Notre Dame’s sellout streak has endured snowstorms, gas shortages and coaching changes. It started in 1974.
It was in jeopardy Saturday until a late push got every ticket sold. The streak will grow to 256 games this afternoon against Temple.
The streak’s vulnerability was somewhat surprising considering school officials have spent millions to enhance Notre Dame Stadium, adding a giant videoboard, boosting WiFi and widening bench seats by two inches to actually slim down capacity.
If the house hadn’t been full, what would that have said about Notre Dame football?
The answer: That it’s like almost every program in America.
Nebraska’s sellout streak of 55 seasons has been in jeopardy. It’s a beautiful late summer Saturday, but you can find Nevada-Northwestern tickets available on SeatGeek for $3. You can check out Ball State-Illinois for $7, plus fees.
“Data has shown that the demand for live events has been steadily softening,” said Rob Kelly, an associate athletic director at Notre Dame. “That covers sports, concerts, operas, plays, everything. Places like Notre Dame are not immune to that.
“We have an amazing, loyal fan base with season ticket-holders and those who make it a point to come back for their annual pilgrimage. But we’re competing against the 65-inch television screen in your climate-controlled living room, a refrigerator stocked with your favorite beverages and a clean, private bathroom.”
Kelly said he certainly hopes the streak continues on his watch.
Irish athletic director Jack Swarbrick seems less concerned, telling CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd in 2016: “When is a game sold out? There is so much subjectivity there. Every AD has six tickets in his pocket. Is that a sellout? That’s why I haven’t ever really focused on it.
“The thing that concerns me most is the generational shift. Forty-year season ticket holders are dying and their children don’t have the same passion, or they have more multi-faceted lives. For me, it’s less about the alternative ways of viewing the game than it is a decision not to view the game at all.”
Rest assured, Notre Dame Stadium will also be sold out next Saturday. Georgia is coming to town. And roughly half the state has been seeking to buy tickets.
Twitter @TeddyGreenstein