University of Notre Dame on national stage this weekend

 The Notre Dame Women's Basketball Team is preparing to play their first game in the NCAA Tournament on Friday.

The Fighting Irish have home court advantage.

Hosting four teams is a lot of work for Notre Dame athletic operations, but they said it is all worth it knowing they are showing what the University is really all about.

“It's a wonderful opportunity to be on a national stage,” said Chris Masters, the Associate Athletic Media Relations Director at Notre Dame.

People all over the country will have their eyes on the university.

“Wouldn't trade it for the world,” said Masters.

Masters and his crew at Purcell Pavilion are ready.

“The tradition and the history here, we're looking forward to the experience,” said Robin Selvig, the Head Coach for the University of Montana.

The Fighting Irish get home court advantage.

The University of Montana's players are just excited for the chance at national exposure.

“Looking around at the fans and looking at how big this game actually is awesome and you can't help but think of anything better for us to come to,” said Maggie Rickman, a starting forward for the Lady Grizzlies.

Masters said that is why they were chosen to play host.

“We have the Notre Dame experience, which we believe is second-to-none when it comes to hospitality and when it comes to rolling out the red carpet,” said Masters.

The operations are fluid; a well-oiled machine ready to be executed.

“What doesn't go into it? It's really a long-term planning process that begins several months in advance,” said Masters.

To them, it is not just about the University.

“It's a great opportunity to show off not only the Notre Dame campus but the community of South Bend, because South Bend is such a great, thriving community,” said Masters.

It is the seventh year Notre Dame has played host for a portion of the NCAA Tournament.