Ohio-based Notre Dame fan club prepares for college football championship game

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Notre Dame football brings fans together no matter where they are, and Columbus, Ohio, is no exception. 

Mark Hissom founded the Notre Dame Fan Club of Columbus out of curiosity, to see how many fellow Irish fans were in Columbus.  

Slowly, the Facebook group started growing and growing and by 2015, the club began hosting official watch parties at Dempsey's restaurant in the heart of downtown Columbus. 

With 900 members, the club brings 100 to 200 fans to their watch parties, transforming Dempsey's into a sea of navy blue and gold every gameday. 

"I love being a part of this club. When you're inside Dempsey's on a game day, it's like being in South Bend. When you step out the door, you have no idea you're in downtown Columbus. It's really special for us. The amount of people we've met over the years, both alumni and fans, from all over the country to watch games has been awesome," Hissom said. 

With game day quickly approaching on Monday, Hissom says he’s sticking to his usual tradition and saving all his energy for the big game. 

He says if the Irish win, there's a possibility he'll make a trip to South Bend and celebrate in Irish territory.  

"The playoffs have been Christmas for me with Notre Dame in it and winning. I'm just hoping the weekend goes by fast enough and Monday gets here. It's going to be a long weekend waiting for Monday to get here. We'll try to keep the energy for Monday," Hissom said.