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The Notre Dame Stadium, located in Indiana, is an outdoor football stadium and the home of the University of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish football team. The stadium was built in 1930 and has a capacity of 80,795 fans. It is one of the most iconic and recognizable venues in college football, renowned for its Touchdown Jesus mural and other unique features. The stadium has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including a $50 million expansion in 1997 that added over 21,000 seats. With a rich history, storied traditions, and memorable moments, the Notre Dame Stadium has become a legendary symbol of sportsmanship and one of the most revered structures in the world of sport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Competition |
| Capacity | 80,795 |
| Attendance Record | Sold out for 249 consecutive games |
| Square Footage | 370,371 sq. ft. |
| Year Opened | 1930 |
| Original Architect | Osborn Engineering Company |
| Renovation Year | 1997 |
| Renovation Architect | Ellerbe Becket, Inc., of Kansas City, MO |
| Surface Type | Field Turf |
| Location | South Bend, Indiana |
| Home Team | Notre Dame Fighting Irish |
| Nicknames | "The House that Rockne Built", "The Word of Life" |
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What You'll Learn
The stadium's capacity is 80,795
The Notre Dame Stadium is a football stadium located in Indiana. It is the home of the University of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish football team. The stadium was built in 1930 and has been expanded several times since then, with the most recent major expansion taking place in 1997. The current capacity of the stadium is 80,795 fans.
The stadium was originally designed by Osborn Engineering Company and the construction cost exceeded $750,000. The stadium was built to accommodate the success of Knute Rockne's football teams, who had been coaching since 1925 and won various titles. Unfortunately, Rockne died in a plane crash after only one season in the new stadium. However, his influence on the stadium's design and the team's success left an enduring legacy, with the venue becoming known as "The House that Rockne Built".
The capacity of the stadium has changed over the years due to renovations and the addition of temporary bleachers. When it first opened, the seating capacity was 54,000, but with temporary bleachers, it could hold up to 61,000 people. By 1966, the capacity had increased to 59,075. The stadium underwent a significant expansion in 1997, with the addition of over 21,000 seats, bringing the capacity to its current 80,795.
The Fighting Irish football team has a rich history and a strong following. The team has won eight National Championships, seven Heisman Trophies, and produced 96 All-Americans. The stadium itself has become a revered structure in the world of sports and is known for its electric atmosphere. The team has a strong tradition of selling out games, with 249 consecutive sellouts and 297 out of the last 298 home contests being played in front of capacity crowds.
The Notre Dame Stadium is more than just a sports venue, it is a symbol of the university's excellence in athletics and a source of pride for the community. The stadium's capacity of 80,795 fans allows for a significant number of spectators to bear witness to the team's achievements and creates an atmosphere that contributes to the legend of the Fighting Irish.
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It was built in 1930
The Notre Dame Stadium, an outdoor football stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana, was built in 1930. It is the home field of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. The stadium was built under the guidance of Knute Rockne, considered one of the greatest coaches in college football history. The original stadium, designed by Osborn Engineering Company, had a seating capacity of nearly 60,000, with some sources stating the exact figure to be 59,075. The first game was played on October 4, 1930, with the Fighting Irish defeating SMU 20-14. The stadium was officially dedicated a week later on October 11, with the Irish defeating Navy.
The construction of the stadium began on April 2, 1930, and it was completed in just six months. Over two million bricks were used in the construction of the walls, and the concrete was placed in a monolithic continuous placement by section. There were over 300 workers on the site, working five 10-hour days and one six-hour day on Saturdays. The average worker was paid $1 per day, with skilled workers earning up to $5 per day. The original stadium measured a half-mile (800m) in circumference, stood 45 feet (14m) high, and featured a glass-enclosed press box rising 60 feet (18m) above ground level.
The success of Knute Rockne's football teams prompted the addition of the stadium to the University's athletics plant. Rockne took a personal hand in the stadium's design, keeping the area between the field and the stands small to minimise the presence of sideline guests. He also designed the parking and traffic system that is still in use today. The stadium's nickname, "The House that Rockne Built", pays tribute to his pivotal role in its creation.
The Notre Dame Stadium has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years. The seating capacity was increased to over 80,000 during a major renovation between 1994 and 1997, with the addition of an upper bowl and more than 20,000 seats. The playing surface was also changed from natural grass to artificial turf in 2014. The stadium is renowned for its iconic status and rich history in college football.
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The Fighting Irish football team play there
The Fighting Irish football team play at Notre Dame Stadium, an outdoor stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana. The stadium was built in 1930 under the guidance of Knute Rockne, regarded as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. The stadium is therefore also known as "The House that Rockne Built".
Prior to the stadium's construction, the Fighting Irish played in Cartier Field. The original seating capacity of the stadium was nearly 60,000, but this could be increased to 61,000 with additional temporary bleachers. By 1966, the capacity had been reduced to 59,075, mainly by decreasing the average seat width. The Fighting Irish have played 449 games inside Notre Dame Stadium, winning 335 of them.
