Football Fans Visit to Notre Dame

On October 13th, us Pitt fans made the visit to Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, to watch our team take on the Irish in football at the Notre Dame Stadium. After the first quarter, we realized that both the “fans” and the stadium were overrated—perhaps even more so than the football team.

Visit To Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend Indiana

I was under the impression that the original stadium structure would be preserved, so it was disappointing to learn that construction had taken place around it. Aside from the cramped restrooms, the stadium was spotless.

Personnel: Superb personnel! Friendly and well-informed. Exhibits an exceptional amount of friendliness.

Stadium fare: utter garbage.

The Crowd

Loud, obnoxious, self-centered, and crude sum up Notre Dame faithful. The majority of the crowd was hostile. I was shocked to see such a large number of low-lifes in the stadium, given the amount of money that flows through the school. A woman was dropping so many F bombs that I had to warn her to watch her language. Even though we make the trip from all over the ACC to watch Pitt play, this was the worst treatment we’ve ever received from the locals.

Don’t go in with any preconceived notions, come to cheer for ND or you will be harassed, and fill up before the game is my advice.

Where To Stay In South Bend

On our last night in South Bend, a friend recommended we eat at the Morris Inn on the Notre Dame campus. Unfortunately, the Morris Inn was fully booked during our stay, so we were unable to reserve two rooms at the reduced rates for which the inn is known.

Guests can find the Inn on the University of Notre Dame’s campus, along Notre Dame Avenue, before reaching the main administration building (with the golden dome). We were told that the Inn fills up fast on football weekends, so if you’re planning a trip to campus, you might want to consider scheduling your stay around a game.

Just before we sat down to dinner, the skies opened up and it poured. If it had been ten degrees colder, we would have had to dig ourselves out of the snow to return to the airport.

First Impressions on Our Visit to Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame

We arrived at the Inn, and the valet greeted us at the covered portico and led us inside to the main registration desk. While waiting for our friend to arrive, we took advantage of this AAA Four Diamond full-service hotel by exploring the lobby. Sneaking a peek inside the restaurant’s main dining room (Sorin’s), I was impressed by the elegant table settings and extensive wine list.

Upon Rob’s arrival, we strolled down to the ground floor of Rohr’s gastropub and snagged an available four-top high table in the bar area. The waitress quickly appeared with menus and beverage suggestions. Before we sat down to eat, the other two guys cracked open some craft beers, while I sipped on a smooth Malbec.

Post Game Meal Was Fabulous

A charcuterie platter, white cheddar and corned beef fritters, and smoked whitefish croquettes are just a few examples of the creative pub appetizers on the menu. Besides the burgers, sandwiches, and entrées, they also serve soups, salads, and pizza baked in their wood-burning oven. I ordered the Steak and Stout Pie from the “Irish with a Twist” section of the menu. It came out as a little casserole hot from the oven and was topped with horseradish chive mashed potatoes and a sauce made from mushrooms and stout.

It was wonderful food served in a friendly, comfortable setting. Our plan for the next visit to Notre Dame is to book one of the rooms on the upper floor.

Betty White

Betty White writes about energy and environmental issues for print and media services worldwide. When she is not scribbling about renewables, you can find her looking for that perfect cup of coffee at the nearest cafe.

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