Get ready for gridiron action! Notre Dame brings its celebrated Shamrock Series to Allegiant Stadium this October 8, where the Fighting Irish will face off against BYU’s Cougars, in one of the most exciting sporting events of 2022. In announcing the Series, BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe noted Cougar Nation’s fervent anticipation of the match-up, taking place in what is tantamount to BYU’s back yard.
As Notre Dame makes the trek to Nevada–playing their first ever game in the state–Cougar Nation might remember that the Irish have yet to lose a Shamrock Series match-up. Notre Dame created the Series as a yearly event to spread the team’s (and school’s) reputation beyond its customary venues. To mark this singular event, the team has taken to donning unique Shamrock Series uniforms every year. When they take to the field in a Series game, with pressures dialed up a notch or two, fans will sense that there’s much on the line for the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame launched the Shamrock Series in 2009, in an inaugural game that culminated in a 40-14 win over Washington State. Since then, the tourney has been set in various cities, including Landover, Boston, and San Antonio. This will be the 11th game in the series, and the first to take place in the Mountain West. The Irish are certain to want to keep their winning Series record intact, following last September’s 41-13 blowout against Wisconsin at Soldier Field.
Yet, many recall the Cougars’ season-opening 24-16 win over Arizona’s Wildcats last September, a contest that drew 54,541 fans to Allegiant Stadium. This battle smashed local attendance records with the largest college sports crowd ever to gather in Nevada. And there is no reason to think that this feat won’t be repeated.
Tickets are going fast, so plan to book your Vegas weekend early. And then, be there for what must surely be the most exciting entry to date in the Shamrock Series.
Whoever wins, one thing is certain: when the Cougars meet the Irish for the ninth time this October, a new chapter in Sin City sporting events will be written.
