Special Coverage: ABC 57 finally arrives in Florida

MIAMI -- The ABC 57 crew finally arrived in Florida Tuesday. Throughout the rest of this week ABC57 will have special coverage of the Notre Dame football team live from Miami, Florida.

ABC57's team of reporters just arrived and along with them was another group of faithful Irish fans from South Bend. The Barth family decided to soak in some rays in Miami as well.

"I'm from South Bend, Indiana and we are here to see the Irish win the national championship," said Pat Barth.

Pat Barth and his wife made the drive to Florida to follow the Irish as they take on Alabama Monday.

"It’s a great trip from South Bend. We stopped in Atlanta last night," said Barth

Notre Dame fans even headed south early in the week.

"We have a brother, and sister-in-law who live down here, so we are going to the beach, hang out, and playing a little golf," said Barth

There sure is a lot to see and do, life really changed across the state line from Georgia into Florida. The souvenir shop promised no line and a 13-foot alligator, as well as a whole bunch of little alligator heads for sale for just $5.

Outside, it was all about the fresh fruit: oranges, grapefruits, and a hybrid of both.

As far as Barth, he hopes his team, the Fighting Irish, walk away with a national championship.

"I think the Irish will win a close one. I'm not going to tell you the score, I just think they will win," said Barth

The Fighting Irish football team is leaving for the Sunshine State Wednesday at 1 p.m. and will be flying out of the South Bend Regional Airport.

They are set to arrive in Miami at 4 p.m. From there the team will get settled in their hotel.

First day of practice for the team is on Thursday.