Hundreds of Notre Dame students will flock to East Lansing, Mich., this weekend to cheer on the Fighting Irish as the team takes on Michigan State Saturday afternoon.
Sophomore Sean McGee is going to the game with over 300 people as a member of the marching band, which traditional travels to away games in the state of Michigan.
McGee said the band usually attracts a certain attention from the opposing team's fans when on the road.
"It can be a different atmosphere," McGee said. "Fans of the opposing team can be really rowdy and hostile."
This weekend, McGee expects the same type of reception.
"They probably won't be too friendly, especially because we have a good chance at winning," he said.
Senior Spencer Howard said the game against the Spartans will probably be the toughest of the season so far.
"I think it'll be a tougher game, but after last week we've got a little more confidence," he said.
Students were able to obtain tickets from various sources including from a Student Union Board (SUB) lottery, at an Alumni Association ticket sale, or from SUB in a last minute ticket sale.
SUB Board Manager Pat Gartland said 370 tickets were originally made available in the lottery. The lottery drawing took place on August 28.
"About 1,200 students participated in the lottery," Gartland said. The winners were able to purchase two tickets at $70 each, which is face value.
Gartland said the tickets are made available by Michigan State through the Athletic Department.
In addition to a number of tickets that went unclaimed, Gartland said SUB received 63 more tickets from the Athletic Department which where also sold at face value to any interested students.
The Alumni Association also sold 112 tickets in a special offer to students.
"Traditionally, we don't do away game ticket consignment programs," said Kathy Maloney, who coordinates the ticket consignment program. "We will [sell tickets] for students if it's within driving distance."
The Alumni Association will also welcome students and Irish fans at a hospitality tent in East Lansing, Maloney said. Students with an ID get free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, she said.
