Fans, What's Up??
Frank Vitovitch
November 20, 1999

Notre Dame, Ind - Coming off the biggest win for the program in a long time, the Fighting Irish traveled home to South Bend for a game with Siena with a trip to the NIT Final Four on the line this Thursday night.  With the disappointing football season and the big win in coach Doherty's debut against Ohio State I was sure the Joyce Center would be sold out for the contest, but just over 5,000 showed.   What's up?

Over 7,000 people showed up for the exhibition games against the International Select All Stars and Marathon Oil.  That was before ND shocked the college basketball community with the last second upset of #4 Ohio State though.  With the team looking to have such a bright future, why weren't more people at the game?

This is a young team with a bright future and we need to support the team.  The basketball team has been the forgotten program at ND, drowned in popularity by the football team in the 90's.  Interest in the basketball team is continuing to grow with each win.  Take a look at the Hoops Message Board to see how fan interest is starting to come around. 

The basketball team is showing signs of life for the first time in a long time with Matt Doherty breathing some life into a program that has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 91 under then coach Digger Phelps. 

The fans are showing the football team their support in them with the "Victory Walk" that is scheduled for today when the players walk from the Basilica to the field at 12:30 which is one of the best ideas I have heard in a long, long time.  The football team needs the fan support, and I won't be surprised if ND plays as the sign says "Like Champions" today after seeing the fans out there supporting them.

The basketball team needs the fan support too.  After numerous season ending in no post season play other than the NIT from time to time, the team needs the fans support after starting 2-0.  This team has a real chance of making it to the NCAA tournament this so so lets so out and cheer on the team!

I could not think of a better way to show support in the basketball team than selling the Joyce Center out Sunday when St. Francis comes to town!   Show the team we are behind them.  Put on your blue and gold and head out to the Joyce Center Sunday and cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame!!!!