Notre Dame's New Era Pinstripe Bowl Schedule

Here's what the Fighting Irish will be up to this week in New York City as they prepare for Saturday's New Era Pinstripe Bowl:

TUESDAY:

• Practice at the New York Giants Training Center
• Bus Tour of New York City
• Possible sneak peak at the movie "WOLF OF WALL STREET"

WEDNESDAY:

• Practice at the New York Jets Training Facility
• Santa Claus visits the team 
• The Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall

THURSDAY:

•  Coach Kelly and Team Captains to ring the OPENING BELL at the NYSE
•  Visit to the Observation Deck of the Empire State Building
•  Practice at the New York Giants Training Center
•  Team Welcome Reception at Yankee Stadium
•  First Press Conference

FRIDAY:

• Tour of the 9/11 Memorial
• Walk-through at Yankee Stadium
• Team Photo at Yankee Stadium
• Coach Kelly Press Conference

SATURDAY:

• Beat Rutgers!

Day One in New York City for Notre Dame

Here's the first report on Notre Dame's trip to NYC to play in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl -- enjoy!

LINK:  ND ARRIVES IN NYC

Photo: ND Football Players Visit Rock Center

Fighting Irish Football players (l to r) Bennett Jackson, Lo Wood, Chase Hounshell and John Turner pose for a photo in front of the 47' tall Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center.

Muffet's Fighting Irish Ranked #2 in AP Poll!

The just released AP Poll has Notre Dame ranked #2 in women's college basketball.  The 10 - 0 Fighting Irish are ranked behind the UCONN Huskies and just ahead of the Duke Blue Devils.  Here's the top-25:

LINK:  AP RANKINGS

Domer David Bruton With President Bush #41

Former Notre Dame student-athlete and now Denver Broncos safety David Bruton -- got the opportunity to meet President Bush Sr., while in Houston playing the Texans yesterday.  David's third from the left -- oh, yeah that's Peyton Manning on the right...

4 Notre Dame Players Accept Shrine Bowl Invite

Tommy Rees, T.J. Jones, Bennett Jackson and Prince Shembo have accepted invitations to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl, January 18th at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL.  Congratulations!

LINK:  SHRINE GAME WEBSITE

Pinstripe Bowl Preview -- Inside ND Football

Here's a first look at Notre Dame's game this Saturday against Rutgers in Yankee Stadium's New Era Pinstripe Bowl.  Click on the link below:

LINK:  INSIDE NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL

Photo of Bowl Gear for Notre Dame Football

Here's a great shot of the Football Equipment Room at Notre Dame -- getting the team ready for the Pinstripe Bowl.

Photo of Pinstripe Bowl Patch on ND Jerseys

Here's what the New Era Pinstripe Bowl patch looks like on Notre Dame's football jerseys.

New Adidas "Travel Shoes" for Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish will be wearing a new pair of shoes from Adidas for all of their team activities this week in NYC for the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.  Here's a sneak peak of the shoes that were designed by the team!

Notre Dame's Delta 747 for Pinstripe Bowl Trip

The Fighting Irish have been delayed from flying South Bend for New York City and the New Era Pinstripe Bowl -- because of weather in the NYC area.  Here's a photo of the 747 that will be taking the team and official travel party -- along with the "first class accommodations" the players are experiencing on the plane -- that's ND football captain Bennett Jackson!

Yankee Stadium is Ready for Notre Dame !!!

Here's a photo from Notre Dame's endzone at Yankee Stadium in NYC.  The weather forecast for the New Era Pinstripe Bowl -- six days out -- looks like this:

LINK:  NEW YORK CITY WEATHER

Teddy Bear Toss @ University of Notre Dame

At halftime of today's Notre Dame women's basketball game at Purcell Pavilion -- fans tossed HUNDREDS OF STUFFED TEDDY BEARS onto the floor -- TOYS FOR TOTS. 

It was quite the scene -- watch the video!

LINK:  TEDDY BEAR TOSS

Anaya Jolie Sings Silent Night at Notre Dame

11 year-old singer songwriter Anaya Jolie (from South Bend) sang Silent Night at halftime of Notre Dame Women's basketball game against Central Michigan University.  You'll enjoy listening to this talented young lady.

Notre Dame won the game 106 - 72.

LINK:  ANAYA JOLIE

A Christmas Message from Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame's president Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., released a Christmas message on Friday that is truly wonderful.

Enjoy!

