In the 2024 season, Notre Dame came very close to capturing the elusive national championship trophy, only to see their dream slip away with a narrow loss to Northern Illinois in a thrilling 16-14 game. Despite this setback, coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish took it as a wake-up call and made the necessary adjustments to keep moving forward. The team went on to win every remaining game, with their home stadium becoming a fortress of invincibility.
A key factor in their redemption at home was the combination of coaching, player performance, and the undeniable impact of the home atmosphere. Notre Dame’s stadium became a central part of this success, as the team sold out every home game, consistently filling the stands with 77,622 fans. This raucous support was particularly evident during the game against Florida State, where the stadium was bathed in green light, creating an intimidating environment. The atmosphere seemed to fuel the team, as they demolished FSU 52-3, with standout performances from Riley Leonard and Jeremiah Love.
In addition to the team’s on-field success, there’s another reason for pride among Notre Dame supporters. The stadium, now recognized as one of the most impressive in college football, ranks second in terms of construction cost. Notre Dame Stadium’s renovations, which began in 2014, included significant upgrades with a budget of $400 million. These improvements added new buildings and expanded the stadium to over 750,000 square feet. The renovations have made it the second most expensive stadium in college football, only behind Texas A&M’s Kyle Field. While the stadium’s intimidating atmosphere has been a point of debate, its history and recent improvements only add to its prestige.
In 2024, Marcus Freeman’s leadership was also highlighted by his recognition as the National Coalition Minority Football Coaches College Coach of the Year. His achievements include leading Notre Dame to a remarkable 13-win season, which was capped by a victory over Georgia. Freeman’s accomplishments are even more significant considering he became the first Black or Asian American coach to lead a team to the national championship. He also received the prestigious Paul “Bear” Bryant Award, which honors the best college football coach of the year. Freeman’s excellence extends beyond the field, as he has been recognized for promoting diversity and inclusion within football, making him a trailblazer in the sport.