Notre Dame getting ready for first game day

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Thousands of Notre Dame staff members are working around campus, not only to bring together the game day experience, but to help students get ready for the first week of classes. There are signs all over campus that game day is right around the corner.

"There's port a potties in the parking lot and tents set up selling t-shirts and stuff like that-- a lot of people walking around," said graduate student Joe Gianino.

From tents and arches to feces and trashcans, thousands of university personnel are working overtime to prep the campus for the incoming onslaught of Irish faithful.

"We have several hundred people in the stadium putting on the final touches, dusting everything off, getting it ready to receive everybody on Saturday. I think people will just see increased activity. By Thursday night, Friday morning I think we'll be ready to welcome everybody for the weekend," said Mike Seamon, Director of Game Day Operations.

This year's game day will have some big traffic changes with the opening of the new Douglas Road and even some additional parking.

"We've been working with our local law enforcement so we ask people to just follow the directions of the law enforcement officers. Turn off your GPS because it won't help you on the new road and we'll get them in safely and quickly for the game," said Gianino.

But once fans are on campus, the atmosphere is electric.

"It's really unbelievable you feel it several days out, there's a buzz around campus more people- and it gets really exciting," said Gianino.

This year Notre Dame will have a few additions to game day.

The university is putting up cooling tents around the stadium to help keep fans cool during the first few games.

There's also a new bag policy. Backpacks and large bags will not be permitted in the stadium.