The Shamrock Series has become an eagerly anticipated tradition in Notre Dame football, offering Subway Alumni fans across the country an opportunity to witness the Fighting Irish in action at neutral site venues. Since its inception in 2009, this series has not only showcased exciting games but also unveiled special alternate uniforms that pay tribute to Notre Dame’s rich history while adding a unique twist to their iconic look. Let’s take a closer look at each Shamrock Series game and the remarkable uniforms worn by the Fighting Irish.
Editors Note: I was lucky enough to attend two of the Shamrock Series games in-person. As a kid, I had hoped to see a game in-person where they donned the green jerseys. And that dream finally came true when I saw play them at Yankee Stadium in 2010 and FedEx Field in 2011.
Previous Shamrock Series Games
2009: Notre Dame vs. Washington State – “Tradition Meets Innovation”
Venue: Alamodome, San Antonio
Result: Notre Dame 40, Washington State 14
The inaugural Shamrock Series game took place in San Antonio, Texas, where Notre Dame faced off against Washington State. Not deviating from their traditional home uniforms, the Fighting Irish retained their classic navy blue jerseys and gold helmets for this historic contest. The familiar colors provided a solid foundation for the series’ beginnings.
2010: Notre Dame vs. Army – “A Tribute to the Past”
Venue: Yankee Stadium, New York
Result: Notre Dame 27, Army 3
In a throwback to the legendary 1946 Game of the Century, Notre Dame took on Army at Yankee Stadium. The Fighting Irish introduced their green jersey, a fan favorite, paired with gold pants. This nod to the team’s past resonated with fans, as they witnessed a dominant victory on the hallowed grounds of Yankee Stadium.
2011: Notre Dame vs. Maryland – “Shining Gold in the Nation’s Capital”
Venue: FedEx Field, Landover
Result: Notre Dame 45, Maryland 21
Notre Dame traveled to Landover, Maryland, to face the Terrapins at FedEx Field. The Fighting Irish donned their signature green jerseys and gold pants, with helmets featuring a striking 24-carat gold finish. These uniforms not only highlighted the team’s iconic colors but also celebrated the storied heritage of Notre Dame football.
2012: Notre Dame vs. Miami – “Making Waves at Soldier Field”
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago
Result: Notre Dame 41, Miami 3
At Soldier Field in Chicago, Notre Dame squared off against Miami in a game that showcased the team’s determination and resilience. The Fighting Irish sported jerseys with blue accents and gold numbers, complemented by two-tone helmets featuring both gold and navy elements. While the uniforms received mixed reviews, the dominant on-field performance sealed an impressive victory.
2013: Notre Dame vs. Arizona State – “Radiant in White and Gold”
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Result: Notre Dame 37, Arizona State 34
The matchup with Arizona State brought an all-white ensemble for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish showcased clean white jerseys with bright gold accents and helmets adorned with a distinctive shamrock logo. The contrast between the white and gold exuded a sense of vibrancy, while the hard-fought victory in a thrilling contest left a lasting impact.
2014: Notre Dame vs. Purdue – “Bold in Blue and Gold”
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Result: Notre Dame 30, Purdue 14
Lucas Oil Stadium played host to a clash between Notre Dame and Purdue. The Fighting Irish donned all-blue uniforms with gold trim, perfectly combining tradition and innovation. The helmets featured the iconic ND superimposed logo, adding a touch of modernity to an otherwise classic design. Notre Dame’s dominant performance underscored the power of these striking uniforms.
2015: Notre Dame vs. Boston College – “Emerald Elegance at Fenway Park”
Venue: Fenway Park, Boston
Result: Notre Dame 19, Boston College 16
Taking the field at Fenway Park, Notre Dame showcased vibrant green jerseys paired with gold helmets. The all-green ensemble created an electrifying visual spectacle, while the gold accents added a touch of elegance. Despite a closely contested game, the Fighting Irish emerged victorious, etching their name in the Shamrock Series history.
2016: Notre Dame vs. Army – “Proud Patriotism in San Antonio”
Venue: Alamodome, San Antonio
Result: Notre Dame 44, Army 6
Returning to the Alamodome in San Antonio, Notre Dame faced Army once again in a game that highlighted the team’s unwavering patriotism. The Fighting Irish donned uniforms with a camouflaged design, symbolizing their commitment to both God and country. The helmets featured an intricate illustration of the motif above the Basilica doorway, underscoring Notre Dame’s deep-rooted values.
2018: Notre Dame vs. Syracuse – “Classic Charm at Yankee Stadium”
Venue: Yankee Stadium, New York
Result: Notre Dame 36, Syracuse 3
At Yankee Stadium, Notre Dame celebrated the timeless connection between college football and baseball. The Fighting Irish introduced pinstriped pants, paying homage to the iconic New York Yankees. The navy blue jerseys and gold helmets maintained the team’s classic charm, while the overall aesthetic added a touch of nostalgia. The resounding victory solidified the importance of this special game.
2021: Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin – “Dominance in the Windy City”
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago
Result: Notre Dame 41, Wisconsin 13
Returning to Soldier Field in Chicago, Notre Dame faced off against Wisconsin in an emphatic fashion. The Fighting Irish showcased a combination of navy blue jerseys, gold pants, and gold helmets with iconic ND logos. The uniforms exuded a sense of tradition and confidence, perfectly complementing Notre Dame’s stellar performance that culminated in a resounding victory.
2022: Notre Dame vs. BYU – “Victorious in Las Vegas”
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Result: Notre Dame 28, BYU 20
The 11th edition of the Shamrock Series witnessed Notre Dame facing Brigham Young University (BYU) in a thrilling matchup at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Fighting Irish showcased their new alternate uniforms for the game, featuring white jerseys and white pants with gold trim on the numbers and designs, while the gold helmets retained their traditional look with no logos.
The iconic Golden Dome adorned each shoulder, with “Notre Dame” emblazoned above the chest numbers. The redesigned shamrock sleeve logo paid homage to the university’s rich football heritage, viewed through an “Art Deco lens.” The golden shamrock on the back of the jersey displayed the year of the game.
On the field, Notre Dame displayed their resilience and skill, with quarterback Drew Pyne leading the charge. Pyne threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns, while standout receiver Michael Mayer caught 11 passes for 118 yards and two scores. The Fighting Irish secured a hard-fought 28-20 victory, marking their third consecutive win.
Future Shamrock Series Games
Notre Dame vs. Navy – “Rivalry Renewed in Dublin”
Event: Aer Lingus College Football Series
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Venue: Aviva Stadium
Date: August 26, 2023
Time: 7:3opm local time
Notre Dame is set to start the 2023 season with a Week Zero game overseas as the Irish will take on Navy in Dublin. The two have met twice in Dublin, with the Irish winning on both occasions. This matchup was originally scheduled for 2020 but was unfortunately canceled due to the pandemic.
The Stats:
Notre Dame in the Shamrock Series
All-time record: 10-0
Total points/points allowed: 360-127
Average score: 36-12.7
The Shamrock Series has become an integral part of Notre Dame football, offering fans captivating matchups in unique locations. Alongside the excitement of these games, the unveiling of alternate uniforms has brought new dimensions to the team’s iconic brand. From classic designs to bold innovations, each uniform has played a significant role in shaping the Shamrock Series’ rich history. As Notre Dame continues to celebrate its traditions while embracing creativity, fans eagerly anticipate the unveiling of future Shamrock Series uniforms that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on college football.