Following a thrilling 49-35 victory over the University of Southern California Trojans, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish now appear set to host a home football playoff game on Dec. 20 or 21. As students write their last essays and prepare for their final exams, they may also look forward to attending the first playoff game ever played at Notre Dame Stadium.
On Nov. 25, Notre Dame Athletics sent an email to students announcing the student section for the game would be “similar” to regular season games, but would be “limited.” Tickets will be available to all Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross College students.
“If demand exceeds supply, a lottery will be conducted,” the email read. “Should this happen, priority will be given to students who had season tickets for the 2024 regular season.”
However, in an email to The Observer, director of football communications Claire Cunningham explained “the same sections and ticket quantities are available to students as in the regular season.”
Cunningham noted the College Football Playoff (CFP) set the price for student tickets at $25 and also had final approval on how many seats were allocated at each price point in the stadium.
In a phone call with The Observer, account specialist for the ticket office Collin Daniels stated there would be between 8,000 and 10,000 tickets available for students. He said he did not foresee a lottery being conducted for the first home playoff game. He noted a lottery system might be necessary, however, for student tickets for a potential second playoff game at a neutral location.
As of Dec. 3, “we are not in a lottery status for student tickets,” Cunningham wrote.
Students must request tickets for the playoff game by Dec. 5.
