30 bucket list items college football fans need to experience

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Linebacker Ben Boulware #10 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 05: Malik Zaire #8 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Mike McGlinchey #68 (L) celebrate a touchdown pass to William Fuller #7 (R) against the Texas Longhorns during the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on September 5, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish won 38-3. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /

12. Notre Dame

Wake up the echoes. The Golden Dome. Win one for The Gipper.

There’s no college football program in the country quite like Notre Dame. Millions of fans cheer for the Fighting Irish (while nearly as many cheer against them) all across the country. Whether you love or hate Notre Dame, a visit to South Bend is a must for any college football fan.

The history runs deep in South Bend, and the signs – including the literal Play Like a Champion Today sign to the more figurative, such as Touchdown Jesus – of college football royalty abound. Notre Dame has amassed 896 victories since it began playing football in 1887. The Irish have captured 11 national championships and played in 35 bowl games, and the program has produced seven Heisman Trophy winners and 97 consensus All-Americans. Being in the presence of such success can be awe inspiring for a diehard football fan, regardless of his or her allegiances.

Seeing a game at Notre Dame Stadium, with a capacity of 80,795, should be on every fan’s bucket list. And, since the Fighting Irish load their schedule with top programs, there’s a strong chance the game would include either a rival, such as USC, Michigan, Michigan State, Stanford Purdue, Boston College, or Navy, or because of the ties with the conference, an ACC power like Florida State, Miami or Clemson. Maybe circle September 9, 2017 when the Georgia Bulldogs travel to Notre Dame, or September 23, 2023 when Ohio State comes to town.

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