Every Saturday in the fall, rain or shine, thousands of fans flock to Notre Dame Stadium to cheer on the Irish. But long before we even set foot inside the house that Rockne built (and long after we leave), there’s an essential group of people already standing on the front lines — the ushers.
Whether you're an Irish fan or supporting the opposing team, to the ushers, everyone is a guest. They greet us with a warm “welcome to Notre Dame,” guide us to our seats, manage traffic in the stands and ensure that every aspect of the game day experience runs smoothly.
As a sports media and culture minor, I’ve dedicated my capstone project this semester to exploring and illuminating the football usher experience at Notre Dame. To culminate the semester, I’ll be releasing a seven-episode podcast series featuring interviews and stories that provide a deeper look into their role. I have had the privilege of speaking with several ushers from diverse backgrounds, each offering unique insights into their experiences at Notre Dame and beyond. Through these conversations, I’ve come to understand a side of gameday that fans rarely see.
I have spoken with people like Cappy, retired director of stadium ushers, whose wealth of knowledge and leadership transformed the program into what it is today. I’ve also talked with Mike, an usher captain who treats each game like the first, and Neil, who has countless stories to share through his decades in the role. I met people like Adam, a lifelong Notre Dame fan who turned his passion into a job, and Chad, who serves Notre Dame in a variety of roles in addition to ushering. I’ve met Annemarie, a trailblazer who represents women in the usher role, traveling hundreds of miles each weekend for the games.
Despite their different backgrounds and positions, each usher shared a deep sense of pride in their role as an ambassador for Notre Dame.
So, as we gear up for the big playoff game in two weeks and campus comes alive again after finals, take a moment to appreciate the ushers who travel from near and far to make the fan experience unforgettable. As students, it’s hard to appreciate this sometimes as we become caught up in the rush to our seats or lost in the energy of the buzzing crowd. Whether it’s offering a simple thank you, showing patience when the line to the bleachers stretches across the concourse or just being on your best behavior, every small gesture counts. These men and women are not just facilitating a gameday, they’re creating lasting memories for all of us.
Our ushers as a vital part of the Notre Dame community, with their unwavering dedication and the countless stories they carry, so it's time they receive the thanks they deserve. And as we wrap up, make sure to check out my podcast later this semester!
