God, Country and Notre Dame Football a Look Behind the Scenes Put on a Show, but I Was There by MEGHAN MARTIN at 5 A.M
I THE The Independent-Newspaper Serving Notre Dame and Saint Mary's OLUME 38: ISSUE 9 FRIDAY. SEPTEMBER 5, 2003 N DSMCOBSERVER.COM God, Country and Notre Dame football A look behind the scenes put on a show, but I was there By MEGHAN MARTIN at 5 a.m. to unlock the gate." Associate News Editor While fans are still waking up, Gagnon and hundreds of others Mel Williams began singing will be at the stadium Saturday "God Bless America" at Gate D morning, getting it ready for the of Notre Dame Stadium right 80,795 fans expected to pass after Sept. 11 two years ago. It through its gates for this week began as a solo, a subtle tribute end's sold-out game against before the raucous throngs that Washington State. would follow, but has since With the 5 a.m. opening of become a chorus, a new pre Gate B, game day has officially game tradition at a place where ·begun, and Gagnon and his such thing8 are held sacred. small army of ushers, ticket Williams, who has been an takers and other personnel will usher at the stadium for the have to hit the ground running, past seven years, has since been as the day begins to run off its joined in song by a number of own momentum. his co-workers, and their pre "At 7, I unlock Gates A and D, game performances have gener the tunnel, and the press box," Above, student managers ated their own following of fans he said. "The team equipment paint helmets Thursday and fellow ushers.
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