Alright, let’s set the scene. Imagine you’re at Notre Dame Stadium—77,622 seats packed to the brim. The band’s blasting, the crowd’s buzzing, and out comes this fiery little leprechaun in a green suit, hyping up a sea of fans like he just found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. And then there’s the cheer squad—flying, flipping, and leading the cheers with enough energy to power South Bend. What’s the deal with these game-day legends?

When it comes to college football traditions, Notre Dame doesn’t just play—they dominate. With 11 (12 probably on Monday) national championships and a lineup of 7 Heisman Trophy winners (shout-out to Tim Brown and Angelo Bertelli), the Fighting Irish are the OGs of the game. But here’s the kicker—it’s not just about the players or the plays. Nope, it’s also about that pint-sized powerhouse, the Leprechaun, and the cheerleaders who turn game day into a full-blown gold experience.

Who are Notre Dame’s leprechauns?

Now, let’s talk about the real MVPs behind the green suit. The Leprechaun isn’t just a mascot; they are the soul of Notre Dame. Dressed head-to-toe in green with a bearded, scrappy look, this guy—or girl, more on that later—embodies the fighting spirit of Notre Dame.

In 2023, Notre Dame broke barriers when Kylee Kazenski became the first female Leprechaun during a game against Pittsburgh. Can we get a standing ovation for that? Representing Virden, Illinois, Kylee literally proved that the Leprechaun ain’t just about tradition; it’s all about evolution, baby. She’s joined by McKenna E. from Palo Alto and Colin M. from Omaha, Nebraska, forming a squad that’s as diverse as it is spirited.

The Leprechaun isn’t just a mascot—it’s the heartbeat of game day. Whether it’s leading the student section in traditional cheers or hyping up the crowd at pep rallies, these leprechauns aren’t just performers; they’re icons. And the cheer squad? They’re split into two teams: Gold and Blue, with 12 to 20 members each. The cheerleaders don’t just cheer; they lead, flipping and stunting their way into the hearts of fans. Together, they’re the dynamic duo of college football energy

Everything you need to know about their game day

Game day at Notre Dame isn’t just a day—it’s an experience. It all starts on Friday with Pep Rallies at 5:45 PM, where the Leprechaun takes center stage as MC. Picture this: students, alumni, and fans all hyped up, the team walking in like rock stars, and the Leprechaun dropping one-liners that could make a stand-up comic jealous.

Then comes the tailgate scene on Notre Dame Tailgate Lawn. Forget basic picnic vibes—this is next-level. Tents, stocked coolers, local eats—it’s a food and football paradise. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the Leprechaun pops up at various tailgates, bringing that Irish charm to every corner.

And let’s not sleep on the Step-Off Parade. Led by the Band of the Fighting Irish, the parade marches from the iconic Main Building to the stadium. With performances at the ‘Concert On The Steps,’ this is tradition dialed up to till 11-ish. The Leprechaun and cheerleaders lead the way, hyping up the crowd for what’s to come.

From Kylee Kazenski breaking barriers to the jaw-dropping tailgates and electric pep rallies, these traditions are what make Fighting Irish football more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle. So, next time you’re at Notre Dame Stadium, don’t just watch the game. Soak in the energy, follow the parade, and let the Leprechaun’s antics remind you why college football is unmatched.

Stay gold, y’all—or should we say, Irish green?