Notre Dame is playing the Maryland Terrapins tonight in Washington, D.C. in the Shamrock Series. Notre Dame has green uniforms and new helmets with a green shamrock on the side. Nothing wrong with any of that, but I see the bigger picture. It is not just about introducing new designs to the uniform. ND is getting its fans ready for change. Yes, Notre Dame fans change is coming. Get ready for a move to the ACC and a jumbotron at Notre Dame Stadium.
The Shamrock Series is just a precursor of things to come. Even though they have put a name on it now, this series is designed to get Notre Dame fans used to home games with a different atmosphere. The ACC angle was added as far back as two years ago.
Notre Dame has used ACC officials this year for a home game, they have played Wake Forest on the road and they are “hosting” Maryland tonight. They have a game at Soldier Field next year against the Miami Hurricanes as part of the on-going shamrock series. Notre Dame is gauging its interest in the ACC and the ACC is doing likewise.
The Shamrock Series is also introducing fans to the jumbotron, which Notre Dame would like to bring to South Bend. There is always a mention of how great the jumbotron is when ND plays at one of these stadiums. How loud it was and how the atmosphere was fantastic.
I am surprised that Notre Dame has not used one of these games to further Brian Kelly’s love for field turf. But I guess you cannot do it all. I believe field turf is coming anyway.
But back to the Shamrock Series, Notre Dame is using these games to get across the fact that ND needs a better atmosphere than they have on campus and when the time comes to move to a conference, the ACC will offer the best mix of everything that Notre Dame is looking for as it sheds it’s independence.
I actually have no problem with a jumbotron or a move to the ACC if it comes to that, but Notre Dame needs the alumni to support this move and will use the Shamrock Series to try to obtain that support.