LINK:  MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM NOTRE DAME

Digger Reads "Grinch Who Stole Christmas"

Former Notre Dame basketball coach and ESPN's Digger Phelps "starred" today in a reading of the GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS at the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore.

Phelps read the book to a large group of young FIGHTING IRISH fans with their parents (see link below).  Digger never misses an opportunity to serve Notre Dame...

Digger will be inducted next month into Notre Dame's RING OF HONOR.  A honor well deserved!

When he was done reading he received a gift of a framed photo from Notre Dame's big win -- 40 years ago next month -- over UCLA (photo above).   Digger told the crowd a story about the winning shot -- see the link below:

LINK:  DIGGER TALKS WIN OVER UCLA

LINK:  DIGGER AS THE GRINCH

Notre Dame to Play at "HOME" at Fenway Park

Only Notre Dame could play a "home" football game and would even think to play a home football game in Boston against Boston College...

Think about that.

Is there any other team in America that could pull that off?

This will be the first football game at Fenway Park in 47 years.

LINK:  FENWAY TO HOST HOME GAME FOR THE IRISH

LINK:  FIRST TIME IN 47 YEARS!

LINK:  YAHOO! SPORTS

Fighting Irish on ESPN2 Tonight vs. Ohio State

The Notre Dame men's basketball team is in NYC today to play the #3 ranked Buckeyes of Ohio State in the "world's most famous arena" -- Madison Square Garden.  The game tips-off at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN2.  GO IRISH!

LINK:  MIKE BREY TALKS OHIO STATE

LINK:  COLUMBUS DISPATCH

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

The Fighting Irish Will Travel in Style in NYC!

The Pinstripe Bowl has "wrapped" a few buses with a Notre Dame Football design -- in preparation for the Fighting Irish's arrival Monday evening in New York City.  I just wish they had used a photo of this year's team...

Notre Dame Released Football Schedule Today!

When you have an economic impact of $1 billion annually on the South Bend region -- and one of the big drivers of that are football weekend's -- the NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL schedule is BIG news.

Well, today at 11 AM ET -- Notre Dame's Director of Athletics Jack Swarbrick held a press conference where he  released the 2014, 2015 and 2016 football schedules.

Watch the replay here...


LINK:  WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE RIGHT HERE!

LINK:  SWARBRICK INTERVIEW

Pinstripe Bowl: Kerry Cooks Talks Defense

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame held a practice today in preparation for the Pinstripe Bowl.  After practice, interim defensive coordinator Kerry Cooks met with Jack Nolan.  Enjoy!

LINK:  PRACTICE REPORT

Bob Diaco's Interview with Jim Rome Today...

Former Notre Dame defensive coordinator -- and now UCONN head football coach -- Bob Diaco, was a guest today on the Jim Rome Show.  Enjoy!

LINK:  BOB DIACO WITH ROME

ND's Stayer Center -- Made out of Gingerbread!

A few Notre Dame School of Architecture alums and their colleagues at Robert A.M. Stern Architects created this small scale replica of the STAYER CENTER FOR EXECUTIVE EDUCATION -- made out of gingerbread!  Just click on the photo to enlarge.

Robert A.M. Stern Architects is the architectural firm that designed the Stayer Center for Executive Education at the University of Notre Dame.

Every year the gang at Robert A.M. Stern Architects donates gingerbread houses to St. Luke’s hospital to help out with an organization called Children and Families First -- an organization that helps out families in financial crisis due to medical issues and other hardships.  They also get put on display in the Pediatric Unit, Oncology Ward, Radiation Unit and Physical Therapy Unit.  The people who worked on the Stayer Center gingerbread house are:

• Tony McConnell '06
• Mason Roberts '13
• Victor Marcelino
• Connie Osborn
• Stephanie Medel
• Georgina Harvey

Here's a few of the other DOMERS working at Stern:

• Melissa DelVecchio '94
• Jennifer Stone '98
• Christopher Heim '04
• Jonathan Kelly '08

Follow Skylar Diggins' Week in New York City!

Former Notre Dame All-American Skylar Diggins was in New York City last week -- and, girl was she busy!  It started with her being named by the March of Dimes as Sportswoman of the Year -- and it went from there...

LINK:  SKYLAR'S NYC WEEK

LINK:  SKYLAR ON MSNBC'S "MORNING JOE"

Pinstripe Bowl: ND Football Practice Update

The Fighting Irish had another practice today in preparation for their December 28th date at Yankee Stadium to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.  Here's a link to the coverage:

LINK:  FOOTBALL PRACTICE REPORT

Teammates React to Everett Golson's Return

The folks at WNDU-TV caught up with a few Notre Dame football players to see what they thought about Everett Golson's return to school.  Here's the link below:

LINK:  PLAYER REACTION

A Hat Every New York IRISH Fan Must Have!

