There are many astonishing and unbeatable things about the University of Notre Dame, especially on Game Day. Here, it is not just about the game or the tailgates prior, it is way deeper than that. The University takes pride in their deep commitment to tradition. The field itself has 18 lines, 9 in each end zone, all at 42-degree angles, facing the Golden Dome, for the founding year of 1842. Speaking of the Golden Dome -- WOW (I mean, just look at it).
1. The Midnight Drum Circle: game day begins right on the dot, at 12 a.m. with a breathtaking drummer's circle that you cannot miss. Trust me, it is worth being tired on game day for. Do not stand on the steps of the dome if you plan on graduating, though!
2. The Player Walk: the team and coaches begin their day with mass in the Basilica and then walk across campus to Notre Dame Stadium. If you are lucky, you can even slap one of their hands.
3. The Band of the Fighting Irish: this one does not even really need to be explained. There is simply nothing more beautiful than the harmonious sounds that are present throughout the entire football game, especially at half time.
4. Push-Ups: Doing push-ups in the student section of Notre Dame Stadium is a feeling that cannot be explained. No matter if we have 7 points or 35, you can count on seeing the students lifting one another up, over and over.
5. The Alma Mater: whether you went to Notre Dame, are going there, or dream to attend, you cannot help but join in. As the players face the student section, the band plays the Alma Mater and you and 80,000 of your closest friends join in singing the sweetest of all songs. There really is a magic in the sound of their name.
I highly suggest a Notre Dame visit if you have not been and returning if you have. Lou Holtz truly said it best: "If you've been here, no explanation is necessary. If you haven't, no explanation will suffice."