. He knew at the end of the third quarter the band would play the “1812 Overture,” and everyone would chant “Bob.” He knew that people would be hoisted in the air after each Irish touchdown to imitate the leprechaun and do push-ups.
However, Dickas said there was still a feeling of newness and anticipation for Saturday’s game.
“Freshman year, I didn’t know what to expect, and because over the past three years I’ve seen some really good games and some bad games too, I have the same excitement because I don’t know what to expect,” he said.
The most notable difference between seniors and freshmen is their seats.
“Obviously, our seats were different from previous years, out of the corner and in front of the press box. Although the view of the game was not that different, the view of the crowd was very different. You’re more a part of the regular crowd,” Dickas said.
The freshmen said sitting in the student section was very emotional.
“It was awesome being there with all the upperclassmen, learning the cheers, and watching people being thrown up to do push-ups. I realize I need to get in shape to stand for four hours,” Wind laughed.
Although Donnelly had been to Notre Dame games before, sitting in the student section was a new experience.
“I grew up in South Bend, so I had been to several games before, and I would always look over at the student section,” she said. “Today I couldn’t see it, but I knew I was part of it.”
Schroeder echoed a similar realization.
“I had watched the student section before, but today we were all together. It was absolutely awesome,” she said. “I loved when the football players came over and cheered with us at the end of the game. They acknowledged the fact that they are students with us.”
3:30 p.m.
As the game ended and the Irish beat Texas A&M 24-10, the freshmen’s first game as Notre Dame students came to an end.
“I think it is only going to get better,” Wind said. “We had to win, and we did.”
Donnelly noted that singing the “Alma Mater” after much of the bleachers had cleared out showed the common bond among students.
“When everyone sang, it really brought the classes together,” she said. “If you were a freshman or a senior, it didn’t matter.”
Exhausted, sunburned, and hungry, the freshmen returned to Badin. Some slept. Some showered. Each one reflected on the events of the day.
“We’re going to remember that forever,” Schroeder said. “Our first football game, and we upset Texas A&M.”
4:00 p.m.
Unlike the freshmen, Dickas’s football Saturday was not finished yet.
After the game, he returned to the parking lots around the stadium for more tailgating. From there, he headed back to Turtle Creek, where he swam with friends before getting ready to go out to a post-game celebration party.
Although the anticipation and excitement of freshman year are so abundant, Dickas said he’s happy as a senior.
“I enjoyed each stage then, but I am glad I am where I am now.”
But closer than ever is the time when he will no longer stand for the four-hour games — he’ll be sitting. He won’t recognize 95 percent of the people around him — he may only know two or three. He may not even stay for the school’s fight song — he’ll rush out to try to beat traffic and make it home at a reasonable hour.
“It’s going to be weird next year — to be an alumnus. I see them in the parking lot talking to people they haven’t seen in months or even years. They look like they are having a lot of fun. But in the games, it seems that they are reliving the memories I am having now.”
So Dickas has decided to take full advantage of each minute he has left of football weekends as a Notre Dame student. Even if that means getting up earlier on Saturday.
As we reminisce on these cherished game day traditions, it’s clear that Notre Dame football is more than just a sport—it’s a rite of passage that bonds students, past and present. Whether you’re a senior savoring your final season or a freshman experiencing it all for the first time, these moments become treasured memories that define your time at Notre Dame. Here’s to the unforgettable Saturdays that bring us together, no matter where we are in our journey.
P.S. What’s YOUR favorite game day tradition(s)? Comment below … I’d love to hear them!
Cheers & GO IRISH!