B1 Block Party
The annual B1 Block Party opened its doors to Notre Dame, Saint Mary's and Holy Cross students for the first time two years ago and has proven to be the perfect way to open a new school year. Held in the B1 parking lot, the Legends-sponsored concert begins at 5:30 p.m. this Saturday. Last year, Guster wowed the crowd. In the latest installment, popular disc jockey and mash-up artist Girl Talk will take the stage to get the students-only crowd jumping. With free food, a host of activities and live music all night long, the B1 Block Party is sure to get the year started in style.
Football Season
It's been far too long since the 2010 football season. In an exciting year of football, Brian Kelly changed the face of the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame took down rival USC on their home turf and the student body stormed the field after defeating No. 15 Utah in the last home game of the season.
On Saturday, Sept. 3, the No. 16 Irish return to the stadium against South Florida to kick off an exciting year of football. The season's schedule features both old rivalries and fresh opponents and will be marked by the first home night game at Notre Dame Stadium in over 20 years when the Irish take on USC.
Women's Soccer
Last season was a good time to be a Notre Dame women's soccer fan. The Irish took down the undefeated Stanford team in the College Cup final to win the championship. This year, the No. 1 Irish return to defend their title and have already defeated Wisconsin in their home opener. Head out to Alumni Stadium this season to watch them plow through the competition.
Hockey
Notre Dame hockey has a new home this year at the Compton Family Ice Arena. Hockey games are free for students and known for an atmosphere of chanting, cheering and lively crowds. The Irish made it to the Final Four last year but were knocked out by Minnesota Duluth. Check out the new stadium as the No. 4 Irish look for a comeback this year.
DPAC's Midnight Movies
In an impressive line-up of films at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center this year, perhaps the most exciting is the Midnight Movies series. This film series, as the title would suggest, offers cult classics and new favorites at midnight in the Browning Cinema. Highlights will include the famous-comedians-before-they-were-famous classic "Wet Hot American Summer," David Guest mockumentary "This Is Spinal Tap," cult comedy favorite "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and the movie that college students tend to love, "Superbad." These movies are scattered throughout the semester and tickets are only $3 for students.
Blue Man Group
South Bend is about to get one of the hottest tickets in town next spring when Blue Man Group hits the Morris Performing Arts Center. The popular live music show, featuring those bald, blue men and their makeshift instruments will be in downtown South Bend for a weekend in April. Tickets go on sale for the five performances Monday Aug. 29, so be sure to get your tickets — they will likely go fast.
Dorm Events
A year at Notre Dame isn't complete without participating in some of campus' beloved dorm events. While some may be cheesy and others just plain absurd, they are always fun and a great way to spend a day bonding with your fellow students.
SYRs
Another Notre Dame tradition, be sure to grab that special someone and drag them to your dorm dance — be it the classy Dome Dance or your favorite themed event. Or you can take the name seriously and "set-up your roommate" to get a good laugh or see if sparks fly.
Legends Trivia
Legends Trivia is beloved by many, but overlooked by many more. Every Thursday night, head to Legends at 9 p.m. for some trivia that will surely test even your Notre Dame education. Grab a group of friends and compete for prizes, from cash to T-shirts. For those of legal age, Legends also has drink specials to accompany the rowdy trivia crowd. But don't be late — trivia always fills up fast.
Senior Marshmallow Fight
This year, the highlight of the Irish football season will hopefully be an impressive record and a strong presence, and an even stronger possession of the ball on the field. But just in case that doesn't excite you enough, don't forget that the last home game, which will be against Boston College, features the infamous senior marshmallow fight. Watch the seniors vent their job-hunting frustration by pelting marshmallows at one another during halftime. And this year, there is an extra reason to look forward to this historic tradition — peruse your local grocery store and you'll see they now sell bags of jumbo marshmallows that are at least twice the size of regular ones. Play a game with your friends and see who can catch the most stray marshmallows in his or her mouth.
Urban Outfitters
Eddy Street has steadily grown and improved since stores started moving in a few years ago. Now the street is set to get a little trendier when Urban Outfitters moves in. There seems to be no downside to being in close proximity to the clothing giant, except maybe for your wallet.
Brothers Bar and Grill
Brothers is a staple at many college campuses, like the University of Wisconsin and Indiana University. Now the popular bar is settling in at Eddy Street. Set to open in October, Brothers is sure to join O'Rourke's as a new fixture for Notre Dame students looking for a fun night out.
