Why is Notre Dame vs. Army game in Yankee Stadium? Exploring the 2024 Shamrock series location

Notre Dame and Army will renew their storied rivalry in Yankee Stadium this Saturday night. This matchup is significant both historically and currently.

The game holds great value due to the deep-rooted rivalry between these teams, their impressive performances this season, and the rich football history associated with the iconic stadium.

The No. 6 Fighting Irish (9-1) are looking for a College Football Playoff spot, while the No. 18 Black Knights (9-0) aim to maintain their perfect season. Here’s a closer look at why this game’s location and timing matter.

Why is the Notre Dame vs. Army game in Yankee Stadium?

The game commemorates the 100th anniversary of Notre Dame’s historic 1924 win over the Army at the Polo Grounds in New York. That victory, immortalized by Grantland Rice’s description of Notre Dame’s backfield as the “Four Horsemen,” remains one of the most iconic moments in college football history.

Playing at Yankee Stadium pays tribute to that legendary meeting and highlights the enduring connection between these programs and New York.

The Black Knights enter the game on a 13-game winning streak, the longest in the nation, winning every game by double digits and rarely trailing. However, the Army hasn’t faced a challenge like Notre Dame, whose defense is among the nation’s best.

When did Notre Dame last play in Yankee Stadium?

Notre Dame and Army have met 51 times since their first game in 1913, with the Irish leading the series 39-8-4. The teams last played at Yankee Stadium in 2016, when Notre Dame returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and got a dominant victory. That game extended Notre Dame’s win streak over Army to 15 games.

This rivalry’s history at Yankee Stadium dates back to the original venue’s opening in the 1920s. In the current stadium, which opened in 2009, Notre Dame defeated Army in the first football game held there in 2010.

Has Army ever beaten Notre Dame?

Army’s last victory over Notre Dame came on Oct. 11, 1958, when the Black Knights earned a 14-2 win in South Bend. That was also the last time both teams were ranked entering their matchup. Since then, the Irish have won 15 straight games, marking the longest streak in the series’ history.

Facing the No. 6-ranked Irish will be a tough test for the Black Knights, who are in the College Football Playoff rankings for the first time with a perfect record this season.

Notre Dame Shamrock series history

This game is part of Notre Dame’s Shamrock Series, an initiative that began in 2009 to showcase the Fighting Irish at neutral venues across the country. Saturday’s game continues a century-old tradition

Notre Dame’s dominance against Army extends to Yankee Stadium, where they hold a 15-5-3 record. The series has taken Notre Dame to cities like San Antonio, Dallas and Chicago, celebrating their national following.