The stadium underwent a $50 million expansion before the 1997 season, adding over 21,000 seats and increasing the capacity to over 80,000. The most recent renovation in 2014 decreased the number of seats to 77,622. The stadium has sold out regularly for home games since 1964, with 249 consecutive sell-out games and 297 of the last 298 home games at capacity.
The Fighting Irish football team is the main focus of the University of Notre Dame's athletic program, which also boasts one of the best intramural programs in the country. The stadium is adorned with banners and statues celebrating Notre Dame's football history. One of the most recognisable features of the stadium is a yellow sign with blue letters, reading "Play Like A Champion Today".
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It's one of the most iconic stadiums
The Purcell Pavilion at the Edmund P. Joyce Center is the home of Notre Dame Basketball and is one of the most iconic college basketball stadiums in the country. With a capacity of 9,149, it may not be the largest arena, but its intimate setting and rich history make it truly special. The stadium is known for its unique atmosphere, with a design that maximizes the impact of crowd noise and encourages a lively and passionate fan base. The arena has been described as a "cauldron of noise," with the student section, known as the "Leprechaun Legion," adding to the intense and exciting game-day experience. The stadium is renowned for its architecture and has become an iconic symbol of Notre Dame's sporting heritage. The distinctive golden dome of the university can be seen from the arena, seamlessly linking the stadium to the broader campus and its famous landmarks.
The Joyce Center was opened in 1968 and has been the home of many memorable moments in college basketball. It has hosted some of the sport's all-time greats, with legendary players and coaches gracing its court. The stadium has seen numerous thrilling games, last-second shots, and memorable upsets over its five decades of history. The arena has also been a launchpad for some of the game's biggest stars, with many notable NBA players having called this stadium home during their college careers. The stadium's iconic status is further enhanced by its association with the famous "Fighting Irish" nickname and the university's rich sporting tradition. The leprechaun mascot is a unique and recognizable symbol, and the stadium is an integral part of this famous sporting brand.
The stadium has undergone renovations to modernize facilities and enhance the fan experience, ensuring it remains a premier college basketball venue. These upgrades have included improved seating, state-of-the-art video boards, and enhanced lighting and sound systems, all contributing to the stadium's reputation as one of the best places to watch a college basketball game. The arena is also versatile, with the ability to host other events such as concerts and graduation ceremonies, further cementing its importance to the university and the wider community. The iconic status of the Purcell Pavilion at the Edmund P. Joyce Center is, therefore, well-deserved, and it continues to be a must-visit destination for college basketball fans across the country.
The stadium's design, history, and unique atmosphere all contribute to its iconic status, and it remains a special place for players, coaches, and fans alike. The intimate setting, passionate fan base, and rich tradition of Notre Dame basketball combine to create an electric game-day experience. The stadium's association with the university's broader sporting heritage and famous landmarks only adds to its appeal, creating a truly special and memorable venue. For fans of the sport, a visit to this stadium is akin to a pilgrimage, offering a chance to immerse themselves in the passionate and intense environment that has become synonymous with Notre Dame basketball. The Purcell Pavilion at the Edmund P. Joyce Center is, without doubt, one of the true cathedrals of college basketball.
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It's nicknamed 'The House that Rockne Built'
The Notre Dame Stadium, home to the Fighting Irish football team, is an outdoor stadium in Indiana. It was built in 1930 under the guidance of Knute Rockne, a legendary football coach at the University of Notre Dame. Rockne is regarded as one of the greatest coaches in college football history, accumulating over 100 wins and three national championships during his 13 seasons at Notre Dame.
The stadium's success and Rockne's pivotal role in it gave rise to its nickname, "The House that Rockne Built". The stadium seating capacity was nearly 60,000 for several decades, until a major renovation between 1994 and 1997 added an upper bowl and over 20,000 additional seats, increasing the capacity to over 80,000. The stadium has regularly sold out for home games since 1964, and it is one of the oldest and most iconic venues in college football.
Knute Rockne was a Norwegian-born American football coach and player who transformed the University of Notre Dame into a major force in college football. He played for the university's football team, winning All-American honours in 1913, and later became a coach. Rockne helped to popularise the forward pass, and his innovative strategies and promotion of the team made Notre Dame a household name in college football.
Rockne's name is synonymous with the success of Notre Dame football. His teams' triumphs prompted the addition of the original Notre Dame Stadium to the University's athletics plant in 1930. Rockne's spirit and legacy have endured, with the stadium undergoing expansions and renovations to accommodate growing crowds and maintain its status as one of the most recognisable and revered structures in sports.
The stadium is filled with banners and statues celebrating the great memories and players of Notre Dame's football history. Traditions like the traffic safety messages delivered by Indiana State Police Sgt. Tim McCarthy and the phrase "Here Come the Irish!" coined by former announcer Michael Collins have added to the stadium's lore. Rockne's impact extended beyond the stadium, as he also promoted various businesses and products, including Studebaker automobiles, which featured a "Rockne" model after his death.
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Frequently asked questions
The Notre Dame Stadium has a capacity of 80,795 fans.
Over 21,000 seats were added in the 1997 renovation, bringing the total capacity to over 80,000.
The original seating capacity of the Notre Dame Stadium was 54,000, but with additional temporary bleachers, it could hold up to 61,000 people.
