Tailgaters pumped about new season, new traditions

September 03, 2011|By Kelli Stopczynski (kstopczynski@wsbt.com), Click here to become a fan of Kelli on Facebook | By Kelli Stopczynski (kstopczynski@wsbt.com), Click here to become a fan of Kelli on Facebook

NOTRE DAME – There’s nothing quite like a gorgeous parking lot sunrise over port-a-potties to set the mood for Irish tailgaters. Thousands of fans braved the heat and humidity to tailgate before kickoff Saturday. The season opener marked plenty of tradition, but there were also a few changes fans looked forward to embracing.

“It gets better and better every year,” said South Bend resident Patti Hoskins. “My kids are standing at the end of my bed at 6 a.m., jumping up and down saying, 'It's Irish, it's time to go!'”

Family and friends combined with food and fun added up to pre-game attitudes that just might be a bit more optimistic this season.

“I think everybody’s on board for Coach Kelly to charge up the troops and the fans alike,” said tailgater Dan Morrow.

“We’re going to be good this year,” added Mike Vargo.

Fans were also excited about a number of changes this year. In one of them, Coach Kelly made the decision to change the route the players walk before each game – including bringing them through the parking lot on the south side of the stadium on buses, among tailgaters after the traditional mass at the Basilica.

“They need that, more involvement with the fans,” Vargo said.

“It should fire the team up,” Hoskins added. “It’s more for them than it is for us.

There’s also a brand new food experience alongside the traditional fare for fans inside the stadium.

“People are demanding a little more than the traditional fare,” said Centerplate, Inc. Regional Executive Chef Kip Peters.

Centerplate gave WSBT a sneak peek (and taste!) Saturday morning of several new concession items. One of them – upscale carving stations that feature the choice of prime rib, turkey or pot roast sandwiches.

“It’s like a Sunday dinner on a bun,” said Peters of the pot roast sandwich.

From new food to new traditions, fans were certainly on board for a brand new football season…and many more beautiful Saturday sunrises over campus.

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