Die-hard Irish fans watch as the team and their 15,000 pounds of equipment load up at South Bend Regional Airport.
"We live nearby and decided to watch the plane takeoff. It's an unusual experience, it doesn't happen everyday," says football fan, David Scalise.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for these young men. Many of them have never left the country. It's great," says fan, Barbara Scalise.
Before the plane took off we talked to players and coaches about the big trip.
"It's the first time I'm going out of the country period, my first passport and everything. So I'm definitely excited about that and to play the game I love out there is going to be special," says ND running back, George Atkinson III.
"We're excited, especially to play in Ireland. At the end of the day we just want to get a victory," says running back Theo Riddick.
Playing a football game internationally is a rare opportunity and Notre Dame has only done this three times before. In 1979, ND defeated Miami in Tokyo. In 1996, the Irish knocked off Navy in Ireland and of course Saturday they'll play Navy again on the Emerald Isle.
"It's a neat experience and great opportunity for these kids, but at the end of the day, I think they all understand why they're here," says ND assistant coach, Kerry Cooks.
This morning the team reported to practice at 5:20. For head coach Brian Kelly, it was simple, get the guys up early so they would sleep on the 7 hour flight.
"I think I was looking at the clock every five minutes, but when Chad came in and said 'all accounted for' at 5:20, I had a sigh of relief," says Coach Kelly.
The Irish may be heading across the pond, but fans will be watching here.
"They better win some games, that's all I know," says Dan Allin.
Because of the time change fans here in South Bend will have to adjust their game day schedule as well. Kickoff will be Saturday at 9:00 AM South Bend time.
