The History of the Notre Dame and Navy Rivalry

Not many people know that the Notre Dame and Navy football rivalry has lasted many years and is considered a sacred tradition for historical reasons.  These two schools were a part of this popular American sport from the beginning.  

 

During World War II, Notre Dame suffered severe financial challenges.  Being an all-male institution at the time, there were many students who enlisted and enrollment plummeted.  To help Notre Dame, the US Navy made the campus a training center for their candidates and paid enough to use the facilities and help keep the University of Notre Dame afloat.  

 

As a result of Navy’s partnership, Notre Dame has extended an open invitation for Navy to play football and consider it an annual repayment on a debt of honor.  There is much mutual respect for each team, as is witnessed when each team stands at attention during the playing of the other’s fight song after the game.  

 

The game has been played annually since 1927, making it the longest intersectional rivalry in college football.  Notre Dame leads the series 77-13-1.  Before Navy won a 46-44 triple overtime contest in 2007, Notre Dame had a 43 game winning streak, which is the longest series win record between two annual opponents in college football.  

 

The game is often played at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend.  However, it has never been played at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, due to its small size.  Instead, Navy typically hosts the games at larger facilities.  

 

The game has been placed twice in Dublin, Ireland.  In 1996 at Croke Park and 2012 at Aviva Stadium.  And with much excitement, Notre Dame and Navy are planning to return to Ireland for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.  This will take place in Dublin on August 26th, 2023.  

 

Juniper Tours is proud to announce that we will be one of the leading partners selling trips to Ireland for this very unique opportunity.  We are offering exceptional Dublin packages with top-notch accommodations and transportation, as well as optional extensions around the country.

 

Don’t waste any time securing your spot for $100 per person.  This will be a once in a lifetime experience you won’t want to miss.

 

Who will you be cheering for?  The Fighting Irish or the Midshipmen?