It’s happened: Your parents bought you season tickets for football. They promise there’s nothing like a Notre Dame football game. Just one problem: You've never liked football. You watch the Super Bowl mainly for the commercials, and your eyes glaze over whenever someone puts on the Bears or Lions or whatever your team is. But someone bought you the tickets, and you don’t want to disappoint them. Here’s how to enjoy a Notre Dame football game without knowing anything about football.
Watch the pre-show. If you get to the stadium at least 15 minutes early for the pregame reading of the Preamble to the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, you’ll be treated to a unique cultural experience. This tradition, which symbolizes the values of our nation, is a great way to start the game. And don’t forget to watch the band. I have personally always found the band the most interesting part of the game.
Watch everyone walk in. It’s a fashion show in itself. Judge their outfits, wonder where they got those beat whomever buttons? Martin’s. Why are those girls wearing cowboy boots? Because it’s fashionable. But don’t those hurt? I guess so, and I think they take them off after the game, or maybe their feet just get numb at some point. It’s a light-hearted way to pass the time before the game starts.
Try to get on the Jumbotron. The Jumbotron is a large screen that displays the game and the crowd. Stand or sit by someone who’s wearing a ridiculous costume of some kind. But whenever there’s a pause in the game, make sure to wave your hands around and dance like a complete maniac. You might just get your moment of fame on the Jumbotron. It’s a fun way to feel part of the game, even if you're not a football expert.
Cheer. Just because you don’t know what’s going on doesn’t mean you can’t aggressively cheer. Regardless of what’s going on or who’s even winning at the moment, your cheers are always a good bet to keep yourself engaged throughout the whole game. It’s a way to show your support and be part of the game, no matter what’s happening. Everyone’s cheers blend into a symphony of support, making you feel like a part of the game.
Sing along to the fight song. Whenever we score a goal, the band will start playing the fight song. This is a spirited anthem that all Notre Dame fans know and love. It might be hard to hear when exactly you’re supposed to come in, but remember that whatever tempo you’re going at is the right speed, and the band will definitely adjust to your tempo.
Beg anyone who comes back from the concession stand to buy you alcohol. This only really works if you’re under the age of 21, but I promise it’s funny every time, and everyone will think you’re super funny. Plus, they might actually go buy you a beer. For any faculty/staff or law enforcement in the tri-campus area, this is a joke. I would not in any way endorse or take part in underage drinking. Though you can just go to any tailgate and get a free beer if you want.
Watch the band; they always have something fun going on. Whether it’s playing the imperial march when the defense is particularly tough or trying to Irish dance with their tubas in hand, there’s always something interesting happening with America's first university marching band. The halftime show is always my favorite, and even when it’s cold and my friends are begging to go get a pretzel, I will stay put giving the band the honor of their due.
Now that you’re good and puckered out from all the cheering you’ve done, head down to the stands and instantly regret spending $15 on a coke and the worst pretzel you’ve ever had in your life. Just put it on your credit card that will never come back to bite you in the butt. It’s girl math, don’t you know?
Community. Most of all you should go for the community because there really is nothing like standing in the Notre Dame student section when we make a touchdown. Even if you don’t always know what’s going on, like what the difference is between a touchdown and field goal, that energy is palpable, and besides, you only get four seasons in the football stadium, so enjoy it.