Look at this "Notre Dame" edition of a Yankee hat that New Era has created for the New Era Pinstripe Bowl! You can buy the hat at the link below:

LINK:  BUY THE ND HAT HERE!

Photo of the Day: Keough Interhall Champs!

Isn't this a wonderful photo!  The Keough Kangaroos beat Alumni Hall 12 - 0 in the Interhall Championship game at Notre Dame Stadium -- here's the team photo after the game.  Just click on the photo to enlarge!

National Championship Celebration Last Night!

The Fighting Irish Men's Soccer Team -- "aka" NATIONAL CHAMPIONS -- returned home to NOTRE DAME last night for a little welcome home party.

The gang at Fighting Irish Digital Media was in the room -- here's the video!

LINK:  NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Notre Dame Wins NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

The Fighting Irish Men's Soccer Team made history this afternoon -- winning the first ever National Championship in men's soccer and the 30th all-time in the history of Notre Dame athletics!

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!

Notre Dame beat Maryland 2 - 1 after coming back from a 1 goal deficit and the loss of one of its key players Vince Cicciarelli to a shoulder injury just minutes into the game.  Ironically, his replacement Leon Brown scored Notre Dame's first goal with just five minutes left in the first half.

Then with 30 minutes to go Andrew O'Malley (from nearby West Chester, PA) "headed in" the winning goal!

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Harrison Smith Back in Vikings Line-up Today!

Former Notre Dame football captain Harrison Smith is back from injury today for the Minnesota Vikings.  Here's a video clip of head coach Leslie Frazier talking about Harrison's return:

LINK:  BACK IN THE LINE-UP

Great Notre Dame "Stocking Stuffer" Gift Idea!

Every Notre Dame fan should have one of these on their cell phone!  Click on the link below to buy it online:

LINK:  ND GOLD STANDARD PHONE CASE

What Do the Cubs Do With Samardzija?

There was some buzz yesterday on Twitter that former Notre Dame football All-American Jeff Samardzija had signed a $55 million contract extension with the Chicago Cubs...

It wasn't true.

The hard throwing Domer struck out 214 in 213.1 innings pitched this past season -- good for 4th most in the National League...

Does he sign a contract extension or, do they trade him away?

LINK:  SAMARDZIJA AND THE CUBS

Notre Dame Plays for National Championship!!!

We're less than seven hours away from the biggest men's soccer game in the 171 year history of the University of Notre Dame!

At 3 PM ET on ESPNU -- the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame take on the "turtles" from Maryland for a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!  They played two months ago in South Bend and it took 2 overtime periods for the game to end in a 1 - 1 tie.

It's a match-up of the two top players in the country; Patrick Mullins (Maryland) and Harrison Shipp (Notre Dame).  Mullins scored both goals in their win over Virginia in the semi-finals -- while Shipp assisted on both goals in Notre Dame's win over New Mexico.

IT'S GOING TO BE FUN!

LINK:  WASHINGTON POST

LINK:  ESPN

LINK:  MLS SOCCER SITE

Replay of Notre Dame's Football Celebration

Echoes 2013 -- a celebration of Irish football, was held last night at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.  Here's a link to the full replay.

LINK:  ECHOES 2013

Big Win for Notre Dame Over Indiana Today!

The Fighting Irish were coming off a tough loss earlier in the week to North Dakota State -- and boy did they need a win!

Notre Dame beat Indiana in Indianapolis 79 - 72 in the Crossroads Classic.  Here's a look at the game highlights:

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Mike Brey's IRISH on ESPN Today at 3:15 PM ET

Notre Dame will take on the Indiana Hoosiers this afternoon in the CROSSROADS CLASSIC in Indianapolis.  The game will be televised on ESPN with tip off scheduled for 3:15 PM ET.  Here's a story on the game:

LINK:  INDIANAPOLIS STAR STORY

Irish Play for National Championship Sunday!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame will play for their first ever NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP in men's soccer tomorrow afternoon at 3 PM ET against Maryland.  Notre Dame beat New Mexico 2 - 0 to earn the opportunity to play a game for the history books.

It's important to note that Notre Dame and Maryland last played on October 8th at Alumni Field -- and it ended in a 1 - 1 (2 OT) tie.

