After announcing a market-setting deal with Under Armour last week, expect to hear from Jack Swarbrick again soon. That’s because Swarbrick and university president Rev. John Jenkins are expected to reveal the results of a long-awaited study on the expansion of Notre Dame Stadium.
While the details will likely be made public soon, our friends at Irish Illustrated got the early scoop on plans. While the initial announcement mentioned premium seating options, space for classrooms and conferences and additional media resources, Irish Illustrated also confirmed the not-too-surprising development that the redesign will also feature two videoboards.
While certain traditionalists will bristle at the video screens (I’m not one of them), the updates are in line with what’s been happening all around campus and throughout the athletic department. No longer will Notre Dame be known for its old-school “charm” with its athletics facilities, which on any other college campus would be code for antiquated and below par fields, courts and arenas.
The changes haven’t gone on noticed. One recent example is the new Compton Family Ice Arena, home of the Notre Dame hockey team. The rink has been an immediate hit in both the local South Bend community and to college hockey fans everywhere.
In a recent post on Stadium Journey, the new Irish hockey rink, with its videoscreen, indoor Irish pub, and modern amenities, actually ranked higher than the football stadium on their list of best stadium experiences in 2013, with both Compton and Notre Dame Stadium ranking in the top ten.
Here’s the rest of their Top 10:
1. Amsoil Arena
Home of Minnesota-Duluth Hockey
2. Daytona International Speedway
Home of the Daytona 500
3. Compton Family Ice Arena
Home of Notre Dame Hockey
4. Lucas Oil Stadium
Home of the Indianapolis Colts
5. Fenway Park
Home of the Boston Red Sox
6. Heinz Field
Home of the Pittsburgh Steelers
7. Xcel Energy Center
Home of the Minnesota Wild
8. Notre Dame Stadium
Home of Notre Dame Football
9. AT&T Center
Home of the San Antonio Spurs
10. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Home of the Baltimore Orioles.