Fighting Irish fans flood Library Lawn for ESPN College Gameday

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- In order to get prepared for a game of this magnitude some prefer their morning coffee, or an energy drink but for fighting Irish fans, they were partying like it was 1988, swarming library lawn bright and early for ESPN College Gameday.

The heat was on as thousands of fighting Irish fans flooded library lawn with touchdown Jesus looking upon.

Some fans even waiting in line a full day before college gameday went live.

"We were first in line at 6:45 am on Friday morning," one fan said.

Some fans even got a taste of the biggest pre-game show in college football two years ago when Notre Dame hosted Indiana, and had to come back for round number two.

"College Gameday is an experience," a Fighting Irish fan said. "I was here two years ago when they were out here and it was amazing. So, I mean, we're here for Notre Dame. The number one team."

That same fighting Irish fanatic had a couple of reasons for being at college gameday this time around.

"Gotta see Pat McAfee," the fan said. "Came here to see Pat, and I mean the sign says that we're here to see Pat, and I want to see Peter – but most of all – give me Notre Dame 34-21. Defense on top."

No matter who the fans showed up to see from Pat McAfee to Nick Saban, for many of the Irish faithful it was a bucket list event.

One that many of their peers experienced in 1988 – with a rich tradition of rivalry and pageantry. One that will once again be looked upon as a cherished memory as the Fighting Irish capped off the day with a 31-24 victory over the Miami Hurricanes.