HUGE GAME TOMORROW!

LINK:  HIGHLIGHTS FROM WIN OVER NEW MEXICO

America's Game: ARMY vs. NAVY -- MUST SEE

This is a game I never want to miss on TV -- a game I want to see in person before I die.  Here's a link to the SHOWTIME documentary "A Game of Honor" -- you'll want to watch this.

For the 114th time today, ARMY vs. NAVY -- the game is on CBS at 3 PM ET.

LINK:  GAME OF HONOR

Pinstripe Bowl --- ND Football Practice Update

The Fighting Irish football team got in another practice today as they look forward to fifteen days from now when they play their last game of the 2013 season.  Here's a look at practice along with some comments from Coach Kelly:

LINK:  PINSTRIPE PRACTICE -- UPDATE

Remember This Guy Notre Dame? He's Back!

It's only 291 days until #5 returns to the offensive backfield against the Temple Owls -- and I can't wait!

Here's a link to what our offense missed this season -- though it sounds like he might throw the ball with his hands on the laces next season!

LINK:  GOLSON HIGHLIGHTS

Welcome Home to Notre Dame Everett Golson!

The University of Notre Dame released a statement today that Everett Golson has been readmitted as a student!

WELCOME HOME!

LINK:  GOLSON -- A BETTER QB

Biggest Game in ND Men's Soccer History!!!

The #3 ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (15-1-6) take on the #7 ranked New Mexico Lobos (14-5-2) today at 5 PM ET in the Semi-Finals of the NCAA Men's National Championship!  The game will be televised LIVE on ESPNU -- beginning at 5 PM ET. 

That's Notre Dame senior forward Harrison Shipp (photo above) -- a finalist for the "Heisman Trophy" of college soccer the HERMANN TROPHY!

To gain a little insight into how the IRISH score goals -- the Lobos have have yet to give up a goal in the NCAA Tournament -- click on the first link below:

LINK:  ND'S DYNAMIC DUO

LINK:  GAME PREVIEW 

LINK:  WNDU-TV

Watch the ND Football Award Show Live: 8 PM

The Notre Dame Football Awards Show will be broadcast LIVE tonight beginning at 8 PM ET by the gang at Fighting Irish Digital Media.  Here's the link below!

LINK:  ND FOOTBALL AWARDS SHOW

Charlie Weis '78 Releases KU Recruiting Pitch

Former Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis '78,  released a video about his recruiting pitch at Kansas.  Take a look...

LINK:  RECRUITING CHARLIE'S WAY!

Watch Coach Diaco's UCONN Press Conference

Former Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco, was introduced as the 30th head football coach in the history of UCONN Huskies at a press conference that took place this afternoon.

You can watch the replay right here at the link below:

LINK:  COACH DIACO'S PRESS CONFERENCE

ND Men's Soccer Arrives at NCAA College Cup!

The #3 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish are in Philadelphia, PA this weekend for the "final four" of the NCAA Men's Division I National Championship!  It's called the COLLEGE CUP.  Here's a photo just "tweeted" by Adam Horvath @ndsportsblogger of the team in the locker room of the MLS' Philadelphia Union.

Domer -- President of Iowa Motor Speedway

Jimmy Small '08, was formally introduced today at a news conference as the President of Iowa Motor Speedway.  Small, a former Irish Guard, is now the youngest executive running a major racing facility in the country.

This past year, Small was named by the Ivy Sports Symposium and SportsPro magazine as one of the "TEN NEXT" stars in the world, under the age of 30, in the sports industry...

Here's a few links to the various TV, newspaper and radio interviews Jimmy has given over the past 24 hours in the Des Moines market:

In the spirit of full-disclosure, Jimmy is our oldest son -- a proud day for our family.

LINK:  KCWI-TV GREAT DAY SHOW

LINK:  KCCI-TV MORNING SHOW 

LINK:  LAZER 103.3 -- MORNING MOOSE RADIO SHOW

LINK:  WHO-TV DES MOINES -- LIVE INTERVIEW

LINK:  NEWTON DAILY NEWS 

LINK:  NEWS RADIO 1040 -- VAN AND BONNIE SHOW

LINK:  NASACAR.COM INTERVIEW

LINK:  ABC-5 DES MOINES 

LINK:  TRANSCRIPT FROM NEWS CONFERENCE

LINK:  DES MOINES REGISTER

LINK:  KCCI-TV -- DES MOINES