Disappointed that several thousand fans were turned away from last month's Michigan State pre-game pep rally, Irish coach Charlie Weis spurred the decision to move next Friday's USC pep rally outdoors to Notre Dame Stadium.
Speaking at his press conference Thursday, Weis said he talked to Notre Dame athletic department officials and encouraged them to move the event to a larger venue after hearing that approximately 5,000 fans were turned away from the Sept. 16 Michigan State rally.
"I think [if] the fans want to be going to the pep rally, they should have a venue to be able to go," Weis said. "We just felt it was the best thing for the fans was to give them the opportunity to be a part of the experience."
Oct. 14's rally will be the first Notre Dame pep rally held in the Stadium since the Irish played No. 1 Nebraska in 2000.
Gameday heading to ND
ESPN's College Gameday program will broadcast from the Notre Dame campus the morning of the USC game, according to Gameday host Kirk Herbstreit.
"From what I understand Gameday will be in South Bend next weekend, and I can't wait to see my Irish ballclub in person," Herbstreit said in an ESPN.com Internet chat session.
The former Ohio State quarterback, who hosts Gameday along with Chris Fowler and Lee Corso, is looking forward to the matchup between the No. 12 Irish and No. 1 Trojans.
"I'm going to go on record and say that [this] Gameday will be the most hyped-up show that I've experienced in the 10 years I've been on the show," he said. "I can't wait to get to South Bend for that one."
A little relaxation
With no game this Saturday, Weis has more time to prepare for USC. But he will also spend a little quality time with his family.
"First I will get Charlie [Jr.] a haircut Saturday morning, and then I will videotape Maura riding on her horse before that," Weis said of his son and wife.
Weis then plans to head home to watch USC take on Arizona Saturday afternoon. But his leisure time won't last long.
"We will be in Sunday morning to gameplan USC," Weis said.
