Waking up the echoes, the neighbors

by Dan Horton
For The Post

Some people believe the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is the epitome of college football excellence.  Notre Dame's tailgating tradition may be no different.

A sea of RVs sits outside Notre Dame stadium as "Touchdown Jesus" and the Golden Dome rises in the distance.  People are grilling hot dogs and hamburgers, talking to old friends, drinking beer, having a good time and waiting for Notre Dame to kick off against West Virginia on a blustery October afternoon.

"This is a good time.  It's lots of fun when you see the same people every week.  I have been tailgating here for 25 years," said Denny Vanpoppel from Mishawaka, Ind. "Most of the people here I know are the same people, but it's also great to set up and meet new people."

The constant similarity between Notre Dame tailgaters is the time of service.  Most of the Irish faithful have participated for a long time.

"I have been doing this for 15 years," said Bruce Albert from Lapaz, Ind. "It's great getting to know the same people and it's always neat that people who haven't done this much, to meet them."

People fly Notre Dame flags high.  Some people proudly fly New York Police Department and New York Fire Department flags, along with the Irish banners to support their country.  A frown cannot be seen anywhere in the crowd.

However, given the football team's sub-par record according to Notre Dame standards, some have seen the attendance declining.

"Twenty years ago there wouldn't be an empty spot," Irish tailgater Joe Horning said. "Now they (Notre Dame officials) allow three hours and you have to be out. If it starts to rain, you can't put something up to cover your food. Everything is real nitpicky now," he said.  "But I love to meet up with new and old friends."

Whether it is declining or not, one thing is for sure: Notre Dame fans enjoy tailgating. Irish fans come from around the country to experience a piece of America, and a piece of college football history.