The Irish played their first home game of the season Saturday and thousands turned out for the event. They've all been waiting for the game for months. Notre Dame Senior Sam Kaczmarek said, "I'm so excited I hardly slept last night."
Just like most fans, he's been waiting for the home opener the entire off season. And some have been waiting even longer to experience an Irish game at home. Freshman Tim Green said, "First time at a game, first time tailgating for anything. I've been a fan my whole life and now that I'm here I can't even explain how happy I am."
The fact that the wait is over, whether it's been a few months or 18 years, is why this tailgate is so important to the fans. "It's the first game gotta be here gotta kick it off right," said Notre Dame fan Jason Ostby.
And it may seem like just a party in the parking lot. But for some, like alumnus John Rose, the home opener tailgate is taken pretty seriously. "What's most important about the game is the tailgate party so we have three new members this year. It's not easy to become a tailgate member."
But no matter how exclusive the tailgate, one thing's for sure, all fans are fired up about the Irish and their future games. "I cannot wait for the rest of the season. I'm excited I think we'll do well," said Green. "I think we're gonna be good," said Ostby.
All the fans had to be excited about the outcome of the game, Notre Dame beat Purdue 20-17.
