The University of Notre Dame is an institution steeped in tradition. From the signature golden dome atop the school’s main administration building to the “Play Like a Champion Today” sign that football players ritually slap on their way to the gridiron, it’s easy to become enamoured with the history of Notre Dame.
The football team attracts players – and fans – from Florida to Hawaii so it’s not unusual to see a Fightin’ Leprechaun shirt or hat in any stadium these days. Until the Irish make their next run for a national title, here are five items every Notre Dame fan should own.
Irish Mini Helmet
The Notre Dame football helmet design is classic merely in its simplicity. The real Notre Dame gameday helmets also have actual gold flakes mixed into the paint, but these souvenir models are flake free. Still, they’re perfect for autographs from any of the Irish’s legendary players.
Champion Banner
Though the origins of the phrase remain cloudy in Notre Dame history, the current “Play Like a Champion Today” sign was commissioned in 1986 by then-coach Lou Holtz, who as legend goes saw an old version of the sign while leafing through old photo albums. Whether old or new, honor the tradition today with this hanging banner.
Notre Dame Cap
That Notre Dame logo on the cap will help you stand out as a member of one of the largest fan bases of any university. Make sure you have it ready the next time the Irish play a “Game of the Century” against one of their many rivals.
Polo Shirt
Honor the aura of Notre Dame with this gameday polo shirt. Wear it autumn afternoons at historic Notre Dame Stadium in the shadow of “Touchdown Jesus” along with 77,000-plus other Irish fans.
Golf Club Headcovers
If there’s anything as sacred as 60 minutes of football inside Notre Dame Stadium, it’s 18 holes of golf on the day before or after a game. Keep the ball on the fairway with these Irish-themed golf club headcovers.
