Notre Dame hoops and hockey offer free tickets to federal workers

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame women's basketball head coach Muffet McGraw made it clear on social media that her program wanted to help furloughed federal workers in the local community. She posted questions of which gestures would mean most and what could make a difference, big or small.

Tuesday night, that desire resulted in action as the women's basketball program partnered with men's basketball and hockey to provide free tickets to select games for those affected by the government shutdown.

McGraw posted the following statement on Twitter with signatures from herself, head men's basketball coach Mike Brey, and head hockey coach Jeff Jackson:

"To the furloughed federal employees of the Michiana community,

In light of the recent partial government shutdown, we'd like to offer our support to the members of our community most directly affected. We recognize the burden currently placed on your families, and Notre Dame would like to provide a fun night out, where you can enjoy a game and a meal while cheering on the Irish.

As such, we're offering complimentary tickets to all furloughed federal employees to the following men's basketball, women's basketball, and hockey games:

• Men's Basketball vs. Georgia Tech (Feb. 10) and Wake Forest (Feb. 19)
• Women's Basketball vs. Georgia Tech (Feb. 3) and Duke (Feb. 21)
• Hockey vs. Michigan State (Jan. 25) and Michigan (Feb. 12)

Fans can show their federal IDs at the Purcell Pavilion or Compton Family Ice Arena box office two hours prior to the afformentioned games to receive four free tickets per ID. Fans will also receive a complimentary concession voucher per ticket, good for one free hot dog or box of popcorn and one regular soda or bottle of water, courtesy of Levy Restaurants. Parking is free for these events.

In the event the shutdown ends prior to the contests, Notre Dame will honor the offer for each of the remaining games outlined above.

We hope this invitation will offer a respite, however small, in the face of the current situation. Notre Dame has always enjoyed the support of this community, and we hope to offer that same support in return.

Thank you, and Go Irish!"

McGraw's tweet also added, "Our fans give us great support, now it's our turn. It's not about politics - it's about people."