Notre Dame Security Police (NDSP) arrested four individual Saturday in the midst of festivities surrounding the Notre Dame football team’s season opener against Rice, Police Chief Phil Johnson said.
“Police made three custodial arrests Saturday at or near the stadium,” Johnson said. “One man was arrested for theft and public intoxication, the other two for public intoxication. Postgame, a man was arrested for shoplifting, [or] theft.”
Indiana State Excise Police officers issued tickets to 17 people in South Bend during the weekend, according to an Excise police report. Police also cited Belmont Beverage on South Bend Avenue for two counts of allowing a minor to loiter, the report stated.
“Three minors were ticketed for illegal possession, consumption or transportation of alcohol. Two adults were charged with furnishing alcohol to minors,” the report stated. “Excise officers also issued 13 traffic tickets, including two for open container violations.”
Johnson said NDSP saw no traffic-related incidents.
“Traffic ran smoothly and there no reported crashes,” he said.
Despite “challenging weather” throughout the weekend, the University welcomed thousands of fans to campus starting Friday, according to Mike Seamon, associate vice president for campus safety.
“It was great home opener weekend capped off by a big victory for the Irish,” Seamon said. “…The weather on Saturday continued to be challenge as rain and storms continued to just miss campus all afternoon.
“We felt that Our Lady on the Dome was watching out for us as we were able to get the game in without incident.”
Seamon said more than 8,000 people gathered in front of the Rockne Memorial for the season’s first pep rally, which was held despite rain showers in the hours immediately before the event.
“The first rally of the season has been held in front of the Rock for the past several years and it was great to see another strong student turnout to cheer on their classmates,” he said.
Other football-related special events enjoyed similarly high attendance, Seamon said.
“Despite the persistent rain on Friday afternoon we had over 3,600 fans and visitors go down the tunnel to catch a first glimpse of the new FieldTurf,” he said. “The traditional Friday football luncheon held in the North Dome of the Joyce [Athletic and Convocation] Center had over 850 people in attendance.”
“Overall it was a very successful first home game weekend and we are eagerly looking forward to this upcoming weekend and the game against Michigan,” Seamon